The Believer’s Hope… [the TRUTH about Biblical Hope]
| | |

The Believer’s Hope… [the TRUTH about Biblical Hope]

Truth #1: The Believer’s Hope is found in Jesus. Undoubtedly, the world disappoints us. Christ followers too will falter leaving us disillusioned at times. But our hope as maturing believers doesn’t rest on what is seen in this world, but rather on an unseen reality. No matter the circumstances in this fallen, not-so-perfect world, Jesus…

Living A Life of Love… [the Believer’s Calling]
| | |

Living A Life of Love… [the Believer’s Calling]

A Fallen, Wounding World God didn’t call us to a life of wounding, friends. He called us to live a life of LOVE. But because of our human-ness, we’re born into a world inherently wounding. And sadly, as creatures of a fallen, imperfect world, we inflict our own wounding behaviors on those around us. “With…

The Best Kind of Friend… [and God’s Purpose in Suffering.]
| | | |

The Best Kind of Friend… [and God’s Purpose in Suffering.]

The best kind of friend is a praying friend. It’s no secret 2024 has been a hard year for the Rains’ household. Little by little, I’ve pulled back the curtains in this season of life and let friends in…  I might’ve overshared a time or two. But the reality is when we share our “stuff,”…

Correcting Injustice: The Self-Emptying Love of Jesus Christ
| | | |

Correcting Injustice: The Self-Emptying Love of Jesus Christ

To Correct or Not to Correct? Have you ever made a snap judgement about someone or something? Sadly, I often make snap judgements. But recently, I found myself the recipient of someone else’s snap judgement. And it took all the Jesus-lovin’ strength I could muster, friends, not to email this person and set them straight….

Telling the Story of His Wondrous Love…  [a Christmas memory]
| | | |

Telling the Story of His Wondrous Love… [a Christmas memory]

My [almost] oldest childhood friend gifted me this photo of us for my high school graduation. I believe it was taken shortly after moving to Hometown, OK from Dallas, TX. Late in the fall of ‘73 my little brother and I stayed with my grandparents while our new home was being readied for our arrival….

Black History Month… [Celebrating People of Color]
| | | |

Black History Month… [Celebrating People of Color]

When celebrating Black History month, I couldn’t help but think “some of history’s BEST examples of accepting the challenge to love a broken, unlovable world are People of Color.” Hands down, the life story and mission of John M. Perkins is the best, fully-human example of loving the unlovable I’ve ever encountered. Rather than hating…