A Cellist in the Tuba Section

When I was in the third grade, I started taking cello lessons at school. The first few weeks, we used wooden sticks as bows and a toilet paper tube to represent the bridge of the instrument. This was necessary to learn how to hold things before actually getting the instrument (and also because you don't hand little kids expensive instruments with absolutely no knowledge of how to not break it). And the thing that I most remember from this toilet paper roll period in my life was my parents' willingness to watch me practice with this little toilet paper tube. I couldn't even make noise, and they sat with me as I practiced and made progress. After I (finally) got my actual instrument to play, they still were willing to sit and listen to me practice. (My mom wanted me to practice more because I was a little lazy in my practicing, but that's another story.) My point is that my parents were excited to see the new things I learned, even before the things I did were perfect...

Masks You probably think of Halloween. I think of church because all too often, we don't come as we are. We cover ourselves and pretend our lives are perfect when we know they're not. We get so afraid of what others will think sometimes we forget that Sunday is meant for worshipping God, not worrying if anyone will see through your disguise. We hide because we don't want anyone to see our shame but by protecting ourselves we push others away. Others who don't know Jesus. Others who don't know where to turn. Others who are just as broken as we are. I understand: as Christians, we must try hard not to sin but when we do, we must repent and move forward because hiding it is killing us and others. We can't be afraid of "dirty words" like: depression, abortion, homosexuality, attempted suicide, masturbation, abuse, heroine, alcoholic. We all make mistakes. Sometimes we cave into the flesh, but hope is...

Psalm 77 is a perfect example of how we should react to doubts about God's love, faithfulness, mercy, and all other aspects of God. Asaph is the writer of this psalm and he begins by discussing how he cries out to God and believes that God will hear him. He talks about how often he cries out to God; all day and all night he pleads before God. In verses 7-9 Asaph brings his doubts directly to God. He doesn't beat around the bush. He asks the questions that are weighing him down. And then for the rest of the psalm he sets the perfect example for us. Starting in verse 10 he immediately recounts several of the wonders that God has performed in his life, and several of the ways God has proved himself. He ends the psalm with confidence in God's love and faithfulness. So, the lesson here is that when you have doubts, the most important thing to do is lay them down at the throne of God and leave them there.  Instead of picking them back up, rejoice in God's past mercy and l...

Job is usually not a favorite book of the Bible for most people because it contains a lot of suffering and loss. However, when God responds to Job, He expresses how much higher He is than we are, and I love reading of His power. Job 38:22-24 Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail, which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war? What is the way to the place where the light is distributed, or where the east wind is scattered upon the earth?  (ESV) This passage amazes me (and feel free to check out the rest of Job 38 for more imagery about the power of God). God coordinates so much from His throne. He is in control of the snow and hail falling and light breaking forth upon the earth. It's amazing to think of all that God has to do, and yet He is never too busy to listen to us and speak with us through His Word and His people. Rejoice today that God, who controls the whole world, loves you and invites...

Have you ever been betrayed by someone you trusted deeply? Maybe your best friend promised you they wouldn't tell anyone about the guy you like, but soon the whole school knows. Or maybe it was a family member that you trusted to support you, and they let you down. Unfortunately, feeling betrayed is a common experience for people. We as humans fall short of the expectations of other humans. Even Jesus was betrayed by a friend when Judas plotted with the chief priests. So, the next time you face the pain of betrayal, remember that you can take it to Jesus. He understands the pain of your heart, and He is enough to sustain you through this time of deep heartache and loneliness. Psalm 55:20-22 My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous ...