"And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also] is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:38 AMPC) I've been looking forward to this time of year. In fact, I woke up excited knowing thatContinue reading "Take Up Your Cross"
The Healing Power of Love
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5 NIV) Love has the power to heal us in a way that nothing and nobody can. There's something about it that helps us overcomeContinue reading "The Healing Power of Love"
Turn the Light On
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105 NIV) By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. (Psalm 119:105 MSG) Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible and which celebrates God'sContinue reading "Turn the Light On"
Be Wise and Follow the Light
They went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. (Matthew 2:9-10 NIV) The wisest thing the Magi from the East did was to follow the light of Christ,Continue reading "Be Wise and Follow the Light"
Don’t Keep Silent
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). (Matthew 1:23 NIV) It's been said that the first Christmas was anything but silent. People traveled to their own town to be registered for the census, a great company of angels praised God, shepherdsContinue reading "Don’t Keep Silent"
Joy to the World?
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." (Luke 2:10 NIV) On a first listen, "Joy to the World" sounds like an insensitive song title for those who are broken and hurting in our world (which is every oneContinue reading "Joy to the World?"
The Rising Sun
"Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death,to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79 NIV) For those of us who have had to navigate through some really dark momentsContinue reading "The Rising Sun"
Behind Closed Doors
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV) "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will rewardContinue reading "Behind Closed Doors"
He Still Shuts the Mouths of Lions
"My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight." (Daniel 6:22 NIV) Daniel was promoted, but with that promotion came opposition. When his opponents couldn't find anything wrong with him, they created it. They asked the king to create aContinue reading "He Still Shuts the Mouths of Lions"
Plan on Giving Thanks Daily
I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1 NIV) A few years ago, I started counting my blessings using a "Blessings Jar" that someone had gifted me. Every time I was "blessed" with something, I would write it down and store itContinue reading "Plan on Giving Thanks Daily"
Rising with the Son 