Trust in God v. Trust in Self

“We will never have enough confidence in God,” writes John Calvin, “unless we become deeply distrustful of ourselves.” Think about this. If Calvin is right, there is a particular relationship between faith in God and faith in ourselves. They...

God With Us Changes Everything

A few years ago someone gave me a copy of a movie about Corrie ten Boom’s life and ministry under Nazi occupation. I decided to check it out, but half-way through, I had to shut it off. It’s a little embarrassing, but I finally realized that I couldn’t take it. It was...

Realism & Optimism

Are you a pessimist, or an optimist? Or, maybe you place yourself in the middle…you’re a realist. Sometimes optimists call realists pessimists. But realists know better. They’re just facing the world head on—and being realistic! Of course, a lot of times that sounds...

How to Manage Anxiety

Yesterday I posted Jesus’ words from Matthew chapter 6. It is one of his classic teachings on worry and anxiety. Today I wanted to follow that up  by looking at the practical steps to fighting anxiety that this teaching gives us. 25 Therefore I say to you, do...