In 2 Corinthians 4:7 we read, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay.” And why do we have this treasure? Paul finishes the thought by saying, “to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” What he’s talking about here is the message of Christ. When the jar is broken the light can shine through. When Paul says, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1, NIV) He’s talking about his testimony that’s shared through living the gospel. There’s a common saying which goes, “You might be the only Bible that people read.” With that in mind, ask yourself, what do…

In Daniel Chapter 3, we find the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Daniel’s friends, who courageously followed the Lord regardless of the fact that it could very well cost them their lives. Because they refused to bow down to the king’s idol, they were sentenced to death by fire. The Bible tells us that Nebuchadnezzar was so angry with them that he ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than it would normally be. As I got reading that chapter, two things stood out to me. The first, was the fourth man in the fire–a good reminder that God walks alongside us. The second thing I noticed…

Think about the things that you are facing today or this week. Maybe something is worrying you or keeping you up at night. You might wonder how you’ll get through it or where you’ll find the strength to do what needs to be done. It’s important in these situations to remember that we’re not the one’s solving the problem—we’re merely a vessel of His wisdom and power. Think of it this way: imagine a hammer assigned to the task of building a house. If it had a brain like you and I, the hammer might spend the weekend worrying about how it could possibly work. If only it knew that…

Drawn from my archives In Luke Chapter 15, we find the parable of The Prodigal Son. As I read, I can’t help but notice the polarized attitudes of the two brothers. One came to understand the power of grace, after he understood the depth of his sin. He knew where he had been and what he had done, saying, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” (Luke 15:21) The elder son, as good as he was, failed to understand grace. He saw the love and respect of his father as something to be earned. “And he answering…

We all struggle with courage. There’s the one voice that tells us to do what is right, and then there’s another voice, that tells us to do what feels right. “Take the easy road,” it says. “Walk away before you get hurt.” “Don’t share your faith, or you might lose a friend.” “If you speak up, you’ll look like a fool.” We’ve heard that voice throughout life. The same voice that tells us to eat that third cupcake. The same voice that tells us to stay in bed when we know that we need to get up. The voice that would rather binge Netflix than go for a walk. It’s…

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as “The Wall of Faith.” It’s there we find men and women like Abraham and Sarah, David, Moses, and Enoch. We see faithful servants who did what it took to stay true to their faith. One look at the life of Samson, and you might wonder why he is listed among them. We all know he was strong, but what was so faithful about him? To find the answer, you have to follow his story through to the end. Samson was a Nazarite who judged the people of Israel for 20 years. What he wasn’t so much, was a man closely connected to God.…

There’s something about Peter that intrigues me. Maybe it’s the fact that he’s so eager to serve, or perhaps it’s because he’s so personable. I see a man who loves much, but sometimes his heart runs faster than his head. He reminds me of a new convert so full of love for God, while learning to take their first steps. I’m sure you’ve read the story about Jesus walking on the water, and Peter who stepped out of the boat to meet Him. It’s a good story, with a great message behind it, as we learn that trusting in God is key to rising above the cares of this world.…

The other day, we read about Caleb and how he ferociously held to the promise from God and believed He was true to His word. So, what about us? What promise do you and I have that God will protect us from harm?  Isaiah 41:10 says,  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. In Romans 8:31, Paul asks the church, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Paul is reminding them here, that the power of God is no match…

Last weekend we went out of town for the day, and by the time we drove back, it was dark out. Since the front seat was a little bit chilly, I traded spots with Brendan who was more than happy to sit in the front, recline his seat and look up at the stars through the top of the Jeep. My kids have always enjoyed that. Since the day they were born through to young adulthood they can’t get enough of the sky. Some days we’d drive out of town, and park on an old country road just so we could stop for a few minutes and stare. David once…

If you recall the story from Numbers Chapter 13, you’ll remember Caleb’s faithfulness when Moses sent out 12 men to spy on the land of Canaan. Because of that faithfulness, the land was promised to him, and so, rather than simply allotting a piece of land to Caleb, Joshua gave him a choice when it came to splitting that land 45 years later. And what did Caleb choose? To dwell in the land of the giants.  “I am still as strong today as I was 45 years ago,” he said, “and I’m just as ready to go out to battle now as I was then. Give me the land that the Lord…

Home Economics was a bit of a challenge for me, but not in the way that you’d think. I didn’t struggle with sewing as much as I struggled with the idea of making a simple potholder or a bag. I came into the class with high hopes of designing new clothes. I wanted jeans, jackets, and dresses, but instead, we learned the basics, which meant that we started with straight lines and simple squares. Like anything else in life, I had to prepare for the complicated projects by practicing the simples ones first. In other words, I had to learn patience to hone in on my skill. Patience doesn’t come…

One of my favorite parts of growing up in a church was attending Bible camp at Red Rock Lake. Teen camp to be exact. Every summer I spent a week in a little red cabin, and every summer I was better for it. I loved everything about camp from chapel time with my friends in the morning to meals in the mess hall at lunch. I must have met hundreds of girls there over the years, but few stood out like Jodi Baker–living life big, and loving the life that she lived. You don’t meet people like that too often–in love with God, in love with their life, and in…