Every Good Gift

At Christmas, we sit around the tree with a sense of expectation. Our hope is that we receive the gifts that we truly want and that someone else gets the socks, underwear, and ties that we don’t really care about. We are blessed when someone gives us something that meets a specific desire, especially ifContinue reading “Every Good Gift”

“Sour Taste in My Mouth”

You have, no doubt, heard the expression “That left a sour taste in my mouth.” This expression refers to our the words that we say, words which we also regret saying. They can be words of criticism, accusation, hurt, or words intended to deceive. Immediately after saying such words, we understand that we have doneContinue reading ““Sour Taste in My Mouth””

Lord Will Be With Me

My mind tries to convince me that I can do what I used to be able to do. However, my body balks at such talk, knowing the realities of my current strengths and weaknesses. God loves to override our weaknesses with power directly from Him. It is in our weaknesses that we can find faithContinue reading “Lord Will Be With Me”

Transformed

I have moved several times in my lifetime. It seems that we can always find a new home and different people. It generally takes a while to become acclimated, but sooner or later the new place feels right. However, for the follower of Jesus Christ, we will not be at our true home until weContinue reading “Transformed”

By Word and Deed

Court room witnesses testify to what they saw or heard. They are sworn to tell the truth. It takes no special skill or power to be this type of witness. However, to be a witness for Jesus Christ, and tell others what the truth, we do need a special power. That power comes in theContinue reading “By Word and Deed”

Score Cards Don’t Tell the True Story

In the Olympics, judges in ice skating and gymnastics give scores to the contestants. These are subjective ratings from qualified professionals, but they may not reflect the skills and performance of the contestants. We, also, get score cards throughout our lives. We receive report cards in school that speak to how we performed in eachContinue reading “Score Cards Don’t Tell the True Story”

What Is Bothering You?

Perhaps you have been asked a time or two, “what is bothering you?” Maybe it was your sad facial expression that clued the inquisitor into your problem. Or perhaps a sudden burst of anger caused someone to ask you this question. Sometimes we can hide our problems from others, but other times the problems becomeContinue reading “What Is Bothering You?”

Walk In The Light

Almost every morning I go for a hike and I begin while it is still dark. I have to walk gingerly as many dangers are in my path. Uneven walkways, holes, animals, obstructions and other unexpected dangers can trip me up and cause me to fall. Then there is the possibility that someone may beContinue reading “Walk In The Light”

Experiencial Knowledge

At least for me, knowledge gained by experience is more impactful and has longer term benefits than knowledge learned simply by reading or hearing. Both aspects of knowledge are important, but when I learn through experience I retain the knowledge longer and use this knowledge more in my life. II Peter 1:2-3 says, “May graceContinue reading “Experiencial Knowledge”

Immovable

When I think of the words “steadfast” and “immovable”, I think of the great natural and manmade sites that I have seen. The Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and the Great Wall of China fall into those categories. They are massive and exude power. But even these great and beautiful sites have changed and continue toContinue reading “Immovable”