These are all warning markers—DANGER!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fallContinue reading "Warning Markers"
Onesimus
I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. (Philemon 10-11 NLT) The name Onesimus means “useful.” In his letter toContinue reading "Onesimus"
Weak but Strong
But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is forContinue reading "Weak but Strong"
Confronting Closed Doors
Paul and his friends went through Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit would not let them preach in Asia. After they arrived in Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them. (Acts 16:6-7 CEV) As a new graduate, I was thrilled by the prospect of aContinue reading "Confronting Closed Doors"
You Did It for Me
“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’“ And the King willContinue reading "You Did It for Me"
Always Faithful
The LORD said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.” (Hosea 3:1 NIV) No man or woman can stand unfaithfulness, andContinue reading "Always Faithful"
Our Plan vs. God’s Plan
By Marlene Tavares "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." (Jeremiah 29:11 MSG) When I was 18 years old and preparing to graduate high school, I had my whole life planned out and itContinue reading "Our Plan vs. God’s Plan"
In His Care
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. (Psalm 91:4 NIV) We thought we were going to lose her. We constantly received calls, urging us to come see her because she wasn’t well. When her health would improve within hours, I was still afraid to leave her sideContinue reading "In His Care"
Don’t Miss the New
By Fadia Jolag Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV) It's not surprise that Isaiah is one of my favouriteContinue reading "Don’t Miss the New"
You Are What You Think
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. (Philippians 4:8 MSG) A few years ago, I was out with my friend, having dinnerContinue reading "You Are What You Think"
Rising with the Son 