The most experienced psychologist or observer of human nature knows infinitely less of the human heart than the simplest Christian who lives beneath the Cross of Jesus. The greatest psychological insight, ability, and experience cannot grasp this one thing: what sin is. Worldly wisdom knows what distress and weakness and failure are, but it does […]
Psalm 23
by Lisa Leidenfrost This is such a familiar psalm that I find myself often thinking I know it and can’t gain anything else more from it, but I went over it the other day and did gain more. This psalm uses a lot of metaphors. When you read a metaphor, try putting into your own […]
Encouragement to Persevere
By Lisa Leidenfrost “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Heb. 12.1) Along the way, in the race of life, it […]
Believe What Is True
by Lisa Leidenfrost “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6, 7 Anxiety can be a common reaction and that is why […]
Let Grace Draw You
This morning a young gent asked my how he can stop being worried about doing the wrong thing when he goes about his life. When I asked him to clarify what he was talking about, he told me that he doesn’t have trouble trusting God for the things in his life that he can’t control, […]
Suffering and Victory
In Genesis, it tells us that God created the world in six days, and after looking over his work, he proclaimed that everything was “very good.” Early in the third chapter, however, the serpent appeared and deceived Eve. She and Adam ate the forbidden fruit, thus bringing evil into the mix. When God “discovered” the […]
A Great Witness
Straightforward in many ways, complex in others, he knew that he was tactless and readily admitted to being churlish, yet he was an admired pastor, a patient counselor and affectionate husband, father and friend. He shrank from violence, but his moral courage never failed. The contrast between sensitivity and his vehement denunciation of anyone of […]
Sadness
When you run to God with tears of sadness, you don’t run to One who is passionless and stoic, but One who grieves with and for you. Paul Tripp
Continual and Habitual Sin
The solution is to take things one event at a time. Instead of thinking, “I’ve blown it so many times, I’m a failure,” think, “I’ve had a great night. Praise God!” And if you sin tomorrow night, instead of thinking, “I’ve blown it again and again and again.” Think, “I blew it. Please God, forgive […]