“To say that one is wholly and undeniably happy is to lie. For how are we, such shallow beings, to determine those things which have gone to the utter depths of our souls and left them scarred with sorrow? Does not every singular happening that we perceive...
Today a group of 10 ladies gathered for the beginning of a six week journey in prayer…..specifically a particular kind of prayer called “centering prayer”. It is done entirely in silence, focused yet yielded, individually or in a group. Several of us had attended a...
There are times when God brings just the right prescription for what ails one. Today was such a day. For nearly 10 months I have been trekking through various stages of grief, disappointment, and confusion over a life-long relationship that had taken a turn that...
On March 26, 2012 I wrote about being asked to serve on the board of a local ministry and the surprise I felt in seeing my name in the minutes, being referred to as “Reverend Cathy Byrd” for the first time. As a commissioned deacon, I am allowed, even...
I began studying the Beatitudes in 2001 and teaching them as a progressive journey toward Christ-like character. It took me countless hours of study and research to find others who had seen and taught them this way. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was one. His book...
Earlier this year I had written a Bible study on the book of Ephesians and used it in a study with some women in a discipleship program. My work was later reviewed by a group of people who oversee my ministry as a provisional deacon and it was noted that I had used...
From time to time I have posted a challenge in a comment to some trite, easy happy-thought poster-board saying that purports to offer a Christian view of life on the internet. This article by Roger Olson is a good rebuttal to the kind of “evangelegend” folk religion...
Conditions for Answered Prayer Read John 14:12-14 Jesus taught many things about prayer and its central role in believer’s life. He also promised that our petitions will be answered when we meet certain requirements. One condition is mentioned in John 14:14: after...
“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” ― Henri J.M. NouwenHenri Nouwen was a Catholic priest, held a PhD in psychology, was a pastor, teacher, author of 39 books, and a Christian contemplative. He struggled with...
“Addiction” might be the best word to explain the lostness that so deeply permeates society. Our addictions make us cling to what the world proclaims as the keys to self-fulfillment: accumulation of wealth and power; attainment of status and admiration; lavish...
