“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet is without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) Outcast. Alone. Defeated. Sometimes this world can overwhelm and undermine the most positive of people….
Category: Truth
He Is With HIM, Part VI
“But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge – to the great amazement of the governor.” Matthew 27:14 (NIV) The time had come. Awaiting His sentence, He stood silently before the Governor, Pilate. The memories of betrayal, of the rough guards “guiding” Him through the garden, still fresh in His mind. Jesus…
He Is With HIM, Part III
“You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” Matthew 22:29 (NIV) Five days until death is conquered. Tensions mount and the Enemy provokes Jesus through humans who confidently act without knowledge. The three main passages we will include for this day’s events are Mark 11:12-14, Mark…
Mary’s Treaures, Part III
“Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” Matthew 1:18 NIV Joseph was a righteous man. He obviously was a man possessing a great amount of self-control. First, when hearing of Mary’s pregnancy he knew he couldn’t…
Lessons From Tipper, Part X
“Draw nearer to me and I will draw nearer to you.” James 4:8 NIV Before we brought Tipper home, My husband requested a piece of cloth from her crate at the breeder. Tipper would always snuggle down with that cloth; it became her habit. We would tuck her in at night, pressing that cloth…
Lessons From Tipper, Part IX
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one single sinner who repents than over 99 righteous who did not need to repent.” Luke 15:7 (NIV) A single, mournful bark. A low, drawn-out whine. A momentary glance into the living room confirmed my suspicions. A black canine behind…
Lessons From Tipper, Part VII
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man I put the ways of childhood behind me.” I Corinthians 13:11 NIV In a wild flash of black fur, seventy-five-pound Tipper raced through the living room and dove under…
Faithfully Facing Uncertainty, Part I
“He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 NIV, emphasis mine. Read Daniel 1 and 6. He was the guy who did everything right. You know, that guy. The one hated by seemingly everyone else for being so perfect. The one everyone else was jealous of but…
No “Justs”
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 NIV Outside my door, a cacophony of voices arose from the first floor of the hotel atrium. Seven hundred women excitedly conversed, practiced speeches, pitched…
Setting It Straight, Part II
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV, emphasis mine) Maybe he had just risen for the day. Maybe he was enjoying a little quiet time with the Lord. Maybe he…