“Activities and disciplines by swirl around us with such velocity that our feet barely touch solid ground.” (Jean Fleming) Is it possible for Christians who try to live Christlike lives in the midst of a whirlwind of activities, demands, and responsibilities? Is it possible to thrive in the whirlwind while developing deeper, secret, inner lives? Yes, absolutely it is. Frankly, experiencing peace instead of a tornado takes its own hard work. Ironic much? Not really. This world militates against keeping a quiet and peaceful spirit. Achieving it is a combination of the grace of God and our desire for grace, and our willingness to practice the peace that He promised.…

Happy Monday! Or at least, OK Monday! A friend’s post reminded me of something this morning: the nature of spiritual strongholds, and can Satan really influence us? Let’s be 100% clear: Satan or his demons can NOT possess a Christian. Can’t do it. The Holy Spirit is within us, and “He who is within us is greater than he who is in the world.” However, he CAN influence us if we let him. And since we’re imperfect sinners in a fallen world, sometimes that will happen. It’s called sin and is why Jesus Christ died on the cross so He could bless us with His resurrection and salvation. Now, about…

Someone asked a question in another group yesterday: “What was one of the hardest things you have ever experienced, and God brought you through it?” I remembered this. It might encourage you. In 2001, I was going through three horrible things at the same time: separation, bankruptcy, and having to sell my dream home because I couldn’t keep up the payments. My son was just 5. I was SO MAD AT GOD. I had asked for the divorce because of some bad decisions on my husband’s part. I knew I was right to do it since the situation was untenable, but here I was–the family breadwinner–about to lose everything. One…