Luke 4:1-2 “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil….” Temptation seems like such an easy thing to resist…until we’re tempted. Whether it comes in the form of denying ourselves a cookie or refusing to Continue Reading…
John 13:8 “…Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’” Dust! It’s everywhere! It’s everywhere! This was an accurate description of my home after workers came to install a new heating system in our 200 year old farmhouse. The sawing and drilling left a gritty Continue Reading…
2 Corinthians 4:16 “Therefore we do not lose heart….” Stress so heavy it feels as if life itself is being squeezed out. Thoughts swimming in a sea of uncertainty. Feelings of rejection, ridicule and defeat threatening on every side. Ever feel like this? Paul certainly did. Yet he sends Continue Reading…
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Ever hear the expression, “My bad?” It’s a phrase used to apologize for making a mistake without really apologizing. Someone spills coffee on a friend’s shirt or turns up late for a meeting and exclaims, “My Continue Reading…
2 Corinthians 3:6 “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” As my husband and I were praying the other morning, he said, “Thank you, God, for not giving us Continue Reading…
Luke 8:25 “ ‘Where is your faith?’ he asked his disciples….” I’m sure you’ve experienced it. You’re reading the scripture when suddenly regular print transforms into italics. Something transpires that causes you to move from simple reading to listening. The Word of God is speaking to you, muting every Continue Reading…
Romans 14:12 “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” But Mom, everyone else is doing it! My printer broke [modern version of the dog ate my homework]. I couldn’t help it! Nothing will hinder our growth as a Christian more than making excuses Continue Reading…
Matthew 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” The words “Becky, I don’t know where my purse is!” stopped me in my Continue Reading…
Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good.…” I’m looking over the labels on my daily vitamin supplements: calcium reduces the risk of osteoporosis; vitamin E promotes heart health; B Complex energizes metabolism and strengthens the nervous system. All important components for maintaining a healthy body. But Continue Reading…
Luke 2:35 “…And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” I recently had opportunity to attend the annual Christmas concert at the college where I teach. The joy of the season emanated through every song, but there was one arrangement that especially touched me. Mary Did You Know? Continue Reading…