Preparing For A New Season Of Life

My wife and I stand at the threshold of a new season of life. We look at the things we’ve gathered over the years: the furniture, the keepsakes, the gifts of a life well-lived.

And then there are the books. Shelves upon shelves, like a forest I’ve walked through for decades, every spine a tree I planted with hope. They’ve been companions, teachers, guides. But now they weigh heavy, and the thought of letting them go feels like tearing pages from my own story.

The time has come to simplify, to shed the excess. We find ourselves at the stage of life where we need less of the noise and more of the silence. Less of the clutter and more of the clarity. I feel the tension, the stress of parting with these books, as if I’m abandoning old friends. But I’ve learned something in the long walk of faith: you don’t need as much as you think. And when it comes to books, I’ve learned that you only need ten.

The First Book: The Bible

The Bible is the first and greatest book you need. It is the heartbeat of your library, the very Word of God, living and active. It’s the well you draw from when the desert stretches out before you, the bread that sustains when you’re empty. It’s not just a book to be read but a voice to be heard. In its pages, you find the story of God’s love for His people, the anchor for your soul in the storms of doubt and sorrow. If you had nothing else on your shelf, this one book would be enough. Let it be worn and marked with the ink of your searching, its pages softened by the touch of your fingers.

The Second Book: A Guide to Studying the Bible

The second book is a companion to the first. It’s a guide to help you dive deeper, to see the things you might miss on your own. The Bible is a vast and layered story, and this book will help you navigate its depths. Choose one that teaches you to read with humility, to look for the context and the history, but always with an eye toward the heart of God. This book isn’t about giving you all the answers; it’s about teaching you how to ask the right questions, how to wrestle with the text until it blesses you.

Choosing the Other Eight

Now we come to the hard choices. What do you keep when space is limited, when you want only the essentials? These next eight books should be like old friends, the kind you turn to when the way is dark and you need the light of a familiar voice.

A Book on Prayer

Prayer is the language of our relationship with God, and yet we forget how to speak it. Keep a book on prayer that brings you back to the basics, that invites you to kneel, to listen, to breathe in the presence of God. It should be a book that doesn’t complicate things but teaches you to pray with simplicity and sincerity, as a child speaks to a loving parent.

A Book on Spiritual Formation  

The Christian life is a journey of becoming, of being shaped by the hands of the Potter. This book should guide you in the practices that form your soul—silence, solitude, fasting, scripture meditation. It’s a reminder that growth often happens in the quiet, unseen places, when we are still and listening for the whisper of the Spirit.

A Book of Theology

Theology is the framework of our faith. It’s the lens through which we see God and the world He created. Keep a book that lays out the great doctrines of the faith clearly and with reverence. It should not merely be a collection of facts but a window into the heart of God, stirring up your love and awe for Him.

A Biography of a Saint

You need the story of a life lived well, of someone who walked this road before you. Choose a biography that doesn’t shy away from the flaws and failures but shows the grace that met them there. It’s a reminder that God’s power is made perfect in weakness, that our stories are part of His larger story of redemption.

A Book of Poetry or Hymns 

When words fail you, when your prayers are caught in your throat, the poets and hymn-writers give voice to the cry of your heart. Keep a book of poetry or hymns that lifts your spirit, that puts words to your praise and lament. It will be a balm in times of sorrow and a song of joy in the light.

A Book on Christian Living

This book takes the lofty truths of scripture and plants them in the soil of everyday life. It’s practical wisdom for how to live out your faith in the ordinary, mundane moments. It should be a book that challenges you, that makes you uncomfortable in your comfort, pushing you to live more fully for Christ.

A Book of Church History

Know where you came from. The church’s story is our story, a testament to God’s faithfulness through the ages. Keep a book that tells the story of the saints and martyrs, the revivals and reformations. It will root you in a faith that is bigger than yourself, reminding you that you are part of a great cloud of witnesses.

A Book on Discernment

We live in a world filled with noise, and it can be hard to hear the voice of God amidst it all. A book on discernment will help you learn to listen, to test the spirits, to know what is true and what is false. It’s a book that teaches you to pause, to pray, to wait on the Lord for wisdom.

What To Do With the Rest

And now the letting go. It’s hard to release these books, to give away what you once held dear. But think of it not as a loss, but as a gift. The books that shaped you, that left their mark on your heart—pass them on. Give them to friends, to young believers, to churches in need of resources. Let the seeds they planted in you be sown in someone else’s life. If you live in South Jersey, let me know if you might be interested in some of them.

I may post some thoughts on selecting good books in each of the categories listed above in future posts. And when I do, I invite you to also share your thoughts on good selections regarding each category.

In the end, when I have let go of even my most cherished books, and the light fades on my own story, it won’t be the books I held onto, but the Word made flesh. The God who walked with me through every chapter, who was there at the beginning and will be there at the end.

Stewardship as a Lifestyle in the Aftermath of the 2024 Election

The 2024 election season has ended, leaving many people feeling a range of emotions—relief, disappointment, frustration, or even uncertainty. We’ve seen heated debates, polarized opinions, and strong sentiments from both sides. As the dust settles, questions seem to linger: How could a Christian vote for this candidate? How could a Christian support that policy? These familiar questions surface every election cycle, revealing deep divisions not just in our nation, but often within our communities of faith.

