Covered In His Love

You know that feeling you have when you know you've done something you shouldn't have? It's a feeling common to human beings that goes all the way back to Adam and Eve. The first two people God created lived in a perfect environment God had created for them. The Bible tells us they "were not ashamed." An antonym for the word shame is pride.

Adam and Eve were filled with pride. Good pride. They were proud of who God had made them to be: loved and loving creatures with great purpose and worth. God was proud of them, and they were living in the light of His love. He was delighted with His creation. They were precious to Him. Everything He had created, from the lush plants and fruit, to the beautiful animals and stars in the sky, He had made for them. For their enjoyment, to provide for their needs, and to reveal His glory. He wanted them to know they were special.

But then something happened. Something dreadful. God gave them a warning and a command, and they didn't listen and obey. They didn't trust in His wisdom and love. They trusted in themselves and someone who lied to them. The Bible says as soon as they did this, they became fearful and hid themselves from God's presence. They covered their bodies to try to hide their sin, but they couldn't. They felt shame they were not created to ever feel. They lost their sense of pride as God's beloved creation.

When we do things we know are wrong today, the same thing happens. There isn't anything we can do to keep the shame from overtaking us, and our first instinct is to hide. Our hearts are overtaken by fear of judgement, and we think, 'I need to cover this. I need to run and hide. I need to protect my heart from this feeling of shame.'

The only problem with that is, it's impossible. The only way to regain the pride we are meant to live in is to allow God to cover our sin. Not to hide it from Him and keep our distance, but to go to Him and say, 'I messed up. I didn't listen to you and obey. I did my own thing. I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Please cover me in your love.'

It's an amazing feeling to have the shame covered by the only One who can. Not only because the shame fades, but also because the belief of who He has made us to be returns. To know we are valued and loved is vital to our survival and happiness.

In John 3, Jesus talked to a man named Nicodemus who was living in a great state of shame and was doing everything he could to get rid of it--to cover himself. He belonged to a group of highly religious people who thought they could attain perfection by living a perfect life. They tried to cover their sin with good deeds and rituals they believed would make them holy and worthy in God's eyes. They were righteous to a fault. They were doing a lot of good and right things but for the wrong reasons.

But Nick knew something was missing. He knew trying to cover his shame wasn't working. He came to Jesus at night because he was afraid of what others would think of him going to a new rabbi who was teaching strange new things about God. Jesus talked about God's mercy and love, about forgiveness and repentance. He told them they didn't need to try and hide their sin or make up for it, but  rather to confess their sins and be cleansed by God.

God's forgiveness was what they needed, and it was so easy to receive, but many didn't believe it could be that simple. Many others did believe, and they knew it was true because they experienced the release from shame and fear. They were overtaken by God's mercy and love, and they were reborn. Their pride in who they were as God's children returned, and they stopped hiding in the darkness. They came into the light of God's love and forgiveness and truth. And they were no longer ashamed.

You may be feeling shame for many things. Perhaps because you are trying to cover your sin rather than letting Jesus cover you with His forgiveness and love, or perhaps because you don't truly believe in His forgiveness. You know He forgives, but you don't feel forgiven. Either way you need to step out of the darkness and into the light. Out of the lies and into the truth.

Talk to God about how you feel. Don't try to cover feelings of shame yourself--let Jesus do it. Let Him cover you with His love.


"You desire honesty from the heart...Give me back my joy again." Psalm 51:6,8 (NLT)

Knowing Your God

Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.  Ephesians 5:17 (NLT)

Have you ever asked yourself the question, "What is God's will for my life?" Have you figured it out yet, or are you still wondering? Perhaps you have thought in terms of specific things you are meant to do, such as having a particular career, a calling in ministry, or impacting those around you. Or perhaps you think in more philosophical terms: 'God's will for me is to glorify Him, serve Him, and love Him; God's will for me is to live a good, productive life and make the most of the blessings He gives.'

