FROM THE KEYBOARD

The fruitful life needs rain just as much as it needs the sun. You see, though the rain comes with grey clouds, it is the rain that causes seeds to sprout. Rejoice therefore, that the Lord grants us both the sun and the rain in order to grow us for...

What type of activities in your life need to decrease so that intimacy with Christ can increase? What "focuses" need to shrink so that God's presence can expand? Consider how an intentional decrease can lead to an exponential increase. More of Him and less of me. "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).

A few friends who understand your tears are much more valuable than a lot of friends who only know your laughs. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity" (Proverbs 17:17).

We can own our guilt because the Lord has atoned for our guilt. We can disown our regret because it is impossible to change past events. And thus, after we have owned our guilt and disowned our regret, we can hone in on grace because our...

Building your house on the Rock doesn't exempt you from the storms of life, it only prepares you for them. God has a plan with even our difficulties; and He doesn't need us to understand them, He just wants us to lean on Him to withstand them. Thus, building...

Joy may be seen with a smile—but deep and abiding joy is clearly seen through a trial. You see, joy becomes the composure of the soul when we surrender to the truth that God is always in control. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you...