Do Dragonflies Have Biblical Meaning? Separating Truth from Myths

Dragonflies don’t appear anywhere in the Bible. Not once. The Hebrew and Greek texts that comprise Scripture never mention these iridescent insects. Yet if you search “dragonfly Christian meaning” online, you’ll find hundreds of websites claiming dragonflies symbolize transformation, resurrection, God’s light, spiritual maturity, and the Holy Spirit. Here’s the problem: most of these claimed … Read more

Explaining Mark 8:36 for Ambitious Christians: How To Succeed Without Losing Your Soul

Ambition isn’t a dirty word in Scripture. Joseph dreamed of ruling before he ever ruled Egypt. David prepared for kingship years before wearing the crown. Paul pursued excellence in ministry with the same intensity he’d once pursued Christians to imprison them. Priscilla and Aquila built a thriving business while advancing the gospel. These were ambitious … Read more

What Does Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous Mean? Psalm 34:19 Explained

Christianity makes a promise most other religions don’t: if you follow God, your life will include suffering. Not might include. Will include. Guaranteed. Psalm 34:19 doesn’t say “some righteous people face occasional difficulties.” It says many afflictions will come to the righteous. Plural. Frequent. Expected. This contradicts everything prosperity gospel preachers teach and everything our … Read more

When Confidence Becomes Pride: The Fine Line Christians Must Walk (Proverbs 16:18)

I was the most spiritually mature person in the room. Or so I thought. I’d been leading Bible studies for years. I prayed eloquently in public. People came to me for spiritual advice. I knew Scripture well and could defend my theology against any challenge. Then I watched myself correct a new believer’s prayer during … Read more

The Theology of Communion Prayer: Understanding Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Traditions

I attended three different communion services in one month. Catholic Mass on Sunday morning. Protestant service Wednesday evening. Orthodox Divine Liturgy on Saturday. Same sacred meal. Completely different prayers. The Catholic priest consecrated the elements with ancient liturgical words I’d never heard. The Protestant pastor prayed spontaneously, inviting us to remember Jesus’s sacrifice. The Orthodox … Read more

Finding Hope in Hard Times: Thanksgiving Scriptures for Trials and Adversity

I sat at Thanksgiving dinner last year forcing a smile while my world was falling apart. Unemployment. A parent’s dementia diagnosis. A friendship that had imploded two weeks earlier. And everyone around the table taking turns sharing what they were thankful for while I struggled to think of anything besides “I’m thankful this day will … Read more