Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Depressed people, like all of us, are aware of kindness and love that is willing to sacrifice. Love always leaves its mark. As a result, depressed people who do best are cushioned by persevering love. Edward Welch We were standing in the church hallway after Sunday services when my good friend Jesse walked up... Read more
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 As we step ever closer to election day here in the United States, it seems as though everyone is feeling the stress of the unknown outcomes that will take place. Individuals on either side of the ballot box are facing potentially momentous changes. Thus, the question of the day (and every day) is this – where do I find my joy? For the election outcome will... Read more
The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. Isaiah 50: 4 We get up every morning and act upon what is to come, and because what is to come is sure, we know that our labor in God’s name in never in vain. So we wait and act. We wait and work. We wait... Read more
I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31: 7 It is beyond the realm of possibilities that one has the ability to out give God. Even if I give the whole of my worth to Him, He will find a way to give back to me much more than I gave. Charles Spurgeon When I bowed my knee in prayer to... Read more
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude. 1 Timothy 4: 4 “The spigot of blessing will always, at some point, run dry. It is simply false teaching to say otherwise. God does bless those who obey him, but not always with such blessing as many erroneously teach. His ultimate desire is that we know him. It is a scanty “knowing” that comes by blessing alone.” Michael Phillips... Read more
Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my... Read more
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: 23-25 When you take food to the poor, that’s an act of worship. When you give a... Read more
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ. Oswald Chambers ... Read more
My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Psalm 108: 1 We must not forget His benefits while dealing with our problems. Even before His answer is in sight, thank Him – for being there, for listening, for working all things according to His will. Nancy Leigh DeMoss In my book, Empty Nest, What’s Nest? Parenting Adult Children Without Losing Your Mind, I write about the tension between allowing our... Read more
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30 Courage is the face of love when it invites the other person into growth and freedom – which, for a Christian, means that you are learning to actively trust God in place where old fears and insecurities have controlled you. Paula Rinehart I have a friend who knows how to make me laugh. I’m not talking about the kind... Read more
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