But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.—Deuteronomy 8:18a (NIV) Leaning back in my chair, I sighed with contentment. It always encourages me when I cross items off my to-do list. But for days I had avoided addressing these particular items. They involved untangling complicated…
But a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.—Proverbs 13:12b (NIV) Dumbfounded, I watched my friend burst into tears as she read the email. “Can you believe this?” she asked. “Yes,” I replied, trying to understand her confusion. “This is what I’ve been praying for. Haven’t you?” She hesitated a moment and then answered, “Yes,…
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:5-7 (NIV) My anxious…
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. Acts 9:36 (NIV) Caught off guard, I turned away so she couldn’t see my face. My friend didn’t mean to be malicious, but her careless words left me seething. What did she…
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. —Matthew 6:20 (NIV) “This will be your legacy.” These words referred to the last major project I completed in my role as an Instructional Coach. Just before I retired, I had…
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.—Philippians 4:12b-13 (NIV) Years ago I traded my career as a CPA for a job as an au pair (nanny)…
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.—Colossians 3:12 (NIV) A father once told his young daughter that being a Christian means Jesus lives inside of us. “But Daddy,” she exclaimed, “Jesus is bigger than me. If He lived inside of me, He would poke…
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…
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.—Matthew 9:9 (NIV) Incredulous, my friend shook her head. “I just can’t believe your family doesn’t go to church.” “Oh, I don’t mind,” I replied, “This…
