Growing up in the 1940s on a Native American Indian reservation in complete poverty, disrespect, and devaluing brought my mother many challenges. The decades of public shame and humiliation by white people for being tanned skin and Native American carved deep wounds in her heart and soul. Unfortunately, my mother also faced the pain and realities of growing up with…
There was a dark season in my life when I asked for help, but no one would give it to me. Nothing changed when I cried out for God to change the people around me and the abusive circumstances I was in. My everyday realities were hard and became very destructive. I had to decide if I was going to…
Would you be willing to be tortured and die for your faith in Jesus Christ? Would you renounce your faith if someone threatened to kill a loved one?
“The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.” ~ Robert Flatt Jesus Chose to Die so that We Can Choose to Be Reborn in Him Watching the sunrise crest over the horizon every morning reminds me of Christ’s renewing spirit in me. Jesus was living in perfection with our…
Why did Jesus Celebrate the Passover Feast? The Passover reminds us how God delivered his people from three hundred years of slavery. God instructed Moses to ask Pharaoh to release his people ten times, followed by ten plagues, because he refused to obey God. Pharaoh finally relented after the last heart-wrenching plague. At midnight all the firstborn sons would die…
I remember applauding the fabulous floats and high school bands passing by during my first parade. The crowd’s enthusiasm was intoxicating, and I couldn’t help but join in. At the Palm Sunday parade, I wonder if some of the crowd was drawn into the celebration without realizing the realities of proclaiming Jesus as their King? What was Jesus thinking as…
When a soldier goes into battle, it’s vital for him to trust his leader to be willing to obey any command given to him. However, a soldier goes through boot camp and weeks of training that test his mental and physical capabilities. After completing these tests, a soldier knows his limits, weaknesses, and strengths. During this time of growth, he…
For thirty-five years of my Christian life, I never understood that it was my responsibility to learn how to grow in Christ. I assumed that my salvation would automatically make me grow and understand what it means to be Christ’s disciple. Boy, was I wrong! Jesus Showed Us How to Grow Our Faith When we look at the life of…
Spring is just around the corner! Many of us are already thinking about what we will plant or starting plants from seeds in preparation. However, to grow a healthy plant, you have to make sure you have healthy soil. This reality also applies to our spiritual health. Evaluating Your Mind and Heart’s Soil is Crucial Jesus taught people in parables…