Author Archives: asimpleguy

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” –2 Timothy 1:7 Fear is an interesting emotion that has a quiet way of shaping our decisions. It whispers that we’re not enough, that we don’t know what we’re doing, that failure is inevitable. Over time, those whispersContinue reading “Faith on the Other Side of Fear”

One of the phrases I often say in church is that God is calling us out of our comfort zone. And while there is truth in that, I’m not sure “comfortable” is always the right word. Through prayer and conversation, I’ve started to realize that what we cling to isn’t always comfort—it’s familiarity. Familiarity feelsContinue reading “Stepping into the Unknown”

“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” –Psalm 139:13  Every one of us has a story. And that story is often shaped by our upbringing, our experiences, and the circumstances that surrounded us as we grew. Along the way, voices begin to speak into our lives—parents, teachers, friends, critics,Continue reading “Living the Right Story”

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  –Proverbs 3:5-6 This past week, I started a two-part series titled “Waiting for Breakthrough.” The truth is, waiting is one of the hardest parts of following God.Continue reading “Trusting God’s Timing”

As a new year begins, many of us naturally reflect on what’s behind us and look to what lies ahead. The New Year feels like a clean slate—a chance to start fresh, to do better, to become better. And in many ways, that’s true. But Scripture reminds us of something even more powerful: God doesn’tContinue reading “A New Year Full of Mercy”

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16 Yesterday, we celebrated Christmas—the joy, the songs, the gatherings, the reminders of a holy night when heaven met earth. The presents may all be unwrapped and the decorations may beContinue reading “Emmanuel: The Love of Christmas”

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great JOY for all the people.” –Luke 2:10   Christmas brings lights, music, and gatherings that make many people feel happy—and happiness is a good, God-given gift. But happiness is often tied to circumstances: a warm fire, a present under the tree, time with family.Continue reading “Emmanuel: The Joy of Christmas”

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” –Luke 2:13-14   The angels declared “peace on earth” at Jesus’ birth, a promise that pointed to more than a temporary lull inContinue reading “Emmanuel: The Peace of Christmas”

 “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestorContinue reading “Emmanuel: The Hope of Christmas”

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18 There’s something honest and true about the morning after Thanksgiving. The table has been cleared, leftovers packed away, and the noise of the day softens into ordinary time. And that ordinary time is exactly where gratitude must liveContinue reading “Practicing Gratitude”