But today, I’d like us to focus on a different question: How can we, as Christians, not live as stewards of everything God has given us, regardless of who occupies the White House? Our calling as followers of Christ goes far beyond political allegiances or the outcome of any election. It’s a call to live faithfully, to be wise stewards of what God has entrusted to us, reflecting His priorities in every aspect of our lives.

The political landscape may shift, but our mission remains unchanged.

A Life Laid on the Altar

In Romans 12:1-2, the Apostle Paul challenges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, calling this our spiritual act of worship. This is where true stewardship begins—not with our possessions, but with our very selves. Stewardship is about much more than money, time, or talents; it’s about offering our whole lives to God, surrendering our plans, desires, and even our anxieties about the future.

The nature of sacrifice is that it isn’t comfortable. It requires us to give what we hold dear, to lay down our fears and our need for control. Whether our preferred candidate won or lost, whether we feel hopeful or disillusioned about the direction of our country, the call remains the same: to place our lives on the altar as a living sacrifice. It’s an ongoing act of surrender, a daily commitment to live according to God’s will rather than our own.

Stewardship means asking ourselves, *What part of my life have I withheld from God’s altar?* It’s easy to give what we can spare, but true stewardship begins when we lay down what we cherish most. Perhaps for some of us, it’s the comfort of certainty or the security of a particular political outcome. For others, it might be the need to be right or to have our opinions validated. Whatever it is, stewardship requires us to offer it all to God, trusting Him to do with it what He sees fit.

The Transformation of the Mind

Romans 12:2 continues: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” The world has a mold it wants us to fit into—a mold shaped by fear, division, and a relentless pursuit of power. It pressures us to conform, to see everything through the lens of partisanship, to reduce our identity to the candidate we support or the policies we endorse. But Paul’s words are a stark reminder that we are called to resist this pressure.

The transformation Paul speaks of is not a one-time event. It’s a continual process of renewing our minds, a daily decision to let God reshape the way we think. In the wake of the election, this renewal might mean letting go of bitterness, releasing our grip on the need to win arguments, or choosing to love our neighbors regardless of their political views. Stewarding our minds means guarding against the subtle influences that draw us away from God’s truth, whether they come from social media, news outlets, or conversations filled with hostility.

Renewing our minds requires the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the people of God. Scripture helps us see beyond the narrow scope of our political preferences and reminds us of the larger story God is writing. Prayer connects us to God’s heart, grounding us in His wisdom rather than our own. And community challenges us, pushing us to reflect Christ rather than conforming to the world’s divisive patterns.

The Will of God: Our True North

In the second half of Romans 12:2, Paul tells us that by renewing our minds, we will be able to discern what is the will of God—what is good, acceptable, and perfect. Discernment isn’t easy. It requires patience, humility, and a willingness to walk through uncertainty. It’s tempting to believe that God’s will aligns perfectly with our own political desires, that His plans match our vision for the country. But Paul reminds us that God’s will is *perfect,* even when it doesn’t look like what we had hoped for.

Stewarding our lives means holding our plans lightly and trusting that God’s view is bigger than ours. It means recognizing that our true allegiance is not to a party or a platform but to the Kingdom of God. In times of uncertainty, we may feel like we’re navigating through fog, unsure of the next step. But God’s will is our true north, the guiding line that keeps us steady, leading us forward even when the road is unclear.

Conclusion: Living Out Our Faith Beyond Politics

As Christians, we are called to a higher standard than what the world offers us. Our calling is not dependent on election results, and our faith should not be defined by the party we support. Whether we find ourselves celebrating or grieving in the wake of this election, our mission is the same: to live as faithful stewards of all that God has given us, to lay our lives on the altar, and to pursue His will above all else.

I am reminded of a trip my family once took to the mountains of West Virginia. One night, the fog was so thick that my dad could barely see the road. He opened his car door and, inch by inch, guided us forward by keeping his eyes on the yellow line painted in the middle of the road. That yellow line became his point of reference, his true north in the midst of uncertainty.

In the same way, God’s will is like that yellow line for us. When the fog of division and political tension obscures our vision, when the future feels uncertain, His will is our steady guide. It shows us the way forward, reminding us of our true calling as stewards of the lives He has given us.

So today, let’s commit to being faithful stewards. Let’s lay ourselves on the altar, renewing our minds and seeking God’s will as our true north. This is our spiritual act of worship. This is what it means to live as followers of Christ, no matter who sits in the Oval Office.

I’m deeply grateful to my long-time friend Jim for his kind words about *Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments.* In the storm, we learn to take up our cross, yield to God’s will, and discover hope. Thank you, Jim, for capturing the heart of the book.

If you’re struggling with the burdens of life, maybe Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments is for you too. You can get it on Amazon, either as an eBook or a paperback. Grab an extra copy while you're at it—maybe someone you know needs it more than they realize. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd

And if it speaks to you, I’d love for you to leave a review on Amazon. Your thoughts help Embracing Gethsemane find its way into the hands of more people who need it.

Let’s keep pushing through the hard times together.

Jim
The Chaplain Writer
www.thechaplainwriter.com

Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health in Christian Communities

There’s a kind of silence in many churches. You can feel it, thick as fog, pressing down like an unspoken weight. It knows the truth but refuses to speak it. The kind of silence that tells you to keep walking, don’t ask, don’t say a word. When it comes to mental health in the Christian community, this silence has had its grip on us for far too long. We’ve let fear and shame twist our understanding of what it means to struggle, to be unwell in mind, as if it’s some kind of failure—some kind of weakness.

