We launched this Lenten season with an endeavor to qualify our bodies to spiritually prepare for Easter. Because when we qualify our bodies, and then our souls, we become fit for life (Job 7:15), and can experience peace, sanctification, holiness, and wholeness from God (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). Whether or not you’ve engaged in any sort…

The world makes it easy to go big for Christmas. But to celebrate Easter, you have to literally and figuratively push past all the bright yellow spring chicks and St. Patrick’s Day green to find a cross or a “Happy Easter” sign here and there. Yet, the empty tomb is as important to believers as…

I once heard a podcaster command his craving body, “No! You’re not in charge here.” I paused the episode to ask myself: How well do I appropriately stand up to my fleshly cravings for the sake of my soul? Or do I let my body take charge and rule over my values, will, and even…

After two weeks of Lent, it’s a good time to evaluate the physical-spiritual connection before any complacency can settle upon us. First, on the surface, maybe you’re starting to see how you’ve developed some new habits. Or you’re thinking the sacrifices are still challenging, but perhaps feel a bit more normal now. Next, we can…

So maybe you’ve had a weak start to your Lenten plans. And now the Enemy’s telling you that you’ve blown it, you might as well throw out the idea, or you can just try again next year. There’s another way to look at this. When faced with any setbacks or failures, one of the young…

We’ve had the last week to think about making a Lenten sacrifice this year. Giving up dessert or adding more vegetables or saying all our prayers in a kneeling position, etc. – no telling what the Spirit’s putting on human hearts around the world right now to draw His people closer to His heart. Ash…

Like many Catholics and Protestants, I’ve always appreciated participating in the Lenten season. I enjoy the year-to-year variety of making some sort of physical sacrifice of absence or addition as I spiritually prepare (Isaiah 58, Matthew 4) for Easter. However, I have the tendency to resist choosing any Lenten sacrifice that might be too hard.…

Being recognized for good character can remind us of elementary school award ceremonies, but character development is a life-long marker of faith (1 Thessalonians 4:4). So, lately I’ve been working on further growth of my character: 1) When I read about the character of God in Scripture, such as He is merciful (Deuteronomy 4:31), I pray,…