1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Many things about my faith remain a mystery, but a few principles speak loud and clear. One principle I would take to the bank is the importance of gratitude. God Continue Reading…
3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. “Is it well with your soul?” A former acquaintance used to ask that probing question on occasion. There’s probably not a more Continue Reading…
James 4:14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. My recent return flight from Nashville to Philadelphia turned out to be one for the record books. My son took Continue Reading…
Ephesians 5:27 …so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. The idea of Christ coming for a bride without spot or wrinkle recently took on a deeper meaning. I got Continue Reading…
Isaiah 37:21 … “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Because you have prayed to me….” Do you ever wake up in the morning and just feel sad? That was my case recently. Not only had my football team just lost what should have been an easy win, Continue Reading…
Isaiah 21:5 They prepare the table, they spread the rugs, they eat, they drink. Arise, O princes; oil the shield! It’s time for us in the church to oil our shields. As I was reading in Isaiah the other day, this term caught my attention. Babylon is about to Continue Reading…
Isaiah 61:1;3 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me… to proclaim good news to the poor… and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of Continue Reading…
John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Nothing impacts me more than when I hear the Lord say my name. Everyone has a need to be seen, to be heard, to be known. It’s no surprise, since God Continue Reading…
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” [NIV] Since we returned home from our spectacular trip to Ireland at the beginning of summer, circumstances have Continue Reading…
Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Let’s admit it. Resisting the urge to pay someone back for hurts they have caused, stretches most of us. It’s hard, especially in Continue Reading…