Jesus, when You were born, You weren’t just baby Jesus. You were so much more. The prophet Isaiah announced: A Child will be born to us. A Son will be given to us. And His Name—Your name—will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Who You...
Life
New Life out of Tragedy
For the first time in my life, I feel like I belong in my family. This unexpected thought came to my mind because of a tragedy in our family: the loss of my young cousin, Ashley, in Oregon. That day the temperature was 116 degrees, and it appears she...
A Matter of Time
“God isn’t bound by time.” Ron’s reminder cleared the confusion our group encountered during a recent Bible study. He added, “God knows and understands everything that has happened, everything that is happening, and everything that will happen. He is in control across all time and all space.” God is...
Unexpected Breakthrough
Sometimes breakthrough is a process. The woodpecker doesn’t stop to worry about what the other birds think about them, it just does what it is designed to do. ~ Sammy Robinson When I read this quote in the blog of my friend, Elizabeth Horbelt,* the words reminded me of...
The Empty Tomb
The three women went quickly to the tomb with cloth-wrapped spices in their arms to anoint the body of their friend and Master, Jesus (Mark 15). Wondering how they would remove the stone themselves, they were shocked to see it already rolled away. Uncertain what they’d find, they entered...
Stretching Our Faith
“I want to do that, Lord, but I don’t know how.” Have you ever expressed these words to God when faced with a task beyond your ability? Why do we so quickly forget that when God gives us an unexpected idea, or challenges us to try something new, or...
Loving the Outcasts
Wherever Jesus walked, he always noticed the outcasts, the ones shunned by society for reasons completely out of their control. His love and compassion compelled Him to heal and restore each person. One day Jesus decided to sail to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. And...
Appreciate What You Have
What a great perspective for us to embrace this year, especially during this week of Thanksgiving. I sometimes take things for granted, do you? Acknowledging what I have, however, helps me look above difficult circumstances, disappointments, and fears, and focus on God rather than myself. Being thankful, restores my hope...
Light in the Darkness
In these last months we have seen so much darkness. Feelings of hopelessness have overwhelmed many people in this country and around the world. How does God want us to respond? His Word makes it clear that He wants us to shine His light in this dark place....
Slices of Time
What is the hardest thing for you to give up on a daily basis? For me, it’s my time. Since I’m a planner, it’s a continual challenge to release time to spend with people and get involved with things outside my agenda. In the past, I gave more priority...