Paul and Silas were brutally beaten and imprisoned in a Philippian jail. But they didn't do anything wrong. In fact, they'd just freed a woman from a demonic, fortune-telling spirit while going about their business - their FATHER'S business of sharing the gospel. And yet, they were violently beaten and thrown into the darkest dungeon, …
Tag: Jesus
A Prison Called Loneliness
I've been trying to piece my thoughts together with no loose ends - a circle beginning with my own struggle and ending with hope. But sometimes things don't work out that way. Sometimes we don't have an answer to "why" we hurt, only the solid, concrete slab we're standing on with the word "trust" etched …
When God Sends Someone
You can outrun pain for only so long before it eventually catches up to you. When you least expect it, a strange and unpredictable crumbling starts to happen. On the inside. Everything you counted on seems to be like sand running through your fingers, piling up in a bland heap. Everything you hoped for is …
“The Invitation” – a fictional Christmas story
Hello, friends! It's that time of year, and this year's Christmas story has finally arrived! But if you're short on time and would rather listen as I read the story, you can check out this YouTube video. Thank you for your time, and I hope you enjoy this short story. Merry Christmas! The Invitation Scarlet …
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At the Foot of the Cross Where My Heart Is Torn in Two
I wrote this post several years ago, but I try to share it every year at this time. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You. I went to the foot of the cross during a prayer meeting at church a number of years ago. I knelt there, rested my hand on the wood, and bowed my head. …
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A Nudge
Get busy being the Christian you claim to be. Read that again. That isn't meant to beat you down but to lift you up and into your calling. Start sowing the seeds God gives you to plant. Be generous. Scatter those seeds everywhere you go. Encouragement. Kindness. Love. Speak of Jesus Christ. Tell your story. …
The Path Marked 2024
Hello, friends! Well, here we are in 2024! Are you excited for a new beginning and a fresh start? Or maybe you feel like 2023 beat you up a bit, and you're taking things slowly right now. Whether you're eagerly expecting great things in the months ahead or savoring a little downtime, I'll continue to …
“Missing Christmas” – a fictional Christmas story
Here it is, friends! This year's Christmas story has finally arrived! But if you're short on time (trying to finish your wrapping or baking?!) and would rather listen as I read this story, you can check out the video at the end. Merry Christmas! I pray you have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of …
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“The Family Ornament”
Revisiting the 2022 Christmas story of a woman looking back through a dark season and seeing those who've helped to light the way. Dear readers, thank you for your time these past few days! We made it! Next up, the 2023 Christmas story, "Missing Christmas." You won't want to "miss" it! In the meantime, if …
“The Gift of Time”
Revisiting the 2021 Christmas story of one man's unforgiveness and the eternal consequences of holding a grudge. Thank you, dear readers, for traveling with me as we visited a few of my past Christmas stories. We're only one more "year" away from the 2023 big reveal! In the meantime, I pray this story softens your …
Joey Rudder 