When I read the above words in Ephesians 5:17, I initially interpreted Paul's words to say, 'Don't live thoughtlessly, but know God's will for your life. Anything else is a waste of time, so figure it out!' I felt burdened by the words because most of the time I feel clueless. I often do what I feel God leads me to do, but I often don't see the results I'm hoping for, and it makes me wonder, 'Am I hearing Him right, or am I off in left field somewhere?' I often pray, "God, show me what you want me to do, tell me, lead me, and I'll do it. Teach me your will, and I'll live by it." But just when I think He has me on a certain path, a roadblock or detour comes along and I think, 'Where did I go wrong? Now I'm really lost!'

But I read Paul's words again, and Jesus made me think of them in another way. And after doing a little research on the word understand, I knew I was hearing it correctly this time. It's not only about knowing what God wants me to do, but knowing why He wants me to do it. What is His motive? Why does He command me to do certain things and not do others? Why does He lead me on certain paths and gift me in specific ways? What is He trying to teach me or show me? How is He trying to guide me or protect me? What is His heart behind the instructions, commands, and tasks He gives?

I believe God's will for my life is to know Him. But knowing Him is a process. It takes time and experience. In difficult times I can see how mighty He is and who He can empower me to be. In joyful times I can see His goodness. In obeying His commands I see His protection and truth. In taking the path He lays before me I see His faithfulness and who He has made me to be. In trusting Him I find Him trustworthy. In seeking Him I find Him accessible. In following Him I find Him worth following. In knowing Him I find His love. It's often not about what He wants me to do, but what He wants to do for me.

Whatever you currently feel God leading you to do, that is His will for you today. Whether it's to obey a particular command, do a specific task, make a certain decision, or to simply listen and wait for His instructions. But ask yourself this question before you obey: 'Why does He want me to do that?' Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what he wants you to do.

If you don't know why, ask Him. Listen, study His Word for the answer, or ask someone who has been through something similar what they learned through the process of obedience, trust, or waiting. Or perhaps you just need to do it and see what happens. How are you blessed? How are others impacted? What does God teach you about Himself? God doesn't want us to be in the dark about where He is leading us and why. He is light. He is truth. "Everything hidden will be brought into the light," Jesus said.  Allow Him to enlighten you today.

I pray for you constantly, asking God to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. Ephesians 1:16-18 (NLT)

Just Believe

"Don't be afraid; just believe." Mark 5:36


Are you concerned for someone?

There is a story told about Jesus raising a young girl from the dead. She is very sick, and her father goes to Jesus to ask Him to heal her. Before they arrive at the house, others come to tell the man his daughter has died. It's too late.

But not so fast. Jesus is already on His way to help, and all hope is not lost. "Don't be afraid," He tells the father. "Just believe."

Perhaps today you are concerned for someone.  Physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually they are dying. You have asked Jesus for help on their behalf, and yet it seems all hope is lost. You asked too late, or Jesus didn't come soon enough. You are heartbroken. You are already grieving the loss. You are devastated.

Others say, "Don't bother Jesus any more. It's too late." And yet you hear Jesus whisper, "Ignore them.  This isn't over yet. Don't be afraid; just believe."

What are your fears for this person? (Or, if you are the one who needs the healing touch of Jesus, what are your fears for yourself?) Fear in itself can be deadly. It robs us of hope, faith, joy, and peace. Fear is the result of unbelief. What are you not believing about God? Are you doubting His love? Are you doubting His presence? Are you doubting His power? Are you doubting His promise to work all things together for good?

This story in Mark 5 is followed by an account of Jesus going home to spend some time among His friends and relatives in Nazareth. It's not the homecoming He would like, however. He shares the Good News with them, and they are amazed by His teaching, but they don't buy it. In Mark 6:5 it says, He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith.

Contrast that with the young girls' parents. Despite her apparent death, their faith lives on. They trust Jesus to do the impossible, and He does it. "Little girl; I say to you, get up!" Immediately the girl stood up and walked around. At this they were completely astonished.

If someone you know is close to physical death or has already died, don't be afraid. They are safe with Jesus, and so are you. Life may not be the same without them, but it can still be good. Jesus never takes someone from us without a reason. Trust in His faithfulness and promise to be with you. And if physical healing is still possible, trust Him to do what is needed and what is best.

