John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A friend recently gave me a pocket prayer quilt with John 1:5 printed on it. Every time I stick my hand in my pocket, the words on the tiny stitching remind me not only of 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 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. “Do you feel the world is broken? We do….” pens lyricists Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive. Recent events underscore that sad affirmation. Evil is rising in the world. It’s falling on cities like Kiev, on school children Continue Reading…
Psalm 100:1-2 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Julian of Norwich wrote, “The greatest honor we can give to the Almighty God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of his love.” Her words both convict and inspire me. Continue Reading…
Proverbs 18:19 “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.” [ESV] We have become an offended people, haven’t we? Jesus warned it’s impossible to live in a fallen world without encountering offenses (Luke 17:1). We fail to meet others’ Continue Reading…
Luke 4: 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” If… If… If… I think Satan has a packet of doubt seeds beginning with the word—If. He tries to sow them in our hearts whenever he spots a vulnerable Continue Reading…
1 Samuel 17: 11 “On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.” Ever have any of those days when you feel you’re about two steps ahead of depression? Even though it hasn’t caught up with you, it’s in hearing range. It shouts, “Loser!” “Failure!” Continue Reading…
Matthew 16:18 “…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” “At least five times…the Faith has to all appearance gone to the dogs. In each of these five cases it was the dog that died.” Not only do I like those words Continue Reading…
1 Peter 4:19 “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” The Battle of France in WWII had been lost. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill knew England would be the next target in Hitler’s relentless pursuit. The stakes Continue Reading…