“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him and protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” Psalm 91:14 NIV Bright sunshine highlighting brilliant blue skies. Birds singing a jubilant chorus. The fresh scent of dew hanging in the air. At nine in the morning, tranquility was mine to be had in…
Category: Humanity
Words
“Lord, even before I speak a word, you know all about it.” Psalm 139:4 NIRV I read the words on the screen before me. They cut very deeply. I knew the judgment was not accurate but that didn’t quell the pain rising inside me. Anger flowed through my veins. But I knew my immediate…
P.U.S.H. Part I
“Never stop praying.” I Thessalonians 5:17 NLT P.U.S.H. Pray Until Something Happens. I first read the above acronym and definition in a favorite novel. Delightfully, it was the character of a small child reminding an adult of the need to pray without ceasing. Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the need to “never stop praying.” But…
Servant Leadership, Part V
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:38 Jesus knew his God-given agenda: Be born miraculously of a virgin girl, experience humanity while living a sinless life, teach people about God, heal human bodies, human hearts, human lives. Then…
Servant Leadership, Part I
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 Zane stared aghast, his mouth gaping open. His wife of more than a decade stood before him, confronting him with such grace, you would have thought…
Learning To Flourish
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV Earlier this week, I was blessed to travel out of the frigid temperatures, snow and ice to a much more temperate, wonderful climate….
Rejecting the Rat Race
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41 NIV Staring at the calendar, her heart sank. Every line was filled. She began reading. Dentist appointment. Music…
Distinguishing The Noise
“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.” Proverbs 2:6-8 NIV Last week, I asked you…
He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands
“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:21 The Message It was warm and sunny, wonderful day. Much warmer than the day back home. I stared into the lush vegetation and beautiful blooms surrounding the amusement park. Enticing scents of funnel cakes and French fries wafted through the air. Giggles erupted beside…
Shut In and Remembered
Genesis 8:1 “But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.” It was January in Michigan, cold, dark, and stormy. The young foreigner felt the weather matched her disposition: cold, dark, and…