Simple praise leads our hearts to God. We drove through the countryside with two of our grandchildren in the backseat. A praise song came on the radio that we had sung in church. Soon we …
Reflect and Reset, Look Up and Live Forward
The new year is time to reflect and look up with praise and reset your life to live forward with faith confidence in God. The end of the holiday season and first weeks of January give us …
Taste and See the Goodness of God
The goodness of God is all around us. Autumn in the Midwest brings crisp air, colorful leaves, and s'mores by the fire pit. The season also means that pumpkin spice is everywhere on foods …
God’s Power in Creation, a Cradle, and the Cross
An intense, powerful storm passed through our area. Lightning flashed like strobe lights, pounding thunder shook windows, sheets of rain poured from the angry sky. Lights flickered. Would we …
Cling to God’s Faithfulness in Times of Change
Change and adaptation will continue as aspects of our lives in 2021. The events of 2020 will continue to impact our lives fo some time. The ways we shop, dine out, and travel are different …
Confidence in a Time of Crisis
"Confidence in a time of crisis" is the subtitle of Psalm 77. The Psalmist cries out to God, seeking God in the day of trouble. "I cry aloud to God for help; aloud to …
Four Aspects of Unconditional Love
We all have a need for unconditional love, especially on bad days. The hard days when people fail us, situations frustrate us, or an unexpected bill arrives. When the kids don't cooperate when you …
Heavenly Father, Perfect Father for All
Our father can rescue us from peril. I took a dare from my older brother to climb the big poplar tree in our front yard. The branches were the perfect distance apart for my little legs to reach and …
Psalm 23: Knowing the Shepherd
A favorite Bible passage of mine is Psalm 23. Although often read at funerals for comfort, its words bring comfort and guidance any day, in any situation. It is a psalm of confidence about the Lord's …
Autumn Glory Brings Change
Several years ago we planted an Autumn Blaze maple tree in front of our house, which turns crimson during fall. I look forward to the beauty of the color change, hoping the leaves remain on the …
Great News for today: The Lord Delights in YOU!
With all your imperfections and flaws, you bring a smile to the Lord of the universe. Zephaniah 3:17 gives us a snapshot of God’s nature and depth of his love for us. The Lord your God is with you, …
So You Want to Be a Sheep?
Today's guest post is by Maureen Hager, who shares about being a lost sheep needing the Good Shepherd. Sheep are mentioned in the Bible more than any other animal; symbolically they refer to God’s …
Unending, Unconditional Love from God
We all have a need for unconditional love. After a rough day or an argument the need increases. People fail us. Situations frustrate us. The kids don't cooperate. At those times, we need to remember …
Do You Embrace God’s Love? Verses of God’s Love for YOU
Who can resist a toddler looking up at you with pleading eyes, upraised arms and wiggling fingers? I confess I melt when one of my grandchildren wants picked up or gives me hugs. It is precious to …
Do You Embrace God’s Love? Verses of God’s Love for YOURead More
Fearful? Worried? Embrace God’s Promises
Promises are made through quiet words spoken with fingers crossed behind the back or by statements of conviction sealed with a firm handshake. Which do you prefer? The value of a promise is …
Are You Needing a Shift in Perspective?
Have you ever needed a shift of perspective when a situation doesn't go like you anticipated? I often need such a readjustment in my vision. A disheartening insurance situation had not resolved. I …
Ready for the Season of Change?
Every day reveals more evidence that the season is changing. The warm wind has an occasional touch of coolness in it. The tips the leaves of our maple tree are turning red; within a week they will be …
Psalm 145: Gaining Perspective of God’s Character
Psalm 145 shows God's nature like a multi-faceted diamond. King David, the author of this psalm of praise, describes God's majesty and compassion, His greatness and nearness. Sometimes one facet of …
Knowing the Healing One
Healing occurs in many forms. Damaged emotions require healing. Destructive thinking needs repair. Wounded souls long for wholeness. Physical needs are prayed for in many situations. In the book …
Knowing God as Refuge
Have you ever been in a season of life when one crisis follows another and you need a refuge for protection? One way to regain a solid footing during such times is to seek the refuge of God. This is …
