I can truly say, every time I’ve chosen obedience, God has met me with more joy than I have ever found in sinful ways. It’s not been easy, but it is worth it. Because in my imperfect obedience I get more of God.

It takes God no more power to save Kanye West than it does to save me and you. The moment we think we were easier to save, we have become disillusioned to our own sinfulness. Kanye is the lost sheep Jesus left the 99 for, and so are you.

C.S. Lewis says that we are to be childlike in heart, but grown-ups with our minds. So using your mind, why is it so important that we be childlike-- and what does it look like? Here are a couple of reflections:

Are you anxious about the daunting task of being faithful for the rest of your life? God wants to unburden you from that weight.

I’m far more sinful, broken, and weak than I want to be. Do you still love me?

Nights full of lonely accusatory questions aimed at yourself. “Am I even a Christian, does God love me anymore?” Your sin, like a desert, drying up every bit of hopeful water you have. Where do we turn when this is where we find ourselves?

We confess that our sins are actually mistrust in you. We believe we know better than you. Forgive us, Father, we do not know better than you.

Most Christians know they should read their bible. But if we are honest, we struggle from time to time understanding how to get much out of it. People don’t usually give up their quiet times because they dislike God. They give them up because they feel unproductive or even bored.

What if in our productivity addicted culture we confuse the potential blessing of the green pastures and the still waters with the valley of the shadow of death because we detest the stillness of waiting? What if God's green pasture for you was a season of waiting—Because thats the only place He could get you to stop and sit still? What if the season you needed to hear his sweet, tender voice was the quietness found in waiting? Everybody likes the idea of the still waters until you’re there- and you find that theres nothing to do but wait.

About six months into my seminary career; however, the excitement started to fade. God became less real to me. The God who bled and died for me became the God whom I merely read and wrote about. I eventually began to question God entirely. I went  through seasons in which I questioned my salvation, questioned the goodness of God, and even questioned the very existence of God.

What makes a good friend? It’s a simple question with a million possible answers. If we can get to the bottom of what truly makes a good friend, it will surely help in equipping us to be just that for those we love. The process may sound simple, but simple does not mean easy. If you take a look at Jesus’s words on the matter, you will find that being a good friend will cost daily.

When you are desiring a good thing but that desire is unmet, yet you are called to be faithful in the waiting. His grace is enough in your lack.

You're on your own journey. Don't compare. Seasons come and go. The Lord is faithful in them all. Work hard. Love well. He's at work even if you don't see Him.

The great danger of western Christianity is that God is a dispensary of gifts for us, and nothing more.

The answer to killing sin and growing closer to God isn’t necessarily do more things, but look more. Gaze more. Sit more. Slow down more. Dwell more with God, and you will be changed.