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"
Claim Your Inheritance
This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are goingContinue reading "Claim Your Inheritance"
Keep Calm and Stay Royal
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 NIV) I've been a royal enthusiast ever since I was a little girl, and in the wake of theContinue reading "Keep Calm and Stay Royal"
Wait and See
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. (Psalm 27:14 NIV) I'm amazed at how life can take a different turn in the twinkling of an eye. When Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away just last week, quick changes happened that many of us had a hard timeContinue reading "Wait and See"
See a Need, Meet a Need
The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God. Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God. They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple’s Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing. The man threw his armsContinue reading "See a Need, Meet a Need"
Rest in Jesus
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29 ESV) It's Labor Day long weekend here in Canada; a time toContinue reading "Rest in Jesus"
Rising with the Son 