Posts by M. R. Conrad
Is Waiting on God Worth the Wait?
Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. During some seasons of life, the path ahead seems to disappear into a mist. The illusion of certainty that often calms our days falls away. Visibility reduces to a step-by-step distance. Longstanding questions remain unanswered. Our prayers seem unheard. Which way do I go? Why has this happened? When will the obstacles…
Read MoreWhose Quotes Litter Your Conversations?
Who said it? Can you match these quotes to their source? (answers at the end) “I can do this all day.” “I shall return.” “Inconceivable!” “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” “You are a lioness.” “I’m lovin’ it.” “You shall not pass!” How often do you find yourself quoting snippets like…
Read MoreCancel Abraham
Cancel Abraham. He owned slaves and even impregnated one of them. Cancel Sarah. She enabled her husband’s escapade and persecuted the victim. Cancel David. His behavior is only acceptable in a movie. Samson and Jephthah? Let’s not even go there. How can God exalt such obviously flawed people in Hebrews 11 as examples of faith?…
Read MoreFading Joy: Am I Seeking an Experience or a Relationship?
The lights dim as the music begins to play. The energy in the crowd seems to almost crackle audibly. You feel a surge of anticipation for the songs you know, the empowering words you always hear, and the inspirational, larger-than-life people you see standing before you. At a well-designed worship service, Bible conference, or summer…
Read MoreAm I Worshiping Myself During My Devotions? Narcissism & Spiritual Dryness
“I need some me time,” says everyone these days—parents, employees, even Olympic athletes. In the current vernacular, time with God could also be viewed as spiritual me time. Without even realizing it, we can begin to substitute personal wellness for closeness to God—but they aren’t the same thing. If we make that switch, we will…
Read MoreSpiritual Dryness: Am I Trying to Walk in Two Directions?
Lillias Trotter stood at a crossroads.1 The words of the renown nineteenth century art critic, John Ruskin, rang in her mind. “If you allow me to train you,” he had said. “You could become one of the greatest artists in the world.”2 Trotter loved beauty. God had truly blessed her with artistic talent. Yet, Trotter…
Read MoreSpiritual Dryness: Am I Hungry for the Wrong Food?
“Oh Lord, what is wrong with me?” future missionary Isobel Kuhn prayed. “Why can’t I sense Your Presence now as I have lately? Why has the Bible become dry?” Have you been there? You dutifully read your Bible nearly every day. You pray like you’ve been taught. It feels like a chore or, even worse,…
Read MoreSpiritual Dryness: Is the Volume Up Too High?
“Why are these people so slow?” I fumed as I weaved my way between shoppers at Walmart. I had just returned to the U.S. from urban Asia where the throttle of the pace of life is always wide open. Go! Go! Go! My to-do list burned a hole in my pocket. There was no time…
Read MoreGospel Tracts Don’t Work: Agree or Disagree?
“I already have one of those,” said the taxi driver when I offered him one of the gospel tracts in my wallet. Since I live in a densely populated Asian city, the odds seemed slim he really had one. To my shock, the driver pulled an identical tract from the console between the seats. “You…
Read More