I’ve been in those pews, seen the faces, bright with Sunday smiles, and wondered how many were just barely holding on. But we don’t talk about it, do we? Mental health—it’s either a problem of faith or worse, a personal flaw. How many times have we heard it? *Pray harder. Trust God more. You’ll be fine.*

But I’ve read the scriptures. I see something different in them. David, crying out in the Psalms: *“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?”* (Psalm 42:11). This is a man after God’s own heart. A man who knew God deeply. And yet, he felt that darkness. He wasn’t ashamed to speak it out, to lay his despair bare before God. Even Jesus, in the garden, sweat falling like blood. His agony was not hidden, and there was no shame in it. It was honesty.

The truth we’ve been too afraid to face is this: mental illness isn’t a matter of weak faith. Struggling with anxiety, with depression, with any number of mental health battles—these things don’t mean you’ve lost your way with God. Just like our bodies can fail us, so can our minds. But the church? It’s been slow to see this. We’ve kept it all in the dark, preferring to ignore it, to pretend it’s not there.

But we can’t keep quiet any longer. We’ve got to start talking. We’ve got to make room in our churches for people to say, *I’m not okay.* That’s what the church should be—a place of healing, not a place to hide. Paul said it himself, *“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”* (Galatians 6:2). And that includes mental burdens. That includes the weight we can’t see but feel in our bones.

It starts with leadership. Pastors and elders, they’ve got to speak about it. From the pulpit. In small groups. In every corner of the church. They’ve got to make it clear—there’s no shame in struggling. Set up the support systems, bring in the counselors, create spaces where people can be real with their pain. The message is simple: you are not alone. Your struggles do not make you any less loved by God.

Silence isn’t an option anymore. If we believe in a God who heals, we have to believe in a God who sees every part of our pain—mental and physical. And it’s on us to be His hands and feet in this world. To offer compassion, not judgment. Understanding, not shame. Breaking the stigma isn’t just about talking. It’s about changing the way we love.

And love, real love, can’t leave room for silence.

If you’re searching for some light in those dark corners of life, maybe Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments is for you. You can get it on Amazon, either as an eBook or a paperback. Grab an extra copy while you're at it—maybe someone you know needs it more than they realize. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd

And if it speaks to you, I’d love for you to leave a review on Amazon. Your thoughts help Embracing Gethsemane find its way into the hands of more people who need it.

Let’s keep pushing through the hard times together.

Jim
The Chaplain Writer
www.thechaplainwriter.com

Strength in the Struggle: A Reflection on the Song "Bones" by The Bergamot

The song "Bones" by the music group The Bergamot, was released during World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day in 2019. The opening lyrics are the words Nathaniel Hoff, one of the members of The Bergamot, spoke to his brother when he was released from the hospital after an unsuccessful suicide attempt.  These lyrics resonate with our human condition and the weight we often bear in life.

Bones: The Framework for Bearing Burdens

The imagery of "bones" in the song represents structure and strength. Just as physical bones provide a framework for our body, spiritually, we need an inner foundation to carry life's burdens. Without bones—without spiritual strength and resilience—we crumble under the world’s weight. This echoes the words of Jesus when He speaks of building our lives on the rock: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). Christ is the foundation upon which we stand, and it is through Him that we find the strength to carry on.

Without this foundation, your burdens feel impossible to carry. But with the strength that God provides, you can endure and grow stronger. Just as bones are strengthened through resistance, your spiritual life is fortified through trials. James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

The Weight of Stone: When Wings Can’t Fly

The second metaphor in the song speaks of wings made of stone—a powerful image of feeling trapped, unable to rise above the challenges of life. Many of us know this feeling. Our circumstances weigh us down, making it feel impossible to move forward, much less soar.

In Isaiah 40:31, we find a promise of renewed strength: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” When our wings feel like stone, it’s because we’re trying to carry burdens we were never meant to bear on our own. God offers us the wings of eagles, not to escape our struggles, but to rise above them in His strength.

The Call to Let Go

At the heart of this reflection is a call to surrender. The burdens we carry are not ours alone. Jesus invites us to lay our burdens at His feet: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). We often resist this, trying to carry the weight ourselves, yet only when we surrender can we experience the freedom that Christ offers.

As I reflect on these lyrics, I am reminded that my strength is not in my ability to bear burdens, but in the One who bears them for me.

You and I cannot fly with wings of stone, but when we trust in God, He exchanges our stone wings for wings of faith. This trust, this surrender, allows us to rise above the weight of our trials and experience the freedom only He can give.

Finding Strength in Christ

The lyrics of "Bones" beautifully illustrate the tension between the weight of life’s burdens and the strength that comes from faith. We know that our bones are strengthened by the trials we endure, and our wings—our hope and trust in God—are renewed when we surrender to Him.

Let us, therefore, carry our burdens in the strength of Christ, trusting that in our weakness, His power is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9). And when the weight feels unbearable, remember that you do not walk this journey alone. He is with you, giving you the strength to stand, to soar, and to overcome.

If you’re struggling with the burdens of life, maybe Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments is for you too. You can get it on Amazon, either as an eBook or a paperback. Grab an extra copy while you're at it—maybe someone you know needs it more than they realize. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd

And if it speaks to you, I’d love for you to leave a review on Amazon. Your thoughts help Embracing Gethsemane find its way into the hands of more people who need it.

