He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. ~Psalm 147:4-5 ESV God’s Stars When I look up at the night sky, the awe of creation overtakes me. Innumerable stars fill the expanse, and yet God has given all of them names. What an incredible wonder. God didn’t need to create the stars, yet He placed value on giving each star … Continue reading →
Carrying My Children’s Rocks I remember my kids giving me things to hold for them when they were little–among them, rocks in my pockets. They found little rocks they thought were special. Whenever I unloaded the rocks in my pockets and the other treasures they’d entrusted to me, I smiled. These provided little glimpses into their hearts, things I got to carry to make their life more joyful or the journey less of a struggle for them. Responsibilities As they got older, … Continue reading →
Living the Blessed Life The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds. ~Psalm 145:17 When we learn that people have received answers to prayers, we might say, “God is good!” When things go right, we continue with, “God is faithful!” We may associate living the good life with images of ease, comfortable scenarios, and dreamy settings. We often ascribe the words “blessed” and “blessing” to these circumstances. I have undoubtedly had this mindset countless … Continue reading →
Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. ~Luke 12:7 ESV As I swept my bathroom floor, I noticed several random strands of hair in the dustpan, and I was reminded of this verse. How I See Me God has an incredible measure of love for us. For that matter, I do not know the total number of hairs on my head or any … Continue reading →
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.~Galatians 2:20 ESV As Christians, the idea of a living grave is something we don’t really contemplate. Graves are associated with death, not life. Except for in the case of Christ, when He was resurrected and … Continue reading →
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ~Matthew 24:12-13 ESV Recently, a huge ice storm swept through the area where I live. Damage of historical proportions occurred when the weight of enormous ice accumulation splintered trees and snapped power lines. The stark scene of roads littered with fallen trees, sparking powerlines, and scattered branches was sobering. The Storm So many … Continue reading →
Perfume’s Unchanging Value Your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out. ~Song 1:3 ESV Consider the value of a fragrance. Perfume does not change in value, no matter what we spill it onto. We can spill it on the floor or onto a wealthy person’s skin, and the value remains the same, as does the fragrance. Perfume can sit on a shelf untouched or be cherished one dab at a time by someone who has saved … Continue reading →
But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. ~Luke 2:19 ESV The room was quiet. It had been a week since the heavenly but intrusive celebration. Morning light spilled onto the floor. Doves cooed near the window, welcoming the new day. Jesus contentedly snuggled in and breathed steadily. He lay in the cloth wrapping that she had on hand to keep Him warm. She studied His sleeping face in wonder, and a huge sense … Continue reading →
Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, … Continue reading →
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. ~1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV I once visited a friend’s house. I stood beside them in their backyard on their luxurious patio, which had an unobstructed view of an incredible state park. From where we stood, we had a feast for the eyes, overlooking a huge valley with its … Continue reading →
