It’s Personal
“I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1b What’s your reaction when you sit down for a conversation and the first words spoken by the other person are, “Look, it’s nothing personal…”? I don’t know about you, but my…
Savoring Silence
“For God alone, my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.” Psalm 62:1 ESV Silence can be unsettling for many of us. I’ve known folks who cannot tolerate silence. Conversation (albeit one-sided) never lags because they never stop talking. When…
The Tablet of the Heart
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3 Tablets have been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. I’m talking paper – not…
Patience and Perseverance
“…being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy….” Colossians 1:11 We left Texas on a sizzling summer day, dragging behind us a pint-sized trailer that held the remnants of our household furnishings. Our…
Redefined
Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. Isaiah 59:14 It’s gotten to the point that I can barely tolerate watching, listening, or reading any sort of broadcasted news.…
Ready, Set, Go!
I’m not sure why I love the running and racing analogies found in the Bible, especially those favored by Paul, but I do. True confession: I gave up running in the fourth grade – literally. At the ripe old age of ten,…
Colored Lenses
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. Psalm 146:8 The Texas skies were dark as my daddy drove our family to Grandma Holt’s house for a family gathering around the supper table. In the back seat, I snuggled against the door,…
Be Careful Little Eyes…
" . . .keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us." Philippians 3:17 ESV Last week’s blog featured a children’s song I happily recalled during several days of amazing worship with Christian writers and speakers…
Overflowing
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11 ESV "He Said Good Things" Instrumental by Headlund from Epidemic Sound We stood in neat little rows, dressed in…
Limping Along
And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." 1 Kings 18:21 Anyone who knows me well will quickly…
Tangled & Knotted
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself… Psalm 37:7 The harder I worked to untangle the snarled fine chains, the more entangled they became and the tighter the knots. Tears of anger and frustration began to…
Unfinished Business
. . .Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith... Hebrews 12:1b-2a Do you…
Unopened Gifts
Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 Do you remember the excitement and hope-filled expectations of your childhood birthdays and Christmases? How about Easter and Halloween? These special days created delightful anticipation for us as children because of…
Put Off, Put On
It was a typical Sunday morning during my teen years; I was running late (again). This time because I couldn’t decide what to wear to church. I grabbed a Springy-print, long-sleeved, pullover dress. Arms first into the tight long sleeves, then I…
Hope in Hopeless Times
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:14 Look around. This world often seems hopeless – do you see it…