“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 Glancing out the frosty window, I inwardly groaned. Gray skies, bare trees, and, what-on-earth? Snowflakes! Not already! Not after a cooler than usual summer. Not so close to last…
Category: Obedience
The Perfect Ten
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV As I settled myself onto the cold, hard, gray bleachers, I chose to ignore the prevalent smell of perspiration. Once again, I was at the gym. I watched the gymnasts of varying abilities. The…
I Knew I Knew
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 Stormily, I stared out the window as trees, fields, and flowers flashed by. My husband sat beside me, in screaming silence, occasionally revving the engine as he switched gears. “Speak to him. Reach out your hand,” the words…
Distracting Silence
“Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” Isaiah 55:3 NIV Closing the door with a bang, her feet flew down the path, fleeing frustration, fear, and soon-to-be folly. As she rounded the bend, the beautiful…
Respectfully Uncompromising
” For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline.” II Timothy 1:7, NIV “It’s not fair,” she declared as she climbed into the warm car, beside me. She flicked her hair from her face with the back of her hand, the movement adding weight to her words…
Small Steps Toward Sincerity
“Love must be sincere.” Romans 12:9 NIV Last week, we studied the how of drawing closer to God. One point was knowing His word and actually applying it. Here’s a simple example of how God has been teaching me sincerity. I have a family consisting of a husband, and three daughters, ages 15,11, and 6. For years…
To The Beat Of A Different Drum
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sins.” 1 John 1:7 It’s Easter Sunday! A glorious day of celebration indeed! Many of us attend church with great anticipation of uplifting music, an inspiring sermon,…
Clinging to the Unnecessary, Part II
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Mark 1:17 Jesus directed Simon and Andrew to drop those nets, drop their lives as they knew them that very moment, drop everything, and follow Him. When have you been called to leave a comfortable situation and follow the Lord into…
Clinging to the Unnecessary, Part 1
“Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world,” Romans 12:2a Last week my youngest daughter taught me something. It’s funny how children often can lead you directly into a truth you otherwise avoid at all costs! Our six-year-old was going swimming. After a winter filled with Arctic blasts and below normal temperatures, she was…
Mopping Up My Mess
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 Our six-year-old daughter recently spilled juice all over a hardwood floor. She instantly realized: 1) she’d made a mess and, 2) it might be in her best…