Of all the struggles during this pandemic, the thing I have wrestled with the most is the isolation. I serve as a “sole” pastor. And there are so many times when I have felt alone. The loneliness is not just physical but spiritual. It has been a heavy weight. One of the devil’s greatest and most successful lies is that “you are alone.” Loneliness was one of the things on my … [Read more...] about 6 Ways to Fight Loneliness
Devotions
What Our Nation Needs
The right to vote is one of our greatest privileges as Americans. And countless ads are being run to encourage everyone to exercise this privilege and to make a difference. We are told that we need to make our voice heard. I certainly want to encourage you to vote, but I also want to say that there is something more important that you can do than cast your vote. Right … [Read more...] about What Our Nation Needs
Receive God’s Grace
I had some grand plans for this Coronavirus furlough. I had visions for cleaning the house, catching up on home improvement projects, being more consistent in my exercise routine, and getting more sleep. I thought of this time in the most idealistic ways possible. It was going to be a time of refreshment and renewal. But I have to tell you that I have been feeling like a … [Read more...] about Receive God’s Grace
Earnestly Seeking God
I am finding it difficult to get my head around all of this that is happening. Last night, I hosted an online prayer gathering for our church. We prayed for a long list of people who are affected by this crisis. I know how my life is being affected by this. But as we began to pray, I realized there are so many different situations where people are being affected in ways that I … [Read more...] about Earnestly Seeking God
What is Gained
“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:13–14, ESV) Your life is … [Read more...] about What is Gained