http://www.blogos.org/contributors/gsellers/index.html As you read these blogs, may God will reveal His truth, His love, and His abundant grace for you. Wed, 17 May 2017 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/praise-God-imperfect-world.php This world is imperfect, and we feel the call of something better. But even in the midst of a stressful time, we can still praise God. Mon, 20 Mar 2017 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/waiting-God.php In a world of text-messaging and microwave ovens, waiting feels useless. But the waiting times are when God does much of His work in our lives. Wed, 26 Oct 2016 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/whatever-is-true.php It is good to expose false-teaching. But there are better ways to spend our time than condemning every specific error like some theological whack-a-mole. Focus on what is true. Mon, 05 Sep 2016 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/theologyapologetics/believing-God.php Believing God means living in His absolute love, goodness, and faithfulness, even when surrounded by darkness and trials. Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/flying-trapeze.php To leave the safety of the platform, to swing through the air, and then let go of the trapeze and fly, is to know that God is on the other side, ready to catch you. Mon, 18 Jul 2016 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/peopleandpolitics/national-crisis-shootings.php Lately we've been faced with a national crisis of shootings involving police officers. The situation is heart-breaking. But God is here, and He can heal us - if we let Him. Mon, 02 May 2016 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/identity-truth-love.php We are sinners, saved by grace. But we are also God's creation, made by Him, in need of sanctification, but with an identity He chose. What if submission means finding who we really are? Tue, 29 Mar 2016 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/exploringtheword/Jesus-emotions.php Jesus knew the outcome of the crufixion - that He would rise again in victory. But He still mourned, deeply, the night before. He gave Himself permission to grieve. Mon, 07 Mar 2016 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/peopleandpolitics/politics-salvation.php Politics can't save America because the battle is not political. The battle is spiritual, and the only way to win is salvation. Mon, 29 Feb 2016 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/adjusting-to-freedom.php Freedom is a gift of God, through Jesus. Freedom from sin, fear, expectations...But it often takes time to learn how to live in that new freedom. Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/Gods-abundance.php Saul tried to earn God's favor through discipline; Jonathan praised Him for the gift of honey. How can we learn to live like Jonathan - in God's abundance? Thu, 14 Jan 2016 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/knowledge-faith.php The world tells us to rely on knowledge. The Bible tells us to have faith. Which is right? Mon, 04 Jan 2016 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/singing-new-year.php Life isn't all about what we can produce or how we can survive. Beauty is an integral part of the human condition. Sing in the new year. Tue, 15 Dec 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/obedience-nature.php Why do we chafe against the idea of obedience to God? When compared to our sinful human nature, obedience is like using a fork in the land of chopsticks. Wed, 07 Oct 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/temptation-transformation.php It is difficult to distinguish between temptation and desire without the transforming work of Christ in our lives. Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/change-and-trust.php Change is stressful. Remaining is comfortable. Fortunately, God loves us too much to leave us where we are. Mon, 22 Jun 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/being-known.php We are designed to be known. To have friends who see us deeply. We are also made to know others. How do we do that? Mon, 22 Jun 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/know-be-known.php We are designed to be known. To have friends who see us deeply. We are also made to know others. How do we do that? Sun, 18 May 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/perspective-expectations.php 'It's all about perspective.' We've all heard this, but what does it really mean? How do our expectations define our perspective - for better or worse? Mon, 04 May 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/purpose-life.php 'Whatcha know good?' the old man would say. But it's what he knew about purpose and joy that can speak to our lives. Wed, 22 Apr 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/avoidance-fear.php Avoiding the things that scare us is effective - if we don't acknowledge them, they're not there. But there comes a time when you have to face your fear to live in freedom. Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/think-before-you-speak.php Stereotypes are powerful. They pass on a message that can be completely false. For truth, though, think before you speak. Wed, 18 Mar 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/shame-lies.php There is a shame that leads to repentance. But there is also a shame based on lies. When we recognize the lies, we can be free of the shame. Thu, 12 Mar 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/shame-guilt.php Shame tells us we're broken - that we don't deserve to be fixed. That if others knew, we'd be abandoned. But here's the thing: shame is a sham. Fri, 27 Feb 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/speak-silence.php We avoid speaking about difficult topics, thinking the attention would hurt hearts and relationships. But it is silence that most harms those who struggle. Thu, 12 Feb 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/love-friendship.php We don't need a special Valentine if we have the love of friends. And some chocolate. Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/exploringtheword/Abraham-Genesis.php We often read Genesis as a history book. Looking deeper, we see it's a history of God's faithfulness to Abraham and his family. Mon, 19 Jan 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/happy-and-holy.php It's said Christ came to make us holy, not happy. But we forget--He also came to bring us joy. Thu, 15 Jan 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/salvation.php Eternal life to come, but restoration and joy now. The double-whammy blessings of salvation make sin less and less appealing. Tue, 06 Jan 2015 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/gift-time.php Time is a gift. But so is time punctuated by opportunities to look back and see God's blessings. Mon, 22 Dec 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/showing-up.php What would it look like if we didn't worry about schedule or expectations, but just showed up, invited Jesus into our day, and loved others? Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/biblical-truth-behavioral-science.php Behavioral science tries to explain and determine how we humans think and act. Funny how the most accurate findings directly reflect biblical truth. Wed, 10 Dec 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/authenticity.php There are characteristics that naturally turn us off to people. But then there are people who we are drawn to despite their quirks. It turns out that authenticity is a big part of being winsome. Thu, 13 Nov 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/winter-weather.php Winter is a time of rest. We don't need to battle it, but just prepared and remember God exists. Wed, 29 Oct 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/church-body.php When God gives gifts to others in the church body, do we thank Him? We should be grateful to others and give honor where honor is due. But we must not forget the Source. Wed, 15 Oct 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/adulthood.php Recently I've been alternating between bemoaning the realities of adulthood and embracing adulthood with joy. Perhaps I have racked up enough years on this earth to come to a new appreciation for the process of change. Tue, 26 Aug 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/vision-story.php We're told to have vision, to be part of the bigger story. But our story will never be big enough if it's not God's. Mon, 11 Aug 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/mindful-pursuit.php Intellectually, I am sometimes more eager to find an answer or come to resolution on an issue than I am to actually learn. But I've recently been struck with the fact that knowledge takes time. Wed, 06 Aug 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/getting-to-know-God.php Just as I should not stop getting to know people I've known all my life, I should not stop getting to know God. Pursuing God is a lifelong endeavor. Fri, 01 Aug 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/freedom-or-slavery.php Is Christianity about freedom? Or about being a slave to Christ? Fri, 25 Jul 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/what-God-says.php The only way I am going to do any worthwhile learning is to examine the facts. I need to see what God really has said. Thu, 17 Jul 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/lessons-in-love.php Trust, control, fear, pain...the things that make us run from love are the very things that make us need love. Fri, 11 Jul 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/wrong-enemy.php The enemy does not allow us to live unopposed. He is shrewder than we think, using the very things we think we 'should' be to draw us away from God and each other. Mon, 07 Jul 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/cultureandentertainment/chef.php Jon Favreau's movie 'Chef' is about cooking, creativity, and remembering to live out of your God-given passion. Tue, 01 Jul 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/spoken-for.php Being spoken for frees me to live the life my Good Shepherd came to bring. I am accepted, wanted, and known. Thu, 26 Jun 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/role-models.php It's good to have role models. It's good to have people we can look up to for inspiration. But it's also good to remember we don't have to strive to emulate the person in total; we can admire a particular aspect of that person's character. Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/sharing-comfort.php Life is hard, and Christian life has its own challenges. But when God's blessings fill us with joy, it's time to share the comfort. Mon, 19 May 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/suit-and-tie.php When it comes to loving others well, submitting to cultural customs or expected norms can go a long way to forging relationship. Sometimes our identity in Christ is more important than our wardrobe. Tue, 13 May 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/gotquestions/frozen The movie 'Frozen' has monsters, true love, comedy, and everything else you'd want in a princess movie. But it also debunks several lies we tell ourselves. Mon, 12 May 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/churchandministry/DR-leadership-development-program.php Compassion International's Leadership Development Program goes beyond childhood to support college students, helping children become leaders in their own countries. Thu, 08 May 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/foster-hope.php The Bible tells us to care for orphans. There is no more direct way to do so than to provide a loving foster family for a child in crisis. Tue, 06 May 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/churchandministry/DR-complementary-interventions.php When sponsoring individual children isn't enough, Compassion International's Complementary Interventions Program reaches in to help entire communities. Mon, 24 Mar 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/cultureandentertainment/little-prince.php What an old children's story can tell us about vision, mentorship, and the necessity of a childlike creativity. Wed, 12 Mar 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/sabbath-rest.php The Old Testament law is not required for Christians in the church. We do not have to follow the Sabbath. But maybe we should, anyway. Tue, 11 Feb 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/Freud-and-responsibility.php Our parents have a great