Whether it’s 40 days or 40 years, we can all agree that it’s a long time, and a lot can happen during that time. The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness and Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert, both places of desolation and isolation where they were tested to the extreme. ButContinueContinue reading “The 40-Day Journey”
Category Archives: Old Testament
Shalom
“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) There’s a word I heard a lot when I was in Israel. In my coming and going, when meeting someone,ContinueContinue reading “Shalom”
Your Present Situation is Not Your Final Destination
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26 NIV) At first, Asaph, the writer of the Psalm, had “envied the arrogant when [he] saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from commonContinueContinue reading “Your Present Situation is Not Your Final Destination”
God is With Us
Suddenly a windstorm struck the lake. Waves started splashing into the boat, and it was about to sink. Jesus was in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow, and he was asleep. (Mark 4:37-38 CEV) One of the keys to living a life of victory is believing and knowing that GodContinueContinue reading “God is With Us”
Be the Change
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. (Genesis 1:31 NIV) It’s been often noted that every time God finished creating something, He saw that it was “good,” but after creating everything, including people, He saw that “it was very good.” It sounds to me like God took pride in HisContinueContinue reading “Be the Change”
For the Love of Marriage
By Janina Jolag A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV) My heart began to beat faster as I realized what was happening. A beautiful ring sat in a brown box, as my soon-to-be husband asked me to become his wife. I couldn’t stop smiling. He took out the ring, and withContinueContinue reading “For the Love of Marriage”
A Mother’s Unconditional Love
By Janina Jolag Her children arise and call her blessed.(Proverbs 31:28 NIV) As Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, I begin to think of the word love and what it truly means to me. Then in that same instant, my warrior twin boys come to mind and I begin to think. The love ofContinueContinue reading “A Mother’s Unconditional Love”
The Power of Love
I love You, O LORD, my strength. (Psalm 18:1 MEV) After watching God come through for him during a hard time in his life, the Psalmist begins his song with the only words one could find to say to such a great Deliverer, “I love You, O LORD, my strength.” And let me tell you,ContinueContinue reading “The Power of Love”
Love Always Trusts
And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:7 NIV) Imagine a relationship with trust issues. It’s definitely not one we want to find ourselves in. Yet that’s the kind of relationship God had with HisContinueContinue reading “Love Always Trusts”
Don’t Get On the Wrong Train
Wait on the Lord;Be of good courage,And He shall strengthen your heart;Wait, I say, on the Lord! (Psalm 27:14 NKJV) There’s a well-known Middle Eastern saying for single people: “Don’t let the train pass you by,” or in other words, “Hurry up and get married before it’s too late.” But I like to say, “Make sure youContinueContinue reading “Don’t Get On the Wrong Train”
Rising with the Son 