From my book, “Life-Changing Water,” “What is amazing about the Power of God is that He, unlike us, is so willing to share His control, knowing that we sinful children, will mess up. He knows we value ourselves more highly than we ought to do. He knows we will make poor choices. He knows we cam be tempted by evil, even by good things, which become sinful idols in our lives. Why would He do that? We should remain astonished,…..
From “My Psalms Devotional Guide,” My Psalm 153, may this bless and guide you this day:
“I thank You, for Jesus, the Light of the world/And the Light of eternity,/For without You in my life,/I would know darkness and despair./Precious Holy Spirit/ I ask you to be part of every conversation in this day,/To guide me in pathways of Your choosing/To provide a barrier/Against sin of thought, of motive, of speech, of action,/Keeping my mind, body, soul, and spirit pure…..
Prayer for today from my book: “Life-Changing Water: Chaos to Glory: A Metaphor Study.” As things change in the news, as COVID infections soar, as the stroke of a pen changes our culture, remember God is good, God is eternal, and we are in His care. “Almighty Father, Abba, Father, strong to save, we pray for your deliverance from anything which gets in the way of our total worship of You in this day. Clear our minds of lesser thought…..
Celebrate ’21, Everyone! God’s Got This! In Matthew 11:28 we find great advice for a weary world, discouraged by COVID, cultural changes that keep us awake at night, the dreariness of winter, and few signs of peace, harmony, cooperation, and kindness. Jesus says: “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”
Those of us who worshipped yesterday found a time of sanctuary, a time of recalibrating. A chance to glimpse once…..
These days, tempering my temper, few things get me riled, but yesterday’s treatment of the National Guard troops in Washington, DC made me seethe. Beneath it all is my dismay at seeing our nation’s capital looking like, no, actually, a militarized zone. But to take our husbands, fathers, sons away from their businesses, studies, and homes and force them to sleep crowded together, during COVID, and then to dismiss them to a parking garage in 38 degree weather without adequate…..
This is my mom’s birthday. In heaven she is one-hundred-four years old. She overcame many challenges here but left a legacy of accomplishments and an unquenchable “I can do anything through Christ Who strengthens me” attitude. Hebrews 1:6 says: “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” I just completed her memoir, including many writing pieces she left behind, published…..
After all the pomp and circumstance, albeit rather subdued this year, of the Inauguration, let’s put everything into perspective. We heard promises, plans, and platitudes. In the long run, Shakespeare said we are all actors on the stage with our entrances and exits, and generations and legacy legends aside, we are parts of the panoply of history, here but for a short time. God is sovereign. God is eternal. And whether Garth Brooks sings it, or today’s hymn reminds us,…..
On this Inauguration Day, let us rejoice that as Americans we can add to history and celebrate our freedom to elect our leaders, to thank those who have loyally served us well, to bury past burdens, and to understand that the work of the Republic is never done. Let us pray for understanding, and God’s guidance for all whose emotions are running high today. Let us put rancor, anger, distrust, disappointment, and emotions aside, recognizing that in God’s sovereign plan,…..
If you are mocked for your faith, take heart. Your faith in God’s promises transcends anything on earth, for God has called us to believe what He says, to live in that truth, and to stay strong. Here’s what Matthew 5:10-12 says: “God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs. God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are My followers. Be happy about…..
Today as we celebrate Martin Luther King Day, let us remember that our nation has endured conflict in the past which upon reflection promoted positive change. May this be so this week as the Presidency changes amid threats of violence and discord. Matthew 5:7-9 reads: “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be…..