Three Ways Joy Changes You
Have you ever purchased something that you thought would bring joy, but later you were disappointed by it? The other day I felt discouraged. My mood matched the overcast skies. I had …
Why Is Heart Posture Important?
Posture is important in life. “Straighten up!” If I slouched as a teenager, Mom poked me between my shoulder blades, as if her words weren’t enough of a reminder. Musicians …
How Can I Gain a Pure Heart?
It’s hard to keep a pure heart with the noise of the world through television, social media, and the internet constantly invading our lives. Are the words we hear encouraging or …
How do You Guard Your Heart?
“I thought you’d call sooner.” The voice on the phone was full of criticism and disappointment. I sensed coldness as she continued talking about the stress in her life. I …
Can You Embrace God’s Delight and Love for You?
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 Here’s great …
What is the Condition of Your Heart?
I wasn’t prepared the first time I visited someone in the hospital with a heart condition after bypass surgery. The heart had blockage that needed surgical correction and now the patient …
Persevere in Everyday Life – Don’t Give Up!
At my Bible study group, I shared about having a word for the year as a guide and encouragement. One gal had never done it before, and as we talked, she perked up with, “I have my word!” She was …
The Light of the World Banishes Fog
The winter fog engulfed the open countryside. A recent ice and snow accumulation blanketed the ground with white, while the thick fog painted the air white. It was hard to distinguish the horizon line …
New Year, New Hope
The New Year brings hope for a better days ahead. The Christmas decorations are packed away. Memories of the holiday 2020 linger, of the year that families had to be creative to see each other. …
Worship Through Prayer in Times of Uncertainty
Worship appears throughout the Christmas story, not just at the birth of the Savior. When Mary learned that she would be the mother of Jesus, she asked the angel “How can this be?” …
Thanksgiving Prayers In the Bible
Prayers of thanksgiving are a necessary part of the believer’s life, not just during a season of the year. It is a spiritual discipline for everyday life. The Bible offers examples …
Are You Weary in Prayer? Press On!
Do you ever feel weary in prayer? Waiting for an answer seems long. We get impatient and want to give up. At those times, we have to remember Jesus’ words in Luke 18:1. Jesus told his disciples …
Why is Prayer Important?
The pandemic has been challenging to keep in touch with family and friends; sometimes it is easy, other times it is hard. If I don’t communicate with loved ones, how would they know me? How would I …
Simple Prayer Instructions
Have you ever attempted to do something without the instructions? The other day I decided to bake a favorite recipe for baked oatmeal, one that I’ve created many times. I glanced at the …
Fellowship: Burning Flame or Isolated Ember?
Several nights a week, Rick and I sit by the fire pit in our backyard. Rick builds a fire, carefully arranging the kindling and small logs. When the kindling is lit, fire flares up as the logs catch …
Wondering Which Way is Best? Are the Directions Correct?
Recently, Rick and I were driving along an interstate highway in eastern Illinois and needed a break. We stopped at the next wayside rest area. When we walked around the sidewalks through the grassy …
Remain Secure in God’s Promises
Psalm 121 is one of the pilgrimage psalms sung by ancient sojourners (Israelites) travelling to the hills of Jerusalem. They looked forward to arriving at the their destination with hope, believing in …
Audacious Faith Online Conference June 6
“Audacious” is a big word to describe our faith. It means intrepidly bold and daring. In these unprecedented times, we need audacious faith to face the daily challenges of life with …
Redemption of Workmanship
Although we are God’s unique workmanship we are still in need of redemption. We set out and sail our own way. God went to great lengths to bring us back. Not only did he form us in his image, …
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 …
