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”

Unto Us a Child is Born

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) Can the birth of a child change our lives for the better? I believe it can.ContinueContinue reading “Unto Us a Child is Born”

A Star Shall Rise

“I see him, but not here and now.I perceive him, but far in the distant future.A star will rise from Jacob;a scepter will emerge from Israel.”— Numbers 24:17 (NLT) Many people rise to stardom, only to fade just as quickly. Like shooting stars, their brilliance is captivating but brief. Yet from ancient times, Scripture foretoldContinueContinue reading “A Star Shall Rise”

Here to Dwell

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”— John 1:14 (NIV) Since ancient times, people have tried to contain God’s presence within a physical place. King David longed to buildContinueContinue reading “Here to Dwell”

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”

Arise and Shine

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” – Isaiah 60:1 (NIV) There are seasons in life that feel overwhelmingly dark—moments when hope seems distant and the light hard to find. This was precisely the reality facing God’s people in Isaiah 60. Yet into their darkness, GodContinueContinue reading “Arise and Shine”

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”