And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the … Continue reading →
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV At first glance, the thought that there is a blessing in our wounds sounds absurd. No one in their right mind knowingly asks for an insult or wound, let alone a disease or life-altering loss. However, as I was preparing my heart for Thanksgiving, I was suddenly … Continue reading →
Father God, it’s getting cold outside. I look out the window at the frosty rooftops of my neighbors, and my heart sinks to think of those without a roof over their head or hope in their heart. I think of those held prisoner in the clutches of addiction, those without food to eat and whose only socks are threadbare with holes. Father we lift the homeless, the lost, the sick, the addicted and the vulnerable. We lift those who left rashly, … Continue reading →
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ~Romans 12:14 NIV Many of us are working diligently to learn to be “blessers”—those that are purposeful to bless and be a blessing to those the Lord places around us. As the Body of Christ, we are endowed with the authority to speak blessing and to be a blessing. The Father strategically positions us to be agents of grace and mercy, ministers of comfort and bringers of peace and hope … Continue reading →
Recently I was talking to a friend who is in ministry. She was discouraged that her ministry was so slow-growing and that while she was faithful to obey the Lord’s leading, some of her efforts seemed to fall flat. We can all have days when we don’t bring our A-Game. And sometimes we need to brush up on our skills. However, sometimes on those flat days, the message the Lord is sending through us really isn’t for the masses, but … Continue reading →
Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace. ~Luke 8:48 NIV For twenty years I played the role of the woman who was healed from the issue of blood, in our church drama productions. Considered unclean, she timidly worked her way among the crowds. From bended knee, she stretched out her arm to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed. Jesus felt power leave Him and said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace” Luke … Continue reading →
I was a widow at 53. My precious first husband, Jim, developed cancer and died before he could see his 60th birthday. In the days and weeks surrounding his passing, the Lord sent several to minister to me. All of their kindnesses were of comfort, but it was the voices of other widows, my sisters in Christ, that spoke with the greatest volume. Knowing that they had suffered similar grief and loss elevated their voices above others. They had survived … Continue reading →
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7 NIV Years ago, I had a conversation with someone about offensive words found in scripture. I am not talking about unwholesome language, but words like sin, death, crucifixion, hell and the blood. Some congregations had postulated that cultured people are offended by the graphic nature of these words, and a more diluted and sanitized gospel began to emerge. … Continue reading →
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2 NIV Ever have one of those nights when you wake up for no apparent reason and can’t get back to sleep? I had one of those earlier this week and grabbed my phone to do a word search in an attempt to … Continue reading →
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44 NIV It was the hardest year of my life. It was in 2013 that my husband, Jim, succumbed to cancer. I would love to tell you that after my husband died that countless people rallied around me, as a new widow, to help me in such a brutally hard time, but they didn’t. Apart from my parents and a couple of close friends I … Continue reading →
