Fear is a