Let’s keep pushing through the hard times together.

Jim
The Chaplain Writer
www.thechaplainwriter.com

Sometimes, we stumble upon metaphors that give clarity to our struggles. For me, it was the image of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judy, a friend from Bible College, shared how my book gave her a new perspective on her own Gethsemane moment—the hardest yet most transformative time in her life. I realized that in my own darkest moments, I too sought the strength Jesus showed in the garden, not by avoiding the pain, but by facing it with trust and surrender. It was there that I began to understand what it means to navigate life's challenges through His example and sustaining power.

If you seek guidance and comfort from Scripture during life's challenges, Embracing Gethsemane may be just what you need. 🙏

You can get your copy of the eBook or paperback on Amazon, and consider grabbing an extra one for a friend who could also benefit. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd

If you enjoy the book, please leave a review on Amazon. Your feedback helps Embracing Gethsemane reach and inspire more readers.

Let's support each other and face life’s challenges together. 💪❤️

Jim
The Chaplain Writer
www.thechaplainwriter.com

My good friend, Pastor Perry Messick of First Baptist Church in Collingdale, PA, recently bought a copy of "Embracing Gethsemane"". His choice to dive into the pages of this work speaks volumes about the heart of a pastor who desires to understand the depths of suffering that his congregation faces. In ministry, there are few moments as profound as the ones where you walk alongside your flock through their own personal Gethsemane moments—the times when life seems unbearable, and the weight of the world presses heavy on their souls.

Embracing Gethsemane" equips pastors like Perry with the language of compassion and the insight needed to walk with those enduring life's darkest trials. In these moments, where hope flickers but seems far off, a pastor with a shepherd’s heart can guide his people, helping them see that the path through the garden, though filled with sorrow, leads to a greater hope beyond. Perry’s decision to read this book reminds me that the role of a pastor is not just to preach but to carry the burdens of others, to sit with them in the darkness, and to lead them, by example, toward the light.

You can get your copy of the eBook or paperback on Amazon, and consider grabbing an extra one for a friend who could also benefit. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd

If you enjoy the book, please leave a review on Amazon. Your feedback helps "Embracing Gethsemane" reach and inspire more readers.

Let's support each other and face life’s challenges together. 💪❤️

Jim
The Chaplain Writer

www.thechaplainwriter.com

Thanks for Supporting Independent, Self-Published Authors!

Brenda bought my book on Amazon and brought it to Stagecoach Road Christian Fellowship yesterday morning for me to sign. I'm grateful for friends like Brenda who support independent, self-published authors. I also pray she finds encouragement as she reads it.

If you seek guidance and comfort from Scripture during life's challenges, this book may be just what you need. 🙏

You can get your copy of the eBook or paperback on Amazon, and consider grabbing an extra one for a friend who could benefit as well. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd

If you enjoy the book, please leave a review on Amazon. Your feedback helps Embracing Gethsemane reach and inspire more readers.

Let's support each other and face life’s challenges together. 💪❤️

Jim
The Chaplain Writer
www.thechaplainwriter.com

Embracing Gethsemane: Finding Strength in Life’s Darkest Moments

There are moments in life when the weight of the world feels unbearable, when our hearts are crushed under the pressure of an inescapable decision, when suffering looms like an unwelcome storm. These moments, which I call "Gethsemane moments," echo the night in the Garden where Jesus faced His own agony, wrestling with His Father’s will. In the garden’s dark stillness, Jesus wrestled with the deepest fears and pain. He knew what awaited Him, and yet, in His anguish, He chose submission to God’s plan. These moments are not confined to history or scripture—they find their way into each of our lives, demanding decisions that will alter the course of our future, defining our faith in ways we could have never predicted.

Gethsemane moments are not simply the trials of life. They are those crucibles where we come face to face with the reality of God’s will and our human frailty. They are the midnight hours when we pray for the cup to pass but know it will not. It’s in these moments that our faith is refined, where we learn that strength is not the absence of struggle but the endurance to stand in the midst of it. As we walk the narrow path, we must look to Jesus in the garden, for He alone shows us how to embrace Gethsemane.

Understanding Gethsemane Moments 

A Gethsemane moment isn’t just a difficult season or a hard decision—it’s a moment when our soul is laid bare, and we wrestle with God Himself. It is where our deepest fears surface, where we realize that what we want most may not align with what God has planned. We plead for another way, for a different path, only to hear the echo of silence, calling us to trust.

In the garden, Jesus knew what lay ahead. The cross. The scorn. The abandonment. He knew the physical and spiritual torment that awaited Him, and the thought was overwhelming. Scripture tells us that His sweat became like drops of blood (Luke 22:44). The weight of it all crushed Him in that moment, just as we feel the crushing weight of our own Gethsemane moments. Fear, anxiety, loneliness, even the desire to flee—these emotions are part of our humanity, just as they were part of Jesus’ humanity.

But Gethsemane is more than just a place of fear. It is a place of choice. Jesus could have walked away. He could have chosen to spare Himself the agony of the cross. Yet, He didn’t. He chose to stay, to submit to the Father’s will, to endure what lay ahead. Our Gethsemane moments bring us to that same place of decision. Will we stay and trust God’s plan, or will we run, seeking comfort in something other than His will?

