Betty Whitaker Jackson

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…..

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It’s hard to be discouraged at events, financial difficulties, health scares, or disputes when we read Romans chapter 8. For believers, one eternal fact is true, without equivocation, without beginning or end: God is sovereign; His plan is in place. He sees the Big Picture when, as the Lord’s Prayer says, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We are, to use a literary term, in medias res, or in the middle. We…..

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Seeing the world with the view of God brings us peace, comfort, and joy, and that’s what the world needs right now.

Take time to watch a sunrise. Look for the smiles in people’s eyes, even while they’re wearing masks. Look for Godincidences: stories of people’s healing and the wonders of medicine; a fine recipe that turns out right because our land is filled with good things to eat; a book sent in the mail from a friend or a…..

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Psalm 19, 1-2  No matter what is going on in our chaotic world, there are absolutes. This is God’s message today: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” His speech is magnificent, never uncivil, and brings us to praise His name in spite of what we mortals say or think.  Are you ready for a change? Susie Larson in…..

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Genesis 1:26 says, “ThenGod said, “Let’s make people in Our image to be like Ourselves.” So God created people in His own image. God patterned them after Himself; male and female. He created them. God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was excellent in every way.”  Before Adam and Eve sinned, the world and they were perfect. No evil. No sin. No disease. No Covid. No death. Man, however, wanted more. The need for power…..

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When God chose us as His ambassadors, he gave us a job to do. We are to witness Jesus to the world, to proclaim the good news of salvation, to bring peace, to show mercy, and to spread His grace to the whole world.  John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” and that life is not the mortal one here…..

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On this Sabbath, when our world seems to be in turmoil and strife is rampant, let us fill our churches where we find answers to the big questions, balm for our souls, comfort and peace, and God’s plan. We’ve seen how vulnerable we are, with COVID, political strife, and threats to our very way of life. Susie Larson, in Blessings for Every Day says this today: “May the Lord enlarge your territory, expand your influence, and increase your capacity to walk…..

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Although the events of the last few days have been challenging to this advice, I remember the words of Anne Frank: “In spite of everything, I still believe people are good at heart.” (Goodrich and Hackett, Diary of Anne Frank). I believe God can give us joy even in the midst of difficult circumstances, and we are indeed in difficult circumstances. However, put in perspective of hundreds of years of suffering in other times, like the Dark Ages and the…..

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Romans 8:1-2 is one of the most assuring verses I know, and after suffering through the events of yesterday with the incursion into the Capitol, with images none of us can never erase from our memory, we need a way to Celebrate ’21, Everyone!  It reads: “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to…..

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Colossians 2:7 says: “Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong, and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives over flow with thanksgiving for all He has done.”

It is difficult to think about things positively right now with COVID, isolation, chaos in government, and concerns about our society’s path forward. But we are assured that what really matters is our close relationship with the…..

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