Author Archives: asimpleguy

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…” -Romans 8:28-29 The first part of that verse, Romans 8:28, is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible. We often repeat it when life feels confusing or painful: “All things work together for good.” But sometimes we misunderstand what that “good” actually is. The very next verse tells us. God’s ultimate purpose for our lives is notContinue reading “God’s Purpose for Our Lives”

A few weeks ago, I took a short retreat to spend time studying, praying, and seeking the Lord for our church. I was blessed with the opportunity to spend those days at the coast. While I was there, I often found myself simply sitting and staring out over the bay. A couple of the daysContinue reading “Anchored in Christ”

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” –Revelation 2:4-5 I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of the Olympics. Besides watching the athletes compete for medals—I love the storiesContinue reading “What’s My Motivation?”

I am currently preaching a series based on the Sermon on the Mount titled the Upside-Down Kingdom. In my sermon this past week I looked at Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:23–24—His command to leave our gift at the altar and first go and be reconciled to our brother or sister. It’s a challenging picture. Before worship.Continue reading “Living at Peace”

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” –John 15:12–13 In this section of scripture, Jesus gives us both a command and a definition of love. And this is not a suggestion, it’s theContinue reading “Transformational Love”

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” –Genesis 50:20 When we read the story of Joseph, we know how it turns out. We know about the palace, the authority, and the reconciliation with his brothers. But Joseph didn’t haveContinue reading “Being Shaped Through Forgiveness”

“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”