I've been "away" for so long. Not myself. Grief can do that. But today is a new day. A day of hope. A day not to dwell on loss but on eternal life that Jesus promised. It's been three years since my mom ran into her Savior's arms and experienced more joy than any of …
Tag: purpose
“One of His Own” – a short story
When the night-shift janitor questions God, asking what purpose he could have working in a dark and lonely place, the man receives an answer through a powerful vision that brings him to his knees. Silas dunked the mop into the sudsy water and stood for a moment, taking in the hallway and the long stretch …
When Satan Targets You
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I [Jesus] have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32 NIV. Do you feel like you've got a target on your back? Does it seem like you're battling one thing …
When You’re in the Wilderness
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.” Matthew 4:1 NLT. You’re going to have times in the wilderness. Unpleasant, painful, lonely times. And sometimes, you might not even realize you’re in the wilderness. Things come at you from everywhere. All sorts of attacks on your …
Stay In Your Lane
"Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you." Proverbs 4:25-26 MSG. It can be frustrating to watch other cars fly by you on the freeway while you're stuck in the slow lane. You're tempted to switch lanes, to merge into the flow …
Your Time In History
"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, and you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14 NIV. It's no secret this world is changing, and …
Your Gift
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 NIV. If you were given every talent and ability in the world, would you even consider asking God which to choose? Perhaps you'd plow ahead, doing whatever you wanted, …
When It All Comes Together
"Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end."Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT. What if all you've been working on, all the tiny threads of your life, and the dream God tucked …
When the World Messes You Up
This world has messed me up. Maybe it’s messed you up too. It’s like we start our lives as portraits, those we can’t define by ourselves. We study the lines and try to understand the coloring, the shading, and what the overall design is supposed to be. Who we are supposed to be. But then …
Joey Rudder 