“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…
Tag: Christian encouragement
Totally Trustworthy!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 She eased into the school desk, wiping her auburn hair from face. Whew! She’d slid into her seat just seconds before the bell sounded. Arranging her text-book and notebook on her desk, she glanced forward as she took her pencil in hand. Her…
Garden of ‘Even,’ Part II
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 Sin had officially entered the world. With all its pomp and circumstance came changes, lots of changes. But God was ready with a plan. Psalm…
Garden of ‘Even,’ Part I
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8 Have you ever been furious with your circumstances, or maybe your consequences of a not-so-stellar decision? Maybe you vowed to get even. And maybe you vindictively vowed to strike against what…
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…
Living in Peace
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Psalm 133:1 It had happened again. Two sisters had provoked one another, each mentally, and audibly blaming the other for the felt animosity between them. Never min,d neither of these sisters was over thirty, twenty, or even thirteen. I see the very…
The Truth About Love
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always…
Spiritual Promises in Romans: There’s More Than This Life
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18 Many years ago, a friend of mine was told, “You’re in high school, these are the best years of your life, enjoy them!” After the conversation, she turned to me and said, “If…
Spiritual Promises of Romans: It’s Not Just a Feeling!
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8: 16 You awake before your alarm. You get ready for the day, pleasantly surprised to see you have an extra ten minutes over your regular schedule. You enjoy a perfect cup of coffee and a leisurely commute to work. Your boss…
Spiritual Promises of Romans: We Don’t Need to be Afraid
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba,’ Father.” Romans 8:15 Romans 8:15 declares we do not need to be afraid. That’s easy to read, difficult to practice. A few weeks after our first daughter was…