“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…
Gifts
“Whatever you give is acceptable if you give eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12 NLT It was Mother’s Day, 2002. Our precious three-year-old daughter carefully carried a beautifully wrapped box with a great pink bow resting just under her chin. Her eyes shone bright…
Unmasked
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16: 7b NIV He walked into church, a trained smile upon his lips; one that never seemed to reach his eyes. No one wants to truly know what I…
Altered to a T
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 A middle-aged husband asked his wife, “Do you know a good tailor?” Puzzled, she responded, “I know one, what do you need?” “Some of my pants need let out, they’re too snug.” She tried to hide her…
P.U.S.H. Part II
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:18 NIV “I can’t believe I spent years in college for this,” the new nurse mumbled under her breath as she punched in her medication cart code for the seemingly thousandth time that shift. Back…
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 IV
“Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:16-17 “Valentines Day is on a Saturday this year, how perfect,” the young newlywed smiled ruefully,” at…
Servant Leadership, Part III
“I know that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe you sent me.” John 11:42 Have you ever hurt so much you just wanted to lash out, scream, and throw something until you expended your pain and were finally reduced to an…
Servant Leadership, Part II
“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.” James 2:1 I turned in the crowded convention hall to find another young mom trying to escape the current of the crowd. I smiled politely, distractedly, ready to turn and follow my own agenda when the tears in her eyes caught my…