If someone you know is close to another kind of death (turning away from God, living a destructive lifestyle, a victim of another's behavior, etc.), don't be afraid. Don't lose heart. If you have asked Jesus to come and bring new life, all hope is not lost. The exact outcome may not be what you want, or may take longer than you prefer, or may be more than you dare to ask for, but no matter what, Jesus is over it. And you can trust Him to save the day. Don't be afraid; just believe.


This amazed everyone, and they all praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!" Mark 2:12

Seek and Listen

"Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David." Isaiah 55:3


I love the promises of God. In good times they remind me of His faithfulness. How He has blessed me. How He has led me. How He has rescued me. In difficult times they remind me He is near. They give me strength and hope. They help me get up when I have fallen. They lead me on.

What comes to mind when you think of what God has promised you? Do you know all of His promises? Do you know any? The Bible is full of commands and instructions, and sometimes they may seem too hard to follow, and for other people in another time. But they're not. They're for you and for your good. And so are His promises.

Through His prophet Isaiah, God said, "Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen and you will find life." That's both a command and a promise. The invitation is to come and listen: To learn His ways; To seek the truth of His love. The promise is to find life. That's something worth finding, wouldn't you say? Do you want to know what God has for you? Seek the LORD while you can find him, Isaiah says. Call on him now while he is near. (Is. 55:6)

The Bible is full of good advice, better than any book, magazine, or blog you will ever read. Writers who use the Bible to teach spiritual truths are worth listening to, and I hope you learn a lot from the things I share. But don't just rely on writers and teachers of the truth. Seek God's truth for yourself from the Bible and by listening to Him speak to you. What is He saying? How is He guiding you? What promises do you need to discover?

"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." (Isaiah 55:8) There is much to know about your God. There is much to seek. Don't miss the opportunity to know Him in a deeper way. Don't miss the good instructions and promises He has for you.


"Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen and you will find life."

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

Truth and Light

"Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body will be filled with light." Matthew 6:22

Matthew Six is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. Jesus is speaking the whole time, and He has so many great things to say. He talks about prayer. He talks about how to receive God's blessings. He reminds us we don't need to worry because God will always take care of us. He takes a complicated religious system and simplifies it to one rule: 'Trust God; He is your loving Father who will never overlook your needs or your deeds.'

The majority of the chapter is straightforward. He gives practical, take-home advice. Anyone listening to Him speak would not have to question what He meant, but He does get in one metaphor that takes some thought to consider. "Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body." He makes a connection between our perspective and our actions. The "why" behind the choices we make. It involves more than following instructions. It involves understanding why He gives those instructions.

He says, 'Don't do things to please people or be noticed by them.' Why? People are difficult to impress, they don't pay much attention, and their praise is short-lived. If that's what you're living for, you will be disappointed.

He says to trust God. Why? Because God is trustworthy. He always provides, always rewards, and always sees. He sees you in your desperate hour. He sees you in your effort to love, give, and forgive. If you are trusting Him, He doesn't miss that, and He can't let you down. If you are living to walk in His ways, the reward is guaranteed, not as a payment for dutiful service and being "good", but as a cause-and-effect blessing.  He only asks us to do what is best for us anyway!

"Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body."  How do you view God? How do you view His ways?  How do you view yourself? If your perspective is correct, you will be filled with light. If your perspective is false, you will live in darkness. If you are feeling depressed, worthless, and ugly, you are not living in the truth that you are loved and valued by God and others. If you are feeling guilty, ashamed, and like a bad person, you are not living in the truth you have been forgiven and can move on from where you've been to all God has for you. If you are feeling like you're not good enough and not doing enough for God, you are not living in the truth of His unconditional love and grace that always accepts you right where you're at. If you are feeling confused, lonely, or stressed, you are not living in the truth of Jesus' invitation: "Come to Me...and I will give you rest...My burden is light." (Mt. 11:28-30)

I don't need to tell you what you struggle with. You know. But do you know why you struggle? What are you not believing about God? What are you not believing about yourself and who He has made you to be? Step out of the darkness and into the light. Out of the lies and into the truth: God is love; His ways are best; And you are His treasured possession...valuable and worth dying for. His greatest desire is to raise you to new life that lives every moment in the reality of His love.

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.