influence on who we are and how we interact with the world. Where does personal responsibility fit in? And what does Freud have to do with it? Mon, 03 Feb 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/ready-for-the-call.php Do we receive our calling by personal message? Or by being so close to God we overhear His still, small voice? Tue, 28 Jan 2014 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/counseling-and-church.php Christian counseling is good and needed, but where is the church? Couldn't the church provide much of the support now left to professional counseling? Fri, 13 Dec 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/cultureandentertainment/almost-human.php The new TV show 'Almost Human' discusses what it takes to be human, and how close an android can reach that point. But what does the Bible say about being human? Fri, 13 Dec 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/Christmas-anxiety.php The Bible tells us to trust God instead of being anxious. We forget that the little things cause anxiety, too. What Hallmark movies can remind us about peace in the Christmas season. Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/exploringtheword/shelter-wings.php We know that God longs to shelter us under His wings, but have we ever really thought about what that means? Wed, 16 Oct 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/exploringtheword/keeping-the-faith.php Salvation is through faith, not works. So why is it sometimes such hard work to keep the faith? Fri, 11 Oct 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/churchandministry/answers.php Having all the answers isn't all it's cracked up to be, or at least not all I have previously cracked it up to be. The truth of the matter is there just isn't always black-and-white. In my opinion, accepting that reality opens us up to enjoy life more fully. Wed, 02 Oct 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/churchandministry/love-and-need.php Neediness and love. We tend to think of these as a bad combination. But, sometimes neediness and love are a beautiful combination, an opportunity to practice deep, godly love. Mon, 26 Aug 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/exploringtheword/missing-God.php Being knowledgeable about God is good. It is good to engage with God on an intellectual level. But what do these pursuits mean if we don't actually know God? Wed, 21 Aug 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/relationally-open.php Relationships have been on my mind recently. Perhaps more specifically the way I relate with others and whether it pleases God... Wed, 07 Aug 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/addicted-to-sin.php Christians and sin are like alcoholics: new and being made new; addicted but not enslaved. Tue, 06 Aug 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/theologyapologetics/adoption.php How is adopting a child similar to God adopting us? Tue, 30 Jul 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/theologyapologetics/prepare-bride.php Why do we have to live our lives? Why can't God just take us now? Is it possible that we're on earth for a reason? Mon, 29 Jul 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/not-wrong-just-different.php In our quest for holiness, it's easy to think that our way is the right way. But sometimes people aren't wrong--they're just different. Fri, 12 Jul 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/glasses-gym-heaven.php Living life on a fallen world is a bit like going to the gym without your glasses—a lot of hard work and very little clarity. Thu, 27 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/words-with-friends.php Hawk Nelson says, 'Words can build us up, words can break us down.' What effect do my words have on my friends? On myself? Fri, 21 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/illness-birthday.php Counting years reminds us we're all one step closer to death. But when illness strikes, it's also a reminder that God has given one more year of life. Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/churchandministry/friend-depression-1.php Most of us know someone who has suffered from depression. Knowing what to do about it is another matter. What do our depressed friends need? And how can we love and support them while still acknowledging their pain? Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/cultureandentertainment/practicing-empathy.php How TV and movie characters can help us practice empathy so we can demonstrate it in real life. Wed, 22 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/life-journey.php Life is a journey for a reason. Spiritual growth takes time. If we rush, we'll miss out on life, but we'll also miss becoming who God wants us to be. Thu, 16 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/spiritually-beautiful.php The recent Dove Campaign showed how women underestimate their own physical beauty. The spoof joked that men can overestimate how they look. Spiritually, which is closer to the truth? Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/christian-men.php The media has painted men in a very different light than what God intended a real man to be. Sun, 30 Dec 2012 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/grace-and-truth.php God doesn't wash over the truth of our sin. He deals with realities, but He does so with grace in perfect balance. Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/why-should-I-believe.php Faith in God is more than a ticket to Heaven...much more! Tue, 30 Oct 2012 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/exploringtheword/uncensored-prayer.php Prayer isn't a formula. It's not about saying the right thing or not saying the wrong thing. Prayer is about spending time with our Daddy. Tell Him about your day, ask questions, express the desires of your heart—completely uncensored. Prayer is not about performance; it's about relationship. Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/holocaust-abortion.php Does our culture pay attention to the implications of our actions or know the importance of truth? Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:00:00 GMT http://www.blogos.org/christianlifeandgrowth/be-still.php Do we take time to truly rest—physically, mentally, emotionally?