Lessons from Jesus in Gethsemane 

We find the roadmap for navigating our own Gethsemane moments In Jesus’ actions. The first lesson is one of submission. Jesus prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). It’s a prayer of both desperation and surrender. He wasn’t denying His own desires; He was expressing them fully, but ultimately, He placed His trust in the Father’s will. In our Gethsemane moments, we must come to that same place. We bring our pain, our fear, our desire for another way, but we must ultimately surrender to God’s will, knowing that His plans are higher than ours, even when they lead through suffering.

The second lesson we learn is the power of honest prayer. Jesus didn’t hold back in His prayers; He was vulnerable, pouring out His heart to the Father. Too often, we approach prayer with pretense, hiding our true feelings, as if God cannot handle our anguish. But the garden teaches us that God invites us into honest dialogue. He is not offended by our fears or our doubts. He welcomes them. In our darkest moments, we are called to follow Jesus’ example, to lay everything before the Father in raw, unfiltered prayer.

Jesus also teaches us the importance of community, even in our deepest trials. He brought His disciples with Him, asking them to stay awake and pray with Him. Though they failed Him, falling asleep when He needed them most, their presence still mattered. We are not meant to face our Gethsemane moments in isolation. We need others to stand with us, to pray for us when we can no longer find the words. Community, imperfect as it may be, provides a tangible reminder of God’s presence with us.

Applying Gethsemane Moments to Modern Life

We all have our own Gethsemane moments. For some, it might be the diagnosis of a terminal illness, the sudden loss of a loved one, or the collapse of a marriage. For others, it might be the quiet, internal wrestling with God’s direction for your life—a call to ministry, a decision to move across the country, or the conviction to confront an injustice. These moments are deeply personal, yet they share a common thread: the tension between our desires and God’s will.

How, then, do we navigate these moments? First, we cultivate a heart of prayer. But not just any prayer—the kind of prayer that is raw and honest. The kind of prayer that doesn’t sugarcoat the pain. In our prayers, we are invited to speak plainly to God, to tell Him exactly how we feel. But we must also learn to listen, to seek His will, and to align our hearts with His purpose. It’s in prayer that we find the strength to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

Second, we seek God’s guidance and wisdom. We may not always understand His plans, but we can trust in His sovereignty. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Trusting God’s wisdom means letting go of our need for control, surrendering our plans, and embracing His purpose, even when the path is unclear.

Finally, we must embrace surrender and trust. This doesn’t mean we resign ourselves to suffering without hope. On the contrary, surrendering to God’s will opens the door to deeper peace and purpose. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we surrender to God’s will, we find a peace that surpasses all understanding—a peace that comes from knowing we are in the hands of a loving Father.

Finding Strength and Comfort in Gethsemane

Gethsemane moments are not just about endurance; they are opportunities for transformation. It is in these moments that we come to know God more intimately. We learn to rely on His strength, rather than our own. We develop resilience, not by avoiding suffering, but by trusting in God’s presence through it. As Psalm 23:4 reminds us, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

In my book, Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments, I share stories of people who have walked through their valleys, who faced their Gethsemane moments and emerged stronger for it. One such story is of a man who, facing terminal illness, found peace not in the promise of physical healing, but in the assurance that God would care for his family better than he ever could. His Gethsemane moment was not about avoiding death, but about embracing God’s will and trusting in His care.

In our own lives, we too can find strength and comfort by embracing our Gethsemane moments. It is not easy, and it is not without pain. But as we surrender to God’s will, we find that He provides the strength we need to endure, the comfort we need to persevere, and the hope we need to keep going.

A Call to Action for the Church

The church has a vital role to play in supporting those who are walking through their own Gethsemane moments. Too often, we treat suffering as something to be fixed or avoided, rather than something to be embraced as part of God’s refining work. But if we are to follow Jesus’ example, we must learn to sit with others in their pain, to offer presence rather than solutions, and to pray with them as they wrestle with God’s will.

Churches must become places of refuge for those in the midst of their Gethsemane moments. This means creating a culture of openness, where people feel safe to share their struggles without fear of judgment. It means fostering empathy, where we listen to others’ pain without trying to fix it. And it means becoming a community of prayer, where we regularly intercede for one another, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see it.

In my own ministry, I have seen the power of community to transform lives. When the church steps into the pain of its people, offering presence and prayer, it becomes a reflection of Christ’s love in the world. It becomes a place where people can find strength and comfort in their darkest moments.

Gethsemane moments will come. They are inevitable in this life. But they are not moments to be feared. They are moments where we have the opportunity to grow, to trust, and to align ourselves with God’s will. Jesus’ example in the Garden shows us the way. He teaches us to pray honestly, to trust deeply, and to surrender fully.

As you face your own Gethsemane moments, remember that you are not alone. God is with you in the garden, offering strength for the journey ahead. Embrace these moments, knowing that they are not the end, but the beginning of a deeper walk with your Savior.

 If you're seeking guidance and comfort from Scripture during life's toughest moments, Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments could be just what you need. 🙏

You can grab your copy of the eBook or paperback on Amazon. And why not pick up an extra one for a friend who could benefit from it too? Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd

If you enjoy the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Your feedback helps Embracing Gethsemane reach and inspire more readers.

Let’s inspire one another and navigate life’s toughest moments together. 💪❤️

Jim

The Chaplain Writer

Questions and Answers

This is another in a series of Q & A posts based upon my book Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments.

