“On the very day when the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.”— Esther 9:1 (NKJV) There is something breathtaking about those words: the opposite occurred. Three months ago, I found myself reflecting on the Book of Esther—especially the momentContinueContinue reading “My Personal Purim”
Category Archives: Faith
Journey to the Resurrection
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. – Philippians 3:10-11 (KJV) For many years, this Scripture was my daily prayer. But there came a season whenContinueContinue reading “Journey to the Resurrection”
Unburned
“He said, ‘Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.’So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies,ContinueContinue reading “Unburned”
For Such a Time as This
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, IContinueContinue reading “For Such a Time as This”
A Mountain Year
“‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.'” – Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) This year felt like climbing mountains I never planned to face. Some days I barely moved upward, and other days I slipped and wondered if I’d ever reach the top. The climb was exhausting, and there were moments IContinueContinue reading “A Mountain Year”
The Gift of Light
The people living in darknesshave seen a great light;on those living in the land of the shadow of deatha light has dawned.— Matthew 4:16 (NIV) The greatest gift we have been given is the gift of God’s Light—Jesus Himself. Just as His light was desperately needed that first Christmas, it is still needed today, perhapsContinueContinue reading “The Gift of Light”
The Gift of Peace
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27 (NIV) Jesus came into our chaotic world to be our peace. Just as the people of ancient times longed for peaceContinueContinue reading “The Gift of Peace”
Stick with Jesus
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. – John 15:4–5 (NIV) A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of watching TheContinueContinue reading “Stick with Jesus”
He Will Yet Fill Your Mouth with Laughter
The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. – Psalm 2:4 (NIV) As I was praying about a troubling situation recently, the Lord brought Psalm 2:4 to mind: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” I can’t fully explain the peace that swept over me, but it was asContinueContinue reading “He Will Yet Fill Your Mouth with Laughter”
Quiet Confidence
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. (Matthew 17:1-2 NIV) Jesus, the Son of God, always knew who He wasContinueContinue reading “Quiet Confidence”
Rising with the Son 