Psalm 40:1-3

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

Today is the Day

For though I am away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong...continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him , and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow...and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:5-7


I take great delight in writing this blog and hearing from those who have read my books and tell me they are learning to know God better. I am thrilled by your response because that's why I write them. I enjoy writing and telling stories, but if no one is touched by the message, much of the joy is lost.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul makes a great point when he speaks of faith being an ongoing process. Following Christ is a daily journey that is intended to last a lifetime. Letting your roots grow into Him and building your life on Him isn't something that happens overnight. It involves years of learning, growing, and living a life of faith and transformation. But it always begins with today.

Whether you have been following Jesus for as long as you can remember, or it's a new thing for you, today is the day to take the next step. It might be as simple as doing what you did yesterday, or maybe some changes are needed. But either way, Jesus is ready and waiting to lead you.

Paul makes another interesting point about where the path will lead when he says following Jesus leads to thankfulness. You know what that tells me? Following Jesus leads to good things! He gives us much to be thankful for. Whether it involves learning to appreciate how He has already blessed you, or whether you need to get off the road you're on and make some new choices; His ways are good. His blessings are real.

What steps do you need to take today? Where is He leading you? If you don't know, ask Him. That could be the step you take, just asking Him what He wants to show you, how He wants to bless you, and what you can do to receive His love.

Or maybe you know exactly what He wants you to do, but you're resisting. Today could be the day you say, 'Yes, Jesus. I will follow you in this.' Or you might say, 'I'm having a hard time following you in this, please help me.'

Perhaps you are following Him each day and today is another day of doing what you know is right, but you're feeling discouraged because of difficult circumstances, you are concerned for others, or you feel alone. Take some time to think about how far you have come and all the good things that have come from the changes you have made and the steps you have taken to follow Him. Do you have more peace, more joy, more love for others? Do you see your value in God's eyes more than you used to? Do you have a better view of God? Are you more patient and forgiving? Are you overflowing with thankfulness? Sometimes I get so focused on my circumstances or on those around me, I forget to look inward and rejoice in what God is doing in my heart and being thankful for where He has brought me.

Wherever you are today in your journey with Jesus, whatever steps you need to take, or if you simply need Him to carry you, don't wait until tomorrow, dear one. Today is the day.



Keep on seeking and you will find.
(Matthew 7:7)

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

The Narrow Road

Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. (Psalm 25:4-5)


Do you know what road you're on?

The Bible talks about two different roads in life. There's the path of blessing and the path of destruction. Have you ever thought about the path you are following?

A path is a series of choices. One mistake, one poor thought, one negative act: those are steps. Not much damage can be done with a single step; but a series of mistakes, poor thoughts, and negative acts can land you in a heap of trouble or a pit of misery. Likewise, one good choice, one good thought, one good deed is a step in the right direction; and continuing on the right path will take you to good places.

Every day is a series of choices. Some people make a lot of bad choices every day. Some make a lot of good choices. And some dance around a lot. A good step here, a bad step there—they mostly go in circles.

When we think of following a specific path in life, we often think in terms of big goals and destinations. Making the team. Winning the championship. Being popular. Getting good grades. Getting into college. Having a great career. We have a goal in mind and take the necessary steps to get there. We would never consider doing the opposite.  We don't settle for going in circles. We're focused. We have a destination and take the best path.

But when it comes to daily life, to living a path of blessing or one of misery and pain, we don't think so much about the road we're on. We often end up somewhere, look around, and think, 'How did I get here? This isn't the kind of life I want to be living, so why am I?'

Jesus talked about the "narrow road" and the "wide path". (Matthew 7:13-14) The wide path is easy to follow but leads to places you don't want to be. It's easy to go along with the crowd. It's easy to do what your friends are doing. It's easy to speak an unkind word here and ignore a need there. It's easy to lie or break the rules or do whatever feels good.

But the narrow road leads to life, blessings, and happiness. It's harder because a lot of good choices are necessary. It's easier to hate than to love. It's easier to hold a grudge than to forgive. It's easier to be mean than to be nice. It's easier to ignore the truth than to listen. It's easier to think you're right than to admit you're wrong. It's easier to complain than to have a helpful attitude. It's easier to give in than to stand your ground. It's easier to give up than to hope for better days.

