Category: Faith in the Struggle

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelation 2:11 My family thinks I’m losing my hearing. I think it’s just fine though. They’re just gradually talking quieter and the ambient noise, drowning out their voices, is apparently becoming louder. My wife thinks I need to consider hearing…
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Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelations 2:10 Growing up in church, we often celebrated stories of the martyrs – those who were killed for their faith. Even as a kid though, I wondered what I’d do if my life were threatened for my beliefs. In those stories,…
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Do not fear what you are about to suffer. . . The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death. Revelations 2:10-11 In the disastrous consequences of my addiction, I had two choices – give up or get sober. I could have resigned myself to a life of drugs. I’ve wrecked my…
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I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Revelation 2:9 While playing college football, I once took a blow to the head during a home game. I don’t remember the hit, but…
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 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! Revelation 2:9 When I was a kid, I knew we weren’t wealthy. My father was the pastor of a church in rural South Dakota after all. He chose a life of ministry and service that was never going to make him rich – at least…
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And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: “The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.” Revelations 2:8 While first interviewing those struggling with addiction, I always ask how it started. When inquiring about the addict’s childhood, I often hear horrific stories of neglect and abuse. Growing…
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To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 Every day, when I wake up, I thank God for recovery and redemption. It hasn’t always been this way though. In 2014, when I lost my job due to my opioid…
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Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Revelations 2:5 I must confess that I find myself being quite judgmental on occasion. Recently, I was explaining to my wife my feelings towards a mutual acquaintance when realized that I felt that this person was irredeemable. She kindly…
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But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Revelations 2:4-5 It’s not entirely fair to make blanket statements, but different physician specialties are known for their different personalities. For instance, I’d…
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I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. Revelations 2:2 Inpatient treatment and sober housing facilities are designed to be places set apart for those struggling…
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