I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. Jeremiah 32: 40-41 What I had to do was to decide if I would trust Him, even when my heart ached. We must learn... Read more
Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12: 10-12 In the midst of chaos, the Spirit often gives us a simple and clear mission, such as choosing to trust in God’s love, listening to another person, helping someone in his or her need, or preparing lunch. Your God has made you a partner in bringing his... Read more
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. Philippians 2: 14, 15 Gratitude never comes from avoiding difficulty but from finding yourself sustained through it. The degree of joy rises to the degree of gratitude, and the level of gratitude corresponds... Read more
Trust God at all times. Psalm 62: 8 I have little hope for a future brought about only or primarily by human endeavors and initiatives. I have great hope for a future brought about by a God who pulls us forward by surprises and spurts, ambushing us with so-beautifuls and blessing the best of our worst. Leonard Sweet I received word that someone I love dearly is facing yet another catastrophic event in her life. She doesn’t need... Read more
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. Psalm 16: 6 “When we are in deep trouble we long to see some rescuer appear…Suddenly, decisively, kindness appears. And it is not the kindness of soft words or a gentle smile but a strong act of intervention, a mighty deliverance.” Mel Lawrenz I have a friend who takes in strays. I’m talking people here, not the furry canine variety. Ever since we first became acquainted... Read more
Love and faithfulness meet together, righteousness and peace kiss each other. Psalm 85: 10 “An openness, when fitting, makes us a magnet for the people around us who are longing for just one person in their lives to be “real,” to listen to their story without raising an eyebrow, to let them weep without providing advice.” Carol Kent We have family and we have friends. If we’re blessed, our family members can also be our friends. More often... Read more
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29: 11 “You are capable of taking every situation in your life and representing it in a way that will lead to joy or to despair. The interpretation is in your hands.” Richard L. Ganz Some years ago, we were living next door to my husband’s elderly life-long bachelor second cousin (can you translate all that?) when he became seriously ill... Read more
O God, do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still. Psalm 83:1 Feelings, and feelings, and feelings. Let me try thinking instead. C. S. Lewis Dread. I’m feeling lots of it these days. There’s a conversation coming that I’d do just about anything to avoid. Wish I could. Wish I could. Wish I could. But in my heart of hearts, I know I have to summon up some backbone and the courage to... Read more
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. Psalm 139:1 “For all of us, there are inevitable moments when, even surrounded by loving family and friends, we feel invisible or go through something alone. A surgery, a divorce, a death, a failure. Those sleepless nights, those closet moments, those tears we shed in private.” Carolyn Custis James There are some... Read more
But I am trusting in you, O Lord, saying, ‘You are my God!’ My times are in your hands. Psalm 31: 14-15 “You cannot self-generate the necessary “heat” of affirmation, encouragement, and support that are gained from true friendship.” David McKinley There’s a fine woman I know well and she is struggling deeply. For whatever reason, this multi-talented midlife gal hasn’t yet found her niche in the workplace. From where I sit, I can see... Read more
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