I'm twenty-six years old, and I wish I had known sooner that God wasn't the maker of my depression. When ninth grade rolled around, I faced depression like I never had before. I didn't think I could experience such strong and unsettling emotions while being a follower of Jesus. The part that confused me most [...]

If you ever feel left out or mistreated, if people talk about you instead of talking to you, you are not alone. It can be hard to deal with the pain of rejection or getting less than what is fair, but it can be comforting to know that you have a God who designed you, [...]

For as long as I can remember, I've loved stained glass windows. When sunbeams reach through colored glass and paint the room with rainbows, something inside me stirs. These mosaics of color awaken my heart to wonder. I think beauty draws us closer to the heart of God. Something inside us craves beauty, and if [...]

One of the most enduring tales of all time is the story of a wish granted. Whether it's the three wishes of a genie's lamp in "Aladdin," the ironic twists of "The Monkey's Paw," or just a discussion among friends, we love the possibility of getting something we want, a chance to make life better. [...]

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to make an important decision, but you weren't sure how to go about it? Do you sometimes fear that taking a wrong path would cost you—maybe jeopardizing your happiness or your relationships—and yet you're not sure of the right path to take? Often times, we [...]

They were beautiful, but wild and seemingly untamable. These horses of mine galloped across the white sands, surging at times into the foaming sea. A jet black mane and a tail that looked like wispy smoke trailed behind my stallion, Fear. He wasn't always unruly, but when that glint appeared in his coal black eyes, [...]

In James 3, we are given metaphors for what our "tongue" (or the words we say) is like. James says our words have inherent power, and that power can be used either for good or evil. He explains the power of the tongue with two analogies: the bridle of a horse (verse 3) and the [...]

Have you ever heard such wonderful phrases as these? "You are precious to me." "I love you." "I am with you." "Do not fear." Do you know anyone who would speak so tenderly to you? This is how the God of heaven speaks over His people. And even more. He says: "I have created you." [...]

Not everyone has great parents. Not everyone has a family history they are proud of. If that's you, know this: God loves you no matter who your parents are. They might be criminals. They might be people you aren't proud of and never want to be like. But if you've put your trust in Jesus, [...]

Horatio G. Spafford was a lawyer, an investor, and a follower of Christ who suffered many tragedies in his life. Spafford's son (also named Horatio) died of scarlet fever at age four. And in October of 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed all his investments along Lake Michigan. Two years later, in 1873, Horatio thought [...]