Hallmark Christmas or Saving Private Ryan?

“The king of Babylon now stands at the fork, uncertain whether to attack Jerusalem or Rabbah. He calls his magicians to look for omens. They cast lots by shaking arrows from the quiver. They inspect the livers of animal sacrifices.” (Ezekiel 21:21 NLT) We tend to see our life from one of two distinct vantageContinue reading “Hallmark Christmas or Saving Private Ryan?”

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”

Understanding the Times

“From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” (1 Chronicles 12:32 NLT) 1 Chronicles 10 records the death of Israel’s first king, Saul, then chapter 11 tells of David becomingContinue reading “Understanding the Times”

Avoiding the “Bonk” (Part 2)

“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corruptingContinue reading “Avoiding the “Bonk” (Part 2)”

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”

Are You Longing for a Heaven Without Jesus?

“In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” (Matthew 5:45 NLT) Have you ever asked someone who isn’t a believer to describe what heaven willContinue reading “Are You Longing for a Heaven Without Jesus?”

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!”

A Closer Look at Peace

“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79 NLT) There are more than 100 references to peace in the New TestamentContinue reading “A Closer Look at Peace”

Colder or Bolder?

“Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:12-13 NLT) Are you ready for Jesus’ return? He’s coming soon! We must be about our Father’s business! What is that? Being bold in our witness to those without JesusContinue reading “Colder or Bolder?”