As we grow in our faith, we learn more about abiding in Christ. Abiding is a life-long process of nurturing faith through seeking and worshipping God. This develops through prayer and …
Passover Lamb
Passover is remembered as the time when God provided a way of redemption for the people of Israel. Each family was to chose a year old male lamb without defect, slaughter it, and put some of its …
The Plan of Redemption Unfolds
The week leading up to Easter is often busy with anticipation of celebrating spring, family get-togethers, and egg hunts. As the week unfolds, we live out the plan of our preparations. If we get too …
Let God Love You
God loves us. We try to understand this but struggle to fully grasp it. Sometimes we reject this gift when we need it most. God expresses His faithful lovingkindness to us in many ways. God's Word …
Inspirations on the Treadmill
This week I've begun using the treadmill again. While exercising I can look out the window, watch webinars on my computer, and read the inspirations on the walls in my office. Seeing my wall …
A Lesson of Commitment
My word for year--commit--tested me. Rather, it guided me in making a decision. I wanted to back out of a commitment I made months ago, something that is to continue through the next five months. But …
Abide – 2014 in Review
The one word that guided me through 2014 was ABIDE. As I reflect on the past year, I see how I've been encouraged by those five letters. I discovered this word is both an active and …
The Story of “Joy to the World”
Christmas carols stir many emotions. From the gentle, sweet melodies of “Away in a Manger” and “Silent Night” to the exuberant sounds of “O Come all Ye Faithful” and “Angels We Have Heard on High,” we …
Giving Thanks for…Waiting
Waiting is hard. We have to do it all the time--waiting in line at the checkout, waiting in the doctor's office, waiting for test results, waiting for Christmas... Many times it is so hard to wait. …
Praise and Thanks
What’s the difference between offering praise and thanks? Praise and thanks are closely connected but separate. Each has a specific objective, yet they overlap in purpose. In thanksgiving we list …
Fall! New Season Arrives
Each season brings the anticipation of change--the new buds of spring bear hope, full summer shade brings relaxation, autumn's painted trees announce exhilaration, and snowy fields of winter herald …
Summer Faith
Summer is upon us! It's transition time again! The next three months could be full of ball games, picnics, vacations, extra lessons, and camps. A different kind of agenda settles over the calendar. …
A Beautiful Path
Red cardinals swooped through the blooming white dogwoods and other newly leafed trees. Caterpillars wiggled across the walking trail, while an orange butterfly floated in the air. The …
Remember Easter?
Remember Easter? Not long ago, Easter brought a flurry of spring activities. Family dinners, new clothes, jellybeans and chocolate. Now the candy is mostly gone, the lilies are wilting, and the …
Searchlight of the Heart
The lantern atop a lighthouse sweeps back and forth over the dark waters in continual motion. The beam guides ships through the night, but also reveals the dangers of rocks and sandbars. …
Choices Everywhere!
Have you ever wondered how many choices we make in a day? It has been suggested that thousands of decisions are made, ranging from simple to complex. We decide what to wear and eat, where to drive and …
The Ultimate Valentine
The ultimate valentine has been sent to us. It expresses is an unending love of such magnitude that it is hard for us grasp, far beyond our limited comprehension. But it is so real. The Word of God …
True Security
Hatchlings in a nest. A baby asleep in mom's arms. A family hunkered in a warm house while a winter storm paralyzes the outside world in snow and ice. All these are images of security. Security …
8 Verses for Abiding in Christ
The tiny leaf in the middle of the photo illustrates the word "abide." It is new growth, protected by larger leaves. The smaller one shares the same source of nourishment for life. But if it is …
Abide in Grace
Last year, instead of resolutions, I chose one word to focus and guide my actions. This approach was new to me. The word for 2013 was "intentional." This word helped me focus on and complete some …
