MWSmith/SCChapman Concert

I was so excited to attend my first Christian artist concert on Sunday with not one but TWO of my favorite singers: Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman! It was everything I expected and more. Their United tour came to Purdue University's Elliot Hall of Music Sunday night. It was a SPECTACULAR concert. What I loved about it most was that it was a very worshipful experience. They started off singing some praise songs together (Smith on the piano and Chapman on guitar--with Chapman's band, including his 19-year old son on electric guitar). Then Steven Curtis Chapman sang some of his most popular songs, including "I Will Be Here," "Cinderella," "Dive," and one of my favorites "Live Out Loud"! Smith and Chapman even had a short segment in the middle where they sang portions of each others songs! Michael W. Smith sang some of his favorite hits through the years too, including "Friends," "Thy Word," and "Go West, Young Man." He even played a piano selection from Freedom. The staging, lights, and sound were all done very excellently. I'm glad it went 3 hours!! I was super impressed. What great examples!




Kristopher Kessler, Sara Denny, Sarah Hill, Beth Hill

The Struggle of Unbelief

Here's what I learned from my recent struggle with unbelief and doubt. Thank you to those of you have encouraged me by emailing or commenting!!

The Christian life is definitely a battle. There is a war going on in my heart, and we "wrestle not against flesh and blood." I need to be on my guard by a daily walk in the Word and the accountability of a good church family. A friend encouraged me to make a list from John 10:10 "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." What does the thief steal? And conversely what does God's abundant life provide?

Joy--The thief wants to steal my joy, but Romans 15:13 tells me that there is "joy and hope" in believing. Also Gal. 5:22--one of the fruits of the Spirit is joy.

Passion for God--The thief wants to steal my passion for God. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God..." (Matt. 6:33)

Treasure--My treasure should not be found in earthly things, but I need to be laying up "treasures in heaven." (Matt. 6:20)

Energy--The thief wants to steal my energy, but God's Word tells me to "not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we will reap, if we do not lose heart." (Gal. 6:9)

Faith--The thief wants to rob me of my faith, but "without faith it is impossible to please God." (Heb. 11:6). I need to take up the "shield of faith" daily from Eph. 6.

Unbelief is a sin and a struggle, but I am thankful that the "crisis" has passed.