Life in Exile

Too much stuff can hinder the ability to move quickly and live lightly. What can you do today to clear the clutter in your life?

Jesus sits on the mountainside and lets even the poorest in spirit know the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Who needs to hear that word today?

Do you question the reason for all the suffering in our world today? Do you question how God could allow it? Suffering and pain is the result of a world marred by sin, for which God offers a solution.

Having unrealistic expectations is like wearing rose-colored glasses into service. Better to do a pre-flight check of your expectations to help insure a smoother transition to unchartered territory for his glory.

The Word of the Lord in Isaiah 52 and 53, written hundreds of years before Christ, is a message worth believing. Belief in this message is belief in the gospel, the good news, and that message brings eternal benefits. 

It's the oldest trick in the book, but Satan continues to use it every day. What question has he planted in your mind to get you to doubt God? Don't let him lead you down that road to darkness. Remember the promises and goodness of God.

Where do you find inspiration to press on in service for the Kingdom? Look into the lives of biblical personalities and missionary biographies to be reminded that we all struggle, fail, and yet can rise up again to finish the race. 

Yes, Christ suffered, but it did not last forever. Suffering ended as salvation came and was made available to all. Purpose in pain finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. Will you believe?

Do you try to ignore the reality of sin? Hard to do these days, or any day, for that matter? The good thing about sin is that there is a solution, but you have to make a choice to find it.

Carrying too much emotional and relational baggage can weigh us down in service. What do you need to let go of or make right before leaving for the mission field? 

Why would God will hard things to happen or injustice done? While he may allow it in our lives, he willed it in Christ's that we might have eternal life. Do you believe it?

Sometimes, actually most of the time, the process to being made useful for service is messy and painful. When we are willing to go through it, he blesses us by allowing us to see the beauty he brings to the lives of others.

Does a love of home keep you from moving and ministering for the Kingdom? Maybe it's time to live in a tent for Jesus.

Silent in suffering and death. Jesus faced the ultimate injustice that we might live. 

Are you scared to witness? Do you doubt God's protection? Put your fears away and join the Witness Protection Program. 

Has a closed door shaken your sense of calling? Don't forget that God's call is dynamic, not static. 

Do you believe the price Christ paid for you? Whether you do or not does not deny the reality of his sacrifice, it just denies your ability to benefit from it.

What is gained and lost in moving from singleness to marriage and from marriage to parenthood? Is it good to lose freedom? Can accountability be a blessing? Find out in the special guest blog.

Closed doors can come suddenly and interrupt the happiest of times. Does God not understand? Of course he does, and he also knows best. Going through such times teach us great lessons of life and faith.

How can anyone believe that the Savior of the World would be a Man of sorrows? They can, because that is who Jesus was, and he was for us.

Nothing in life is free, for even that which is freely given either comes with strings attached or at a great cost. For the salvation we receive in Christ, the cost has been paid and the gift is freely given. We just have to accept.

Read, study, prepare and then experience. In experience you gain the greatest of lessons, and they are lessons worth sharing. This is why I wrote When Doors Close.

The Servant Christ looked nothing like the servant Israel. Jesus will be ultimately raised up and highly exalted, and when he is, only those who believed the message will be rejoicing. Believe the message before it's too late.

What do we do with the needs of this world? How can I say no when someone asks for my help? Why can't I do it all? Ask Him.

Hear about my newest book, "When Doors Close: Changing Course in Missions Without Losing Your Way."