“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:21 The Message It was warm and sunny, wonderful day. Much warmer than the day back home. I stared into the lush vegetation and beautiful blooms surrounding the amusement park. Enticing scents of funnel cakes and French fries wafted through the air. Giggles erupted beside…
Category: Faith
Shut In and Remembered
Genesis 8:1 “But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.” It was January in Michigan, cold, dark, and stormy. The young foreigner felt the weather matched her disposition: cold, dark, and…
Fear Not!
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. Luke 1:28-30, NIV The…
Charged
“Come to me all who are weary, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 Rushing, bustling through the season, I grabbed my coffee to jazz me up as I dialed up the volume of my radio. The DJ’s announcement was so unbelievable, I stopped in my tracks. Apparently, an Internet hoax has been circulating. …
Simple Shepherds, Intelligent Actions
“So, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion during the time of testing in the wilderness.’” Hebrews 3:7-8 Are you overwhelmed with how to fit in the time for spiritual activities? Maybe you are a mom with a new baby. …
Run-Flat Faith, Part II
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22 NIV Last week we defined a Run-Flat Faith: A Faith that sustains even when punctured and obstacles are thrown in its way. A faith that does not need a spare, and does not require a reevaluation in…
Run-Flat Faith, Part 1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him…
Lifting Leidy
“ and a little child will lead them.” Isaiah 11:6b Six-year-old Colette sat coloring at the kitchen table. She loved the feel of the markers in her hands. She loved the broad stripes of color she created with each stroke. And, she loved these oversized coloring sheets featuring her favorite character: Hello Kitty. As she decided on her…
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…
Can’t Sleep?
“In your anger do not sin, when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” Psalm 4:4 Tossing and turning in bed next to my husband, both my mind and my body refused to be still. As I again mulled over the words spoken in my presence, my feet fidgeted once…