What makes Embracing Gethsemane unique compared to other books on suffering and hardship?

Answer: Embracing Gethsemane is unique because it doesn’t shy away from the reality of pain and suffering but also doesn’t leave readers there. It’s a raw and honest exploration of life’s darkest moments, anchored in the hope and guidance found in Jesus’ journey through Gethsemane. The book uses biblical narratives to provide practical and spiritual tools for navigating these times with faith and resilience, making it a resource that resonates deeply with both the head and the heart.

If you're seeking guidance and comfort from Scripture during life's toughest moments, this book could be just what you need.

You can grab your copy of the eBook or paperback on Amazon. And why not pick up an extra one for a friend who could benefit from it too? Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd

If you enjoy the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Your feedback helps Embracing Gethsemane reach and inspire more readers.

Let’s inspire one another and navigate life’s toughest moments together. 💪❤️

Jim

The Chaplain Writer

www.thechaplainwriter.com

Questions and Answers

I’m excited to begin to share some Q&A’s based on my book, "Embracing Gethsemane". The book may spark some thoughtful conversations about finding strength in the darkest moments of life. I’ll be posting questions and answers that explore these questions and more. I hope these reflections help you on your journey, whatever Gethsemane you may be facing. I encourage you to follow along and let’s walk this path together.

Question: What inspired you to write "Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments”?

Answer: I was inspired by the struggle we all face during those intense, dark moments in life when the weight of the world seems unbearable. In these moments, I’ve found profound strength and guidance in the Gethsemane experience of Jesus. His agony in the garden speaks to our battles with fear, doubt, and surrender. This book was born from my desire to help others find comfort and direction in their own Gethsemane moments by reflecting on Christ's example.

If you're seeking guidance and comfort from Scripture during life's toughest moments, this book could be just what you need. 🙏

You can grab your copy of the eBook or paperback on Amazon. And why not pick up an extra one for a friend who could benefit from it too? Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd

If you enjoy the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Your feedback helps Embracing Gethsemane reach and inspire more readers.

Let’s inspire one another and navigate life’s toughest moments together. 💪❤️

Jim
The Chaplain Writer
www.thechaplainwriter.com

These are our friends Jim and Mary Barron. They started attending Stagecoach Road Christian Fellowship earlier this year, and Mary was baptized at our Baptism at the Beach in Ocean City not long ago.

They bought a copy of my book, Embracing Gethsemane, and asked me to sign it. I’m grateful to see couples like Jim and Mary who plan to read the book together.

If you’re searching for some light in those dark corners of life, maybe this book is for you too. You can get it on Amazon, either as an eBook or a paperback. Grab an extra copy while you're at it—maybe someone you know needs it more than they realize. Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd

And if it speaks to you, I’d love for you to leave a review on Amazon. Your thoughts help Embracing Gethsemane find its way into the hands of more people who need it.

Let’s keep pushing through the hard times together.

Jim
The Chaplain Writer
www.thechaplainwriter.com

Finding God In Nick Cave’s New Album “Wild God”

Wild God, the new album by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, dropped on August 30. I’ve been playing it nonstop, and it’s driving my wife up the wall.

Wild God speaks to me as a Christian, offering comfort amid life’s struggles. His lyrics touch on the ache of suffering, that shared space of pain I’ve often wrestled with myself. He does not gloss over the shadows but looks them straight in the eye. There’s a truth there that validates the human experience, a reminder that faith doesn’t mean escaping sorrow. I hear him swing between doubt and hope, and I find a strange encouragement in that honesty. In his searching, I see reflections of my journey, finding light, even if dim, in the dark.

Wild God continues his exploration of spiritual themes, often blurring the lines between faith and doubt. While the album is rich in Christian imagery and reflections on the same, it does not necessarily signify a conversion to traditional Christianity. Instead, Cave's work appears to engage with Christianity as a source of existential questioning and poetic inspiration.

Wild God swings between moments of deep doubt and expressions of a kind of spiritual ecstasy, using religious language and metaphors in a way that reflects his struggles with grief and loss, particularly following the deaths of his sons. The album doesn't align neatly with any orthodox belief system; instead, it embraces ambiguity, allowing Cave to explore themes of suffering, love, and transcendence without committing to a definitive theological stance. (Sources: Mojo4Music, The Independent, UnHerd).

For Christians, Wild God offers a chance to see how someone outside the traditional Christian community grapples with the big questions of life, death, and the possibility of God’s presence. Cave seems to be "searching" rather than settling on any firm dogma, illustrating a journey many might find relatable. His reflections invite listeners to consider the transformative power of love, the inevitability of mortality, and the human desire for meaning amidst suffering.

Cave's use of religious themes is more than advocating a specific belief but rather about using the language of faith to probe deep existential questions. The album provides a perspective on how doubt, suffering, and spiritual yearning can coexist, offering Christians an opportunity to think deeply about their faith and God’s presence or perceived absence in the world around them (Sources: Mojo4Music, UnHerd).

I write about similar struggles in my book Embracing Gethsemane. If you're seeking guidance and comfort from Scripture during life's toughest moments, this book could be just what you need. 🙏

You can grab your copy of the eBook or paperback on Amazon. And why not pick up an extra one for a friend who could benefit from it too? Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd

If you enjoy the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Your feedback helps Embracing Gethsemane reach and inspire more readers.

Let’s inspire one another and navigate life’s toughest moments together. 💪❤️

Jim
The Chaplain Writer

Ask Me A Question!

