God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 When we are facing troubles what is our default response? Do we look to God and his Word for our perfect and present help? Or do we succumb to the emotional roller coaster ride that swings between sudden distress and overwhelming panic? The Choice is Ours When life doesn’t make sense, God promises... Read more
In the post below, I’ve selected brief excerpts from my column which will help us to settle ourselves into a quiet and calm state of mind. We are all in need of these holy silent moments where we exhale our worries and burdens. We must learn to daily quiet our hearts by stepping out of the hustle and bustle so characteristic of this season. Instead of focusing on everything we must get done, all the gifts we still need... Read more
Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the Lord, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2: 11-13 Paul Tripp writes in his book, New... Read more
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12: 1-2 What does it mean... Read more
Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; you destroy those who tell... Read more
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4: 7, 8 In any battle against temptation, submission to God is essential. James, in his usual succinct style, tells fellow Christians that they must submit themselves to God first and foremost. As Christians bow their knee (both literally and figuratively) to God in submission and for help, he answers. James writes,... Read more
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have no rest. Yet you are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them. To You they cried out and were delivered; in You they trusted and were not... Read more
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. Psalm 108: 3-6,... Read more
The tongue has the power of life and death, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 One of the most important tools we can learn in this life is to grow into a good listener. What, you may ask, does listening have to do with speaking words that bring life rather than kill another’s spirit? A great deal. Consider the most recent conversation you had with someone when you felt understand and respected. I... Read more
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26: 3, 4 Yesterday I received a text alerting me that my oldest daughter was in a car accident which by no fault of hers completely totaled her car. An elderly man pulled out in front of her and though she immediately pressed on the brakes she... Read more
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