Like you, I’ve had times when I needed courage for big problems that delivered big fears. There was the time our first grandson spent months in the NICU. And the one when Rev was sick for over a year with constrictive pericarditis. There have also been losses that changed everything and caused persistent grief. …
What’s your heart’s desire? David wrote: “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.” Psalm 37:4 I used to really struggle with that verse . . . especially during a season when God was not giving me what I believed to be my heart’s desire. I had faith. I was a…
How often do you pause to think about how awesome and wonderful God is? The Bible says: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true… 2 Timothy 3:16a He wants us to KNOW Him . . . He wants us to know His character, what He has done…
There’s a battle going on inside each of us. A battle for our peace of mind. It’s true, the enemy would love to rob us of our eternal future, but if he can’t do that . . . he’ll work overtime to steal our current peace. And he’s a master at it. Jesus said… The…
Do you have things you consider “keepers”? Things you know you couldn’t leave behind if you were told to evacuate your home or community? I think we all have photos and other treasures we cherish. But I think our greatest treasures are the people we love. Did you know that God considers you a “keeper”? You…
What do you do when you need help? Not help with the kids or help around the house. But help with your emotions. What do you do when your heart hurts? When you’re worried? When you’re afraid? Overwhelmed? Upset? Frustrated? Sad? Lonely? Stressed? I wish I could say, I always run to Jesus first ….
Do you remember Eric Liddell’s famous quote from Chariot’s of Fire? “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast!And when I run I feel His pleasure.” ~Eric Liddell That’s not me. I am not fast. I was the kid that was picked last for every team. But… I do have…
Have you ever read the following verses and wondered if your prayers are God-pleasing? We are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. 1 John 5:14–15…
Is it just me, or does it seem like the enemy of our souls is working overtime to keep us all anxious and afraid? Jesus said: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to…
I don’t know about you, but this is the time of year when I really need a bit of encouragement. The fun of the holidays is long past, the anticipation of the new year has fallen into a winter routine, the resolutions I believed would be good habits are sporadic at best, and well, it’s…
If someone asked you what it really means to believe in Jesus, how would you answer? Most of us have read or heard the verse: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in…
What frightens you? Illness? Heights? Confined spaces? Flying? Rejection? Failure? __________? Have you ever been afraid of the disapproval of friends, family, coworkers, or the people with whom you interact on social media? Paul had something to say to Timothy about that . . . well, maybe not the social media part although I think…
I can be really hard on myself. I’m critical of my appearance and beat myself up over my failures to trust and obey God’s will. The enemy of our souls is constantly reminding me of all the ways I’m not measuring up. Please tell me I’m not alone. I need a constant reminder of who…
Do you worry about the future? Do you find yourself imagining what-if or thinking I can’t? I’ve been trying to imagine what it must have been like for the wilderness wanderers as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. 40 years earlier their parents had planted seeds of doubt and fear of the things they’d…
I used to think that God’s love for me was determined by my behavior. That a better attitude and actions would result in God’s greater love and a better life. Now, while it’s true that living in obedience may prevent some of life’s immediate negative consequences . . . it’s not true that God’s love…
A few years ago, I made SEEK my word for the rest of my life. In fact, Rev bought me a bracelet that has the words SEEK FIRST written on it, based on the verse… Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 16:33 (NIV)…
God is always at work in our lives. I think many imagine God far away, sitting on a throne, looking down on this big blue orb called Earth. But the Bible tells us that He is as close to us as our next breath. ♥ Fear not, for I am with you. (Isaiah 41:10)♥ The…
Every time I sit down to write, I feel overwhelmed because I want everyone who visits this space to know how God can change their lives the way He’s changed mine. No matter how you are feeling . . . on top of the world or in the pits of despair, I want you to…
Happy New Year! I think many of us were thankful to turn the calendar page and start the new year. Each January 1st, we dream of new opportunities, fresh starts, and endless possibilities. Have you made your list of goals and resolutions for the year? Last year, I made it a goal to write a…
Happy New Year’s Eve Day! We made it! We’ve read and prayed the whole New Testament this year. When we began this journey in January, I was excited but a little nervous wondering if I’d be able to reach the goal. Today, I’m feeling overwhelmed and so very thankful and blessed. I’m thankful to the…
I’ll never forget the first time I saw this lesson… A pastor friend stood at the front of the congregation holding a tape measure. He looked out over the crowd and asked for a volunteer. He called a child up to the front and asked him to extend the tape just a quarter of an…
