There was a time I lived far away from God.

I mean I hoped he existed.  When I was in a jam I’d pray.  Kind of hedging my bets.

But I really didn’t know for sure.  Other than weddings I frankly had no interest in going to church.

I was living my life the way I wanted.  Fast and furious in a fraternity.  I really didn’t want God interrupting that.

But I also felt an emptiness deep inside.  Never could stop running.  Had only fleeting moments of peace. [Read more…]

WT Stressing Out

 

“For he himself is our peace.”  (Ephesians 2: 14 NIV)

Finding peace.   Isn’t it really one of the core drivers for most of us?  I mean inner peace, spiritual peace, relational peace.  Aren’t most of us obsessed with finding it?

And it’s so frustratingly elusive.  It comes and goes with exasperating frequency.

So what do we do? [Read more…]

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”  (Ephesians 2: 4-5 NIV)

In high school and college I struggled with depression.   I could be ecstatic one moment and an hour later crash into a darkness that would linger for a couple of days.

It grew steadily worse in college but I never told anyone.  I come from a family that you just “suck it up” and fix your problems. [Read more…]

“Yes, in the past you lived the way the world lives, following the ruler of the evil powers that are above the earth. That same spirit is now working in those who refuse to obey God.”  (Ephesians 2: 2 NCV)

I’m sure you’ve heard the famous definition of insanity, “Continuing to do the same things and expecting a different result.”

Just take a look around if you want to see insanity.  Rampant divorce, epidemic depression, cratering health, prescription drug sales reaching new highs.

And this in the most affluent society in history. [Read more…]

“This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.”  (Ephesians 1: 10 GNT)

We live in a world that seems out of control.

Mad men threatening nuclear holocaust.  Countries stealing territory and daring others to stop them.  Terrorists killing each other and threatening to kill us.

Our government spying on us, lying, attacking if our views differ from theirs. [Read more…]

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Ephesians 1: 1-2 NIV)

We live in a world exploding in conflict.  We watch the news of wars, riots, protests.  Politicians attack each other with rounds of accusations and payback.  Marriages divorcing, families splintering, careers careening off track.  And we wonder what can we do? [Read more…]