But here's the good news. The narrow road is so much better, and we don't have to walk the path alone. In Psalm 25, David cried out to God this prayer: Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

It's a life of blessing and joy. If that's what you desire, you can have it. Jesus will show you the right steps to take every day. He will give you specific instructions. He will lead you. He will teach you. He will save you when you're tempted to go another way. He will help you to make the harder choice. All day long you can put your hope in Him, and He will be there every step of the way. Even to pick you up when you fall. Even to carry you when you can't take another step.


He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths. (Psalm 23:2-3)

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved.

Small Beginnings

Happy 2013! Did you make any New Year's Resolutions?

If you did, how is it going so far? Did you make it through the first week? The first day? The first hour? Sometimes our lofty goals are short-lived, aren't they? We have the best of intentions. We tell ourselves we can do it. We're committed beforehand, but when the day of truth arrives, we fail miserably. Or maybe we make it for a few days, or weeks, but somewhere along the way we lose our momentum and before we know it, we've stopped our progress forward and have begun to fall back into our old habits and ways.

The problem with having goals and dreams is they require more than positive thought and good intentions. They require action. They require tough choices, perseverance, and faith. They don't come easily, but their results can be worth it. In the end our goals and dreams are often dependent on how much we want what we're hoping for.

In the Old Testament, God's people faced a time when they had a huge goal to accomplish. After being driven from their homeland because of their parents' and grandparents' disobedience to God, they were set free to return to Jerusalem and begin to rebuild the Temple of God that had been destroyed. They were committed and had the resources to accomplish the task. They got to work as soon as they were settled, and they successfully rebuilt the Altar and laid the Temple foundation just as they set out to do.

But they weren't finished, and at some point between completing the foundation and reaching their ultimate goal, two things happened to stop their progress: discouragement, and fear. Some of those who remembered what the old Temple had been like were disappointed it could never be as grand as it once was, so they either gave up trying or brought so much negativity to the project they caused others to lose heart. (Have you ever been around people like that?) Many also gave in to fear: Fear of their enemies who were threatening them and frustrating their plans, and fear for their own livelihood. They became concerned with meeting their own needs rather than trusting God and giving their resources for the restoration project.

No matter what our goals and dreams may be, we will face similar obstacles. Just to focus on one for now, I think discouragement is the biggest one I've faced when I've wanted something enough to put forth a serious effort. Discouragement can come from within, from my own heart and mind; and it can come from others. When the results aren't coming fast enough or aren't as grand as I hoped, it can be easy to give up and stop altogether. And when others don't understand or believe what I'm doing is important or possible, their words of negativity can derail me so quickly.

After progress on the Temple had stopped, God sent His messengers to speak to those who had laid the work aside. He rebuked them for their fear and lack of obedience, but He also encouraged them to keep going. He reminded them what they were doing was important and they weren't alone. He was with them and would help them. There was a lot to do, and it wasn't going to be easy, but they could do it. And it wasn't so much about accomplishing the goal as it was about believing in who they were and what they had been called to do.

"It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty." (Zech. 4:6 NLT)

I do not know what God has called you to do, and you may not yet either, but I know you are precious to Him. Start there with that belief and see where it takes you. Apply that truth to your day. How does it affect your mind and heart? Apply that truth to your goals and dreams. How does knowing God is with you and can help you change your strategy?  

Trying to accomplish things in our own strength, wisdom, willpower, and resources rarely works. At some point we fall short and fall into discouragement and frustration. If that's where you are now, how can believing you are precious to God get you out of the dumps? Or, if you're well on your way toward accomplishing what you have set out to do, how can His love keep you going?

One thing I find helpful is to focus on the next step I need to take. Goals and dreams often take time to come together, and expecting everything to change overnight will lead to discouragement. But if I focus on what I can do today to get me one step closer, I will feel accomplished even if I still have a long way to go. If your goal is to get better grades, what homework needs to get done today? If your goal is to be a better friend, who can you encourage this week? If your goal is to read your Bible more, have you asked God for help to stick with it?

However God is leading you, what's the next step? Take heart and do it! That one small step may take you places you never dreamed.

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin." (Zechariah 4:10 NLT)