Monthly Archives: July 2012

Does All Always Mean All?

In every place it is used?

We’re quick to claim the full meaning of all when it comes to God supplying all of our needs.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:19

Or when it comes to God helping us do all things through Christ and His strength.

 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.—Philippians 4:13

Or when it comes to God providing all comfort. Continue reading

Things as They Are: Book Review (and Free Ebook)

When you read missionary prayer letters, what do you expect? Sensational stories? A string of unbroken triumphs?

Would you like to know things as they really are?

Here’s the truth: Missionaries do see victories. But the mission field isn’t romantic in the least. Sometimes it’s downright heartbreaking. The daily reality of the mission field is grueling and often disappointing.

I know this because I know missionaries personally (and even familially). But I recently read Amy Carmichael’s Things as They Are, and I was reminded in a fresh way of the real spiritual warfare missionaries face. Continue reading

I Love Him More

Since we have “unspoken” prayer requests, can we have unspoken blessings, too? Because I have one! 🙂

This week, the Lord answered a loooong-standing prayer request in my life, and I’m so thankful.

Early into this request, I learned that the need itself drove me to the throne of grace more frequently then I had been going without it. In fact, I sometimes worried that without this need, I would be less prone to cling to my Lord. Continue reading

The Rockets’ Red Glare

What evokes Independence Day patriotism better than fireworks?

Every time I have opportunity to experience good old fourth-of-July fireworks, two lines from our beloved national anthem come into brilliant focus:

And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.

I usually view fireworks from the protective security of sitting on the trunk of a car parked a few blocks away. Continue reading