Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!—Romans 7:25a (NIV) It had been a day. Instead of being patient and charitable toward a loved one, I snapped with frustration and said things—unkind things—in anger. I know better. Giving voice to my angry thoughts never makes me feel better. It only makes…
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.—1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV) Are you acquainted with mountain top experiences? The term comes from times when God…
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.—Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) All around me I see signs of a new school year. Stores boast fully-stocked shelves and offer back-to-school sales. Our restaurants and streets hum with the return of college…
Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” —James 4:15 (NIV) Snapping the leash onto my dog’s collar, we stepped into the fresh morning air. As we rounded the house, I stopped in my tracks. On the horizon, I could see mist rising from…
Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”—Mark 1:41 (NIV) Stepping through the door propped up on the stage, our pastor smiled and said, “This is how some of you are when you enter church. You smile. You greet one another. You act like…
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? — Galatians 5:7 NIV The best laid plans often go awry. This certainly proved to be true when my husband and I signed up for the same study plan on the Bible app. Eager to get started,…
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. — Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) Words are powerful. Sadly in our broken world, we often see hateful words thrown out without restraint. During my years as an elementary school teacher, I often saw my young students speak harshly to each other ~…
When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. — Mark 14:26 (NIV) I love to sing. That isn’t to say I sing well ~ actually the opposite is true. I long ago resigned my lot ~ I can make a joyful noise as I worship the Lord (Psalm 98:4)….
“He must become greater; I must become less.” — John 3:30 (NIV) There’s a postcard sitting on my desk. On it a friend wrote one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received: It is clear that you walk with Jesus. These words remind me of my truest desire: to honor Jesus in all that I…
