I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me – God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Psalm 57: 2, 3, 7 Without Christ not one step, with Him anywhere. David Livingstone In my book, Joyous Faith: The Key to Aging with Resilience, I contemplate the hard issues of learning to... Read more
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20 He who has heard your prayers in the past will not refuse to supply your need in the present emergency. Arthur W. Pink in The Attributes of God Looking back, I still painfully recall specific parenting moments which bring a stab of pain and sorrow to me because of the... Read more
The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along that path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes along and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.... Read more
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. Psalm 77: 11-14 Several months ago, I was sitting at a church dinner celebrating the upcoming holiday when I looked up... Read more
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of... Read more
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of... Read more
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 First off, let’s be honest. No one likes to suffer. It’s painful. It’s discouraging. It’s just plain hard to wake up in the throes of grief, sorrow, and loss. And everyone knows it. God promises us strength to meet every challenge However, God... Read more
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4: 32 In the New Testament church as found in the books of Acts, we read a remarkable statement. “All the believers were one in heart and mind.” Amazing! How can it be that these early church believers who came from such diverse backgrounds could be committed to unity on a consistent... Read more
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30 There is and are more reasons to laugh full and free every day. Each of us needs a friend (or two) that have the unique ability to make us (and others) and themselves laugh hard and long. It may be the kind of quirky way they view all of life and how they look at problems in particular. Or it may... Read more
Strive for peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. Hebrews 12: 14-15 Rarely do we equate fighting for something, be it a cause, a belief, or a person, as an act of peace. But biblically speaking, there is nothing more peaceable than... Read more
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