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…
With Us
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.’ Revelation 21:3…
Closed Doors
“They went into the ark with Noah, two and two of all flesh in which there was the breath of life. …And the LORD shut him in.” Genesis 7:15-16 The permanently closed door at the top of the stairs held an irresistible…
Fragrant
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 Not long ago, I opened the worn cover of my mother’s much-read Bible…
Living in the Not Yet
“If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.” 1 Corinthians 8:2 Long road trips in the days prior to in-car video players, entertainment-streaming electronic devices, 8-track tape players, or FM radio got boring…
Unchanging
"For I the LORD do not change; therefore you...are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6 The only constant is change. If I had a quarter for every time I heard or used that expression during my corporate career, well…I’d have a whole lot of…
Living Waters
"Whoever believes in Me...out of his heart will flow rivers of living waters." John 7:38 How much do you love it when you’re having a conversation with a dear friend, and they share something about themselves that you’ve never heard before? It’s…
Peace
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 Around the world, peace is under attack. Whether…
Grace Upon Grace
“For from His (Jesus’) fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16 GRACE. A seemingly simple five-letter word. Once you start looking into the word, you’ll find that it’s not as straightforward as it seems. Merriam-Webster’s multiple definitions include virtue,…
Candy Cigarettes
"...you may be sure that your sin will find you out. " Numbers 32:23 (NIV) Years and years ago, cigarettes were prominently promoted on TV. Every other commercial advertised Pall Mall, Salem, Marlboro, or Camel. Every movie, variety show, game show, you…
Trust
“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31 Each rung of the ladder carried us higher until finally, we reached the top platform of the fire watch tower. The moment I stood up and looked around, I knew I…
Authority
“You have been filled in Him, Who is the head of all rule and authority.” Colossians 2:10 Does it make your head explode when you hear someone waxing eloquent on a subject, they know absolutely nothing about? I don't know about you,…