If you’ve read "Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments," you may have found yourself with questions or thoughts that arose from its content. At the end of each chapter, I’ve included discussion questions to help you reflect on the material, but I understand that you might have additional questions or insights you’d like to explore further.

I invite you to share those questions with me. Whether it’s something you’re pondering from the book or a related topic on navigating life’s challenges, I’m here to help. You can email your questions directly to me, and with your permission, I’ll share your question and my response on the blog for others to benefit from as well. If you’d prefer a private response, I’m happy to reply to you personally via email.

I hope that this space will grow into a community where we can all share thoughts, questions, and words of encouragement. Let’s support one another in our journeys, inspired by the lessons we’re learning from "Embracing Gethsemane.". I look forward to hearing from you and engaging in meaningful conversations that uplift and strengthen our shared faith.

Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m just an email away. My email is jim@thechaplainwriter.com.

If you're seeking guidance and comfort from Scripture during life's toughest moments, "Embracing Gethsemane" could be just what you need. 🙏

You can grab your copy of the eBook or paperback on Amazon. And why not pick up an extra one for a friend who could benefit from it too? Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd

If you enjoy the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Your feedback helps "Embracing Gethsemane" reach and inspire more readers.

Let’s inspire one another and navigate life’s toughest moments together. 💪❤️

Jim�
The Chaplain Writer
www.thechaplainwriter.com

Recommending "Embracing Gethsemane" to others

When you come across a book that moves you, that speaks to your soul, there's value in sharing it with others. Especially when that book comes from an independent, self-published author. These works are often born from passion, from a place of deep conviction, and they carry with them the unique voice of the writer. Recommending such a book isn't just about the content; it's about supporting those who step out in faith, who believe they have something worth saying.

I want to thank Dwighd for recommending *Embracing Gethsemane* to others. Your support means the world to me, and I’m honored that you found value in the book. Thank you for helping spread the message of hope and faith in navigating life's darkest moments. 🙏

If you’re looking for a book that dives deep into the guidance and comfort found in Scripture during life’s most challenging moments, *Embracing Gethsemane* might be just what you need. 🙏

If you're interested, you can get a copy of the eBook or paperback on Amazon. Consider buying an extra copy for a friend who might enjoy it too. Here's the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd   

And please, don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon! Your reviews make a huge difference in helping the book reach more readers.

Let’s inspire one another and navigate life’s toughest moments together. 💪❤️

Jim

The Chaplain Writer

Pastor, are you finding your strength in Jesus?

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced unimaginable anguish yet chose God's will over His own. Pastors, in your moments of struggle, draw strength from Jesus' example, trusting that His grace is sufficient for every trial you face.

I explore these ideas and more in my book, Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life’s Darkest Moments.

If you're interested, you can get your copy of either the eBook or paperback on Amazon. This is the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd   

Join me on the "Embracing Gethsemane Book Tour"! Here’s how you can participate:

1. Snap a photo with your copy of the book.

2. Post it on Facebook or Instagram with your location and the hashtag #EGBookTour, or email it to jim@thechaplainwriter.com.

3. Share your thoughts, lessons, or insights from the book. I’d love to hear about your “Embracing Gethsemane Journey.”

And please, don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon! Your reviews make a huge difference in helping the book reach more readers.

Let’s inspire one another and navigate life’s toughest moments together. 💪❤️

Jim

The Chaplain Writer

www.thechaplainwriter.com

Gratitude and the Journey of Creation: Sharing My Book with Those Who Helped Shape It

I’m mailing out copies of my book to those who walked with me through its many drafts. These are the folks who took the time to read and reflect, who didn’t shy away from telling me what worked and what didn’t. Their insights were like gold, shaping the book into something truer, something more real. I owe them a debt I can never fully repay, but I can send this small token of gratitude.

Writing a book is a solitary endeavor, but the act of refining it, of sharpening its edges and smoothing its rough spots, that takes a community. It takes a group of readers willing to wade through the muck and mire of early drafts, to see the potential in what is yet unfinished. They did this for me, and for that, I am grateful.

My editor, a Ph.D. in New Testament, wasn’t just there to catch the stray comma or the dangling participle. She dug deep into the heart of the book, challenging my ideas and pushing me to consider perspectives I hadn’t before. The concepts, the very foundation on which this book was built, were tested and strengthened under their keen eye. It’s a rare gift to find someone who can see both the forest and the trees, who understands the big picture but won’t let you get away with a single misplaced word. I was fortunate to find such an editor, and her contribution is woven into every page of this book.

There were times when the process felt endless when the weight of the words was almost too much to bear. But I wasn’t alone. I had my readers, my editor, and a God who guided me through each sentence, each chapter, each revision. This book is as much theirs as it is mine, and today I get to send them a piece of what we’ve created together.

I know that the book is something far better than what it could have been if I’d tried to go it alone. There’s wisdom in many voices, and I’ve been blessed to have those voices speak into this work.

So, to my readers, to my editor, and to God who gave me the strength to keep going, thank you. This book is the fruit of many hands and minds, and I’m honored to share it with you.

