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…
Walking Worthy
“I…urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” Ephesians 4:1 Tales of castles, knights in shining armor, damsels in distress, wicked stepmothers, good and kindly kings, handsome princes, and simple-but-beautiful milkmaids-become-princesses fueled many…
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…
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,…
Sow & Grow
“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that HE may come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12 My momma was raised on a farm. She learned from…
Worship
“The LORD is my strength and my song, and HE has become my salvation; this is my GOD, and I will praise Him, my father's GOD, and I will exalt Him.” Exodus 15:2 When thinking on the subject of worship, I recall…
Finding God – Part Two
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority,…
Finding God
“You will seek ME and find ME, when you seek ME with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 Finding God. Seeking God. Searching…Looking for Him. Our worship songs, Bible studies, sermons, Book titles, small group discussions, conversations, and prayers are filled with these…