“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 It was a simple, single word: “Hi!” But it was so symbolic. My neighbor, an Asian who spoke no English,…
Category: Challenges
Advice For the Wisest Man, Part II
“’I’m about to go the way of all the earth,’” he said, ‘So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires of you.’” I Kings 2:2 NIV Last week we began examining the advice King David gave his son Solomon, as he was about to become King. This…
Lessons From Tipper, Part II
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him and protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” Psalm 91:14 NIV Bright sunshine highlighting brilliant blue skies. Birds singing a jubilant chorus. The fresh scent of dew hanging in the air. At nine in the morning, tranquility was mine to be had in…
Words
“Lord, even before I speak a word, you know all about it.” Psalm 139:4 NIRV I read the words on the screen before me. They cut very deeply. I knew the judgment was not accurate but that didn’t quell the pain rising inside me. Anger flowed through my veins. But I knew my immediate…
Unmasked
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16: 7b NIV He walked into church, a trained smile upon his lips; one that never seemed to reach his eyes. No one wants to truly know what I…
Fighting Forgiveness
“I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better than they ever dreamed of.” John 10:10 The Message The plate was passed as a reflective silence descended upon us all. My mind focused on the prayer just offered by our speaker. To offer my life as a sacrifice. A living sacrifice….
Garden of ‘Even,’ Part II
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 Sin had officially entered the world. With all its pomp and circumstance came changes, lots of changes. But God was ready with a plan. Psalm…
Week-long Challenge
A Friendly Reminder: Today we start our week-long challenge to “Do Something.” Do something each day to encourage someone in your path. A kind compliment, a thank-you, a meal to someone who’s overwhelmed, the list of ideas goes on and on. Please share some of your ideas to spark others’ ideas. Let us all be…
For Rent
“My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you.” Isaiah 26: 8a Driving through the neighborhood this week, I was surprised by how many houses are advertised, “For Rent.” Having trouble selling, maybe the home owners have simply decided to rent their space out. How often do our…