This is what God says...“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?” (Isaiah 43:19 MSG) It's that time of year again when many of us will be making new year resolutions that we probably won't keep.Continue reading "New Year, New You"
He Makes Everything New
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." (Revelation 21:5 NIV) The new year is a great reminder of the fact that God is in the business of making new things. From Genesis to Revelation, we seeContinue reading "He Makes Everything New"
Forgetting the Worse, Remembering the Worthy
“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?" (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV) I heard a message once about the need to forget the hurtful things that someone said or did to us, if we're to live a victoriousContinue reading "Forgetting the Worse, Remembering the Worthy"
An Encounter with Scrooge
“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someoneContinue reading "An Encounter with Scrooge"
What Would You Give?
A few months ago, I met up with a good friend of mine who I knew had been running away from God for quite some time. Not long ago, her life took a different turn and she had turned her back on God. And although I had known it for a while, I felt uncomfortableContinue reading "What Would You Give?"
Have You Unwrapped His Gift Yet?
"You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead." (2 Samuel 19:6 NIV) When King David was toldContinue reading "Have You Unwrapped His Gift Yet?"
Don’t Keep Him There
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52 NIV) Nativity scenes are great visual reminders of the Christmas story. But as beautiful as the nativity story is I’m thankful that Jesus didn’t remain a baby in a manger. Sadly, there are people who like to keep HimContinue reading "Don’t Keep Him There"
The Perfect Gift
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV) I don’t know about you, but I’ve never once opened a gift, no matter how nice and expensive it was, and thought to myself, It’s perfect! However, God’s gift is perfect. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one andContinue reading "The Perfect Gift"
Make Room for Him
And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2:7 NIV) Years ago, Mary and Joseph searched for a place where Jesus could be born. After a long search, He was eventually born inContinue reading "Make Room for Him"
Don’t Forget the Birthday Boy
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11 NIV) I was really looking forward to my birthday a few years ago. I was turning 30, a huge milestone, especially for a Christian girl like me who had read about the amazing storiesContinue reading "Don’t Forget the Birthday Boy"