“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)

Depression is my muse.  When I am feeling my worst is oddly enough when I write the best.  How does God use depression for your benefit?

[NOTE: I am switching servers for this blog in the next few days, so if things seem a little wonky or out of place, have no fear!  We'll be back....]

“Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered…” (Psalms 105:5 ESV)

What do you remember that teaches you God is there for you?  What do you remember that seeks to prevent you from hearing God’s mercy?

“Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered…” (Psalms 105:5 ESV)

What do you remember that teaches you God is there for you?  What do you remember that seeks to prevent you from hearing God’s mercy?

What does it mean to be cleansed of sin?  Why should we care?

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And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” (Mark 8:4)

God excels at making great things out of nothing…

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“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.” (Psalms 22:1–2 ESV)

Why do pastors suffer such feelings of abandonment over their parishioners? There are many reasons. One of them I think is a matter of wrong headed or unrealistic expectations. If I am looking for people in my congregation to give me the eternal presence of Christ, I have set myself up for serious disaster. Christ promises to give Himself to me in Word and Sacrament, not in my flock. No obviously, God is at work in them, taking care of me in so many ways. But it is unfair and simply not helpful to load all kinds of unreal expectations on them. So what is the pastor to do when He takes such things so personally? Listen in…

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“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.” (2 Corinthians 12:7 ESV)

Why do pastors go through the “SuperPastor” complex?

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“My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.”
(Psalms 25:15 ESV)

Don’t forget to order a free copy of the book!

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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

Why is it so hard to believe that things can get better?

Episode 5 – When God doesn’t seem to care

“And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word.” (Matthew 15:22–23 ESV)

What happens when you pray and God doesn’t answer, or at least doesn’t answer the way you want?