The ocean has a profound affect on me, and those who know me know that there is almost nothing I love so much as going down to the shore. I grew up making annual trips to the beach and learned both to delight in the wind and the surf and to respect the power and unpredictability of them. So you will understand that one of my favorite moments in recorded history is when Jesus called Peter out of the boat to walk among the waves with Him. I’m grateful for Peter’s place in God’s story. It gives me so much hope. Peter was impetuous, sometimes awkward, and often beyond himself.…

Life looks different for us today than it did even a week ago. For the first time, our church service was held via live-stream, and we did not gather as a community in the traditional sense. Thanks to the current technology available to us, we were able to participate together online. We did not forsake the gathering of the saints, even if our “gathering” was virtual. Strange? Yes. Challenging? In some ways. Inspiring? Absolutely. These are difficult and uncertain times. People everywhere are reevaluating priorities and learning to live with new limitations. Sickness and tragedy are likely outcomes for many. So why inspiring? Because the Church has an unprecedented opportunity…

Our entire world and being exist because God speaks. “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:2) Hebrews 1:1 and 2 says, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.” Our very existence is a context for the language of God. We know that He created the world and us for His own pleasure, and we know that He wants a relationship with us. Jesus taught His disciples to pray so that…

Have you ever disappointed yourself? Ever wished you had done or said things differently? If you are like I am, you spend a fair amount of time kicking yourself mentally and emotionally. Then you move on to convincing yourself you’ll do better next time. You might even look for an opportunity to try and “make it right.” At some point, you may even talk to God about it, and ask Him to help you “become a better person.” My question for us is this: what is godly sorrow; how do we find repentance? I’m pretty sure that being disappointed in myself is not godly sorrow, and hoping I’ll find in…

Last week, we spoke of being God’s creatures. We are earthly beings who have a heavenly Father. I don’t know about you, but I think I spend a fair amount of energy trying to “be spiritual.” Which is a little like trying to be my husband’s wife. Silly, isn’t it? In actual fact, I am his wife, so trying to be something I already am, is quite frankly a waste of energy. I have every benefit of being his and His, if I simply believe the truth. I am who He says I am: accepted in the beloved, made righteous by His blood, and destined for eternity with Him. In…