If you're interested, you can get your copy of either the eBook or paperback on Amazon. This is the link: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd   

Join me on the "Embracing Gethsemane Book Tour"! Here’s how you can participate:

1. Snap a photo with your copy of the book.

2. Post it on Facebook with your location and the hashtag #EGBookTour, or email it to jim@thechaplainwriter.com.

3. Share your thoughts, lessons, or insights from the book. I’d love to hear about your “Embracing Gethsemane Journey.”

And please, don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon! Your reviews make a huge difference in helping the book reach more readers.

Let’s inspire one another and navigate life’s toughest moments together. 💪❤️

Jim

The Chaplain Writer

www.thechaplainwriter.com

Embracing Gethsemane Book Tour Update

Last weekend, a friend in New Jersey sent me a photo of Embracing Gethsemane on their coffee table. She said she can’t wait to dive in once her husband reads it. #EGBooktour

If you're interested, you can get your copy of either the eBook or paperback on Amazon.

Join me on the "Embracing Gethsemane Book Tour"! Here’s how you can participate:

1. Snap a photo with your copy of the book.

2. Post it on Facebook with your location and the hashtag #EGBookTour, or email it to jim@thechaplainwriter.com.

3. Share your thoughts, lessons, or insights from the book. I’d love to hear about your “Embracing Gethsemane Journey.”

And please, don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon! Your reviews make a huge difference in helping the book reach more readers.

Let’s inspire one another and navigate life’s toughest moments together. 💪❤️

Jim

The Chaplain Writer

www.thechaplainwriter.com

Standing With God In Hard Situations

There was a time in my ministry when the weight of others' suffering was too much for me to bear. I would shy away from the hard moments, the times when a person’s world was falling apart. I convinced myself that there was nothing I could do, that I was only human, and what could a mere man do in the face of such devastation? I remember one instance where I completely failed to serve a member of the community who had just lost a loved one. I didn’t have the words, so I chose silence. I didn’t have the strength, so I chose absence. I ran. I failed.

But something changed in me after my own Gethsemane moment. That moment when I was brought to the edge of my abilities, where I could no longer rely on my strength, and where I faced a choice much like the one Jesus faced in that garden. Would I surrender to God’s will, or would I continue to try to shoulder burdens that were never mine to bear alone? It was in that moment of surrender that I found a peace that has stayed with me ever since. It was in that moment I learned not to run.

Now, when I stand beside someone in their darkest hour, I do not stand there alone. I know that God is there, too, fully present, fully capable of carrying the weight that no human should have to bear alone. I do not fear these moments anymore because I know that God can handle them, and in His hands, all things find their proper place.

In the introduction to Embracing Gethsemane, I wrote about a member of our church who was facing the end of his life. He was a man who wrestled with God, knowing that his time was short and that he would soon have to leave his family behind. But in that wrestling, he found peace. He came to understand that as much as he loved his family, God loved them more. He realized that God could take better care of his wife and children than he ever could. That peace didn’t come easily, but it came surely, and it stayed with him until the end.

That man’s journey taught me something invaluable. It taught me that our Gethsemane moments are not about finding our own strength but about surrendering to God’s. They are about reaching the end of ourselves and finding that God is more than sufficient to meet our need. They are about facing the impossible and trusting that all things are possible with God.

So now, I don’t run. I stand, not in my strength, but in the strength of the One who has overcome the world. I stand beside those who suffer, knowing that I am not the answer, but that I know the One who is. And that has made all the difference in my ministry, in my life, and in how I walk with others through their darkest hours. Because in those moments, I have learned to embrace my own Gethsemane, trusting in the God who is always there, who is always enough.

If you’re interested, you can grab a copy of the paperback on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4d13EDd

Join the "Embracing Gethsemane Book Tour" with me! Here’s how you can participate:

1. Snap a photo with your copy of the book.

2. Post it on Facebook with your location and the hashtag #EGBooktour, or email it to jim@thechaplainwriter.com.

3. Share your thoughts, lessons, or insights from the book. I’d love to hear about your “Embracing Gethsemane Journey.”

Don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon! Your reviews help improve the book’s visibility and support authors immensely.

Let’s inspire each other and navigate life’s toughest moments together. 💪❤️

Jim

The Chaplain Writer

Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life's Darkest Moments - Paperback Edition Update

I have some exciting news to share with you all. I have just received the proof of the paperback edition of "Embracing Gethsemane: Navigating Life's Darkest Moments." It's been a long journey to get here, but holding this proof in my hands is a moment I've been looking forward to for quite some time.

This book has been a labor of love. I've poured my heart and soul into these pages, drawing on personal experiences, deep reflections, and the wisdom I've gathered over the years. "Embracing Gethsemane" is about finding hope in the darkest of times, much like Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane. It's a guide for anyone walking through their own valleys, seeking comfort and direction.

If all goes as expected, the book should be available for purchase by the end of the month. I will definitely let you know as soon as it is available. I can't wait to share it with you and hope it brings as much peace and understanding to you as it has brought to me while writing it.

There are many people I need to thank for helping me bring this book to life. Most of them are listed in the Acknowledgement section, but I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to everyone who supported and encouraged me along the way. Your faith in this project and your unwavering support have meant the world to me.

As I hold this proof, I am reminded of the countless hours spent writing, editing, and refining. The late nights, the moments of doubt, and the breakthroughs that made it all worthwhile. Each page is a testament to perseverance and the power of faith.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your support and encouragement have been invaluable. I look forward to sharing "Embracing Gethsemane" with you soon and hearing your thoughts on it. Please stay tuned for the official release announcement.

Until then, take care and keep faith.