Having a relationship with Jesus isn’t easy. It comes with a big sign that reads, “Get ready for rejection!” Jesus clearly told His disciples in Luke 10:16, “Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”

I want to connect with you today as you prepare your heart for Easter. I’m sure there are many questions you’re coming to the cross with, as you reflect upon Christ’s gift of life to you.

Maria looked up at the three large crosses hanging in the front of the sanctuary. She knew that two of them represented thieves and murderers. She remembered her mother telling her that the middle one represented her sin and the death of a God man that erased them all for her. But why a cross? She found herself deeply concentrated on the middle one, almost like nothing else was going on around her. “Why the cross?” She thought to herself again.

One trainer explained that it’s good to teach them to climb in order to build their confidence. We have a little white stool in our kitchen, so I had Mac put his front paws on the stool as a varied position in our training. He got it the first try. Then this happened a couple of days later when I was working away on my computer…

It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers (a lot or even the lack of), and wanting success. It is good to be diligent and want to see your business, ministry, and so on grow. The true measure of success isn’t in the results of whether it does or not – it’s your heart in the process.

This story intrigued me when I read it recently. The Lord was pleased that Solomon asked for discernment to administer justice, and gave him a wise and understanding heart. He didn’t ask for a long life, riches, or selfish gain. He wanted something useful that would help serve his people well. He looked outwards and gave a selfless request.

Many Christians have heard the reference of God’s kingdom being an “Upside Down Kingdom.” Things the Lord does can seem backwards or contradictory to how it should work in our minds. We can’t fathom how suffering is good for us or why God calls us to be humble when it hurts.

March 14 marked four years since Michael and I received confirmation about our infertility. Putting myself back in that time, I didn’t see how we would ever be able to move forward from that news

Have you heard about Sustaining Hope? Do you enjoy a good testimony, but are wondering if it would be of interest to you. Are you or do you know someone working through any of these topics:Do you grow weary of hoping in things you don’t know will come true?Do you question the Lord’s presence in your hard times?Do you trust God?Are you dealing with chronic illness?Going through Infertility?Are you overwhelmed by and/or working through financial challenges?Do you wonder if your marriage can last through difficult times?Sustaining Hope is a story of working through all of these hard times, while learning to hold onto the right hope, and leaning into Jesus.Click the picture to access your copy of the book today!The eBook version can be found on Kindle and Kobo.

Have you heard about Sustaining Hope? Do you enjoy a good testimony, but are wondering if it would be of interest to you? Are you or do you know someone working through any of these topics:Do you grow weary of hoping in things you don’t know will come true?Do you question the Lord’s presence in your hard times? Do you trust God?Are you dealing with chronic illness?Going through Infertility?Are you overwhelmed by and/or working through financial challenges?Do you wonder if your marriage can last through difficult times?Sustaining Hope is a story of working through all of these hard times, while learning to hold onto the right hope, and lean into Jesus. Click the picture to access your copy of the book today! eBook versions can be found at Kindle and Kobo.