Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2 NIV “Excuse me,” I said to the stranger who had leaned on my shopping cart. I thought about elbowing him, but I refrained. I was dealing with grief. Mom had just died, so I knew my emotions were raw. Our home Bible Study group wanted me to make chicken stew. I was painfully aware I couldn’t phone Mom for advice, and I had never made … Continue reading →
A GRANDMOTHER AND A GRANDDAUGHTER “We taught the daycare children by example, and you were with me.” Mrs. Gertrude said, tickling her granddaughter, Sharon’s side. “I remember,” Sharon said, “but I’m twelve now!” Mrs. Gertrude smiled as her ‘little Sharon’ donned her best grown up imitation. “Do you remember our career center? You and your friends pretended to be scientists, engineers, beauticians, firefighters, or ballerinas by wearing hats. Then we’d share read-to-me books while we passed the featured hat around.” “It was fun,” Sharon … Continue reading →
Recently a lady from our church shared a dream she’d had about sounding the shofar to announce the returning of our King Jesus. The dream was riveting; I couldn’t stop thinking about it. “Religion doesn’t work, but a relationship with Jesus does.” Prepare to meet your Soon-Coming King. Although we cannot know the day or the hour Jesus will return, we do know we are in the season of Christ’s return. Jesus tells us to consider the parable of the fig tree: “Now … Continue reading →
Jenny expected a visitor, so as moonbeams danced through the curtains, she welcomed the day. She opened her Bible, which was to her the best love-letter ever. “Speak to me, Lord,” she whispered. Jenny’s thought meandered to the Bible Study she’d attended two days ago. The leader had asked God to enable them to reach someone trapped in a cult religion that week. “My Jesus,” Jenny said, “Am I prepared should You choose to send this visitor to my door? What … Continue reading →
It was another hot and windless day in San Francisco on October 17, 1989. There was a sense of electricity in the air as the anticipation built. The game would be three of the World Series playoffs. The contest was scheduled to begin at 5:35 pm. The San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s were going through the pre-game ceremonies at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California.
Continue reading →When I taught the elementary grades, my litmus test for the children’s well-being was to observe them during recess and ask, “Are they skipping?” Even a child at rest will swing a foot, shrug a shoulder, or sway. I’ve learned skipping is a universal expression of joy. In Song of Solomon 7:1-2a, the Bride of Christ is allegorically pictured as a princess wearing gorgeous shoes, and with jeweled thighs. Why? She is spiritually adorned with these so she can … Continue reading →
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. ~Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV The first day I heard God’s voice speaking into my spirit, my friend Tony Blaile Sr. and I had just returned from playing baseball. My parents met us at the door of my house, and they told me they had something to share. Tony thought I was about to get … Continue reading →
O LORD, You have searched me and You know me. Psalm 139:1 NIV Jenna knelt at her bedside, weeping. She stroked her finger with her thumb and forefinger; the absence of her wedding band heightening her sense of loss. A simple band that had encircled her finger signified security. But apparently, Brian didn’t feel the same way. He had left her for a “new love.” Jenna was left grasping for answers. Could she have done something to keep him? No, … Continue reading →
How do you draw a picture of Love? How do you paint afresh the agony of the Cross? With gentle strokes of tenderness as His grace beckons us closer. There to wash pure white the canvas of our soul. Then on that clean canvas He paints layer by layer the beauty of His love. The picture of love is our Savior’s face as He reveals it to us. How do you see the Master’s face? I’ll show you the … Continue reading →
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty. Zephaniah 3:17a KJV Dad stood behind me, dabbing oil paint on the canvas. My hand rest atop his, so it felt like I was painting, but I knew who held the brush. Soon, Dad slid his hand away, and I grasped the brush. His hand was still underneath mine so I still felt confident. Before I knew it, he was smiling, with his hand to his chin. Occasionally I’d … Continue reading →
