Deanna and I tackle an overwhelming task...


We spent the weekend at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, with Weston and Lauren. We had a great time together! We arrived Friday evening and returned Sunday evening. It was a fantastic time to enjoy His creation. We had no specific agenda, just rest and fellowship! We all need to take time to rest!


I am thankful for a Savior who has so much grace for our many failures.

My wife was telling me recently, about a young woman who traveled overseas with us that is now embracing the things of the world in such a way, that she has placed them on public display.

What is it that draws us away from Him? Why do we walk so willingly away from the One who paid our debt?

It certainly isn't just this girl. We all struggle with it in varying degrees.

What is it that draws us to the brink of forgetting whose we are?

It seems that as soon as we get to a place where we are enjoying life, we let down our spiritual guard. Things that should alarm us, come quietly, and become a part of our life.

These things come innocently at first, but seem to crescendo unless we recognize and take them captive. Too often, we surrender to these new passions, reasoning that they are harmless and we have freedom.

Often then, things begin to spiral in a downward fashion, until we are mired in the filth of deception.

Who then will we respond to? Who has the right to speak into our lives? Who can penetrate the walls of defense we have begun to erect around our hearts?

We hear judgment too quickly.

Our spirit wants cleansing, but our flesh cries out for more of what doesn't fulfill, with the promise that 'it will this time.'

It doesn't.

Failure. Brokenness. Emptiness.

It's a cruel cycle. How did we get here...again?

We promised we'd guard against such foolishness this time. We fell...again.

His grace remains sufficient.

The enemy lies and tells us we've visited this well, too often. It's easier to believe the lie than the truth.

His grace is real! His Truth endures. His love for us is deep and abiding. We can rest in Him!

Jesus, I pray you overwhelm us with your Truth, embrace us in your love, protect us from the enemies lies. Let us hear your voice above the enemies allure!