God Rejoices Over 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.” (Zeph. 3:17) *Please read these words of Sylvia Gunter slowly, carefully, and repeatedly. Think about them with more than your mind. LetContinue reading “God Rejoices Over You”

Joy and Delight

“The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message.” (Matthew 28:8 NLT) Joy isn’t the giddiness experienced by a child as they open gifts at Christmas. It’s a deep, abiding satisfaction that gives evidence of the delightContinue reading “Joy and Delight”

Through a Child’s Eyes (Author Unknown)

*May you be blessed, as I was, as I read this story of 3-year-old Bailey’s encounter with Jesus. I pray this story will give you a new appreciation, not only of the Christmas story, but of the Savior who was born that day and now lives in our hearts and lives. God recently allowed meContinue reading “Through a Child’s Eyes (Author Unknown)”

A Crisis of Faith

“A Cry was heard in Ramah – weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.” (Matthew 2:18 NLT) This verse in Matthew’s Gospel is a quote from the Prophet Jeremiah and speaks to the deep anguish many Jewish parents felt after Herod, in an effort toContinue reading “A Crisis of Faith”

A Reason to Be Grateful

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT) Today in America is Thanksgiving Day. As is the case every seven years, it’s also my birthday. I’m turning 75 today, so I have thousands of reasons to be grateful, but supreme in myContinue reading “A Reason to Be Grateful”

Everything You Need!

“These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” (Matthew 6:32 NLT) When you think about “needs,” what comes first to mind? If you’re a Jesus follower, hopefully, you’ll recognize your overarching need of Jesus. But when it comes to practical, everyday needs, what’s first? Food, clothing, shelter,Continue reading “Everything You Need!”

Happy or Holy?

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8 NLT) Happiness is the proverbial carrot at the end of the stick which always seems just out of reach of its pursuer. Yet, happiness is not a word foreign to the Scriptures. The verse above is from a list of “Beatitudes”Continue reading “Happy or Holy?”

Some Things Are Worth Waiting For!

“Can the dead live again? If so, this would give me hope through all my years of struggle, and I would eagerly await the release of death.” (Job 14:14 NLT) Thinking about something that’s already happened, what comes to mind when I ask you: “For what have you waited with greatest anticipation?” For me, oneContinue reading “Some Things Are Worth Waiting For!”

What Is Your Choice?

“If by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose. I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; but for your sake it is much more important that IContinue reading “What Is Your Choice?”

The Joy of the Lord

“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!” (Psalm 100:1 NLT) What brings you joy? The term “joy” is used nearly 300 times in Scripture and the most common meaning is “gladness.” As we look at the joy of the Lord today, I’d like to approach it from a couple perspectives. First, the joyContinue reading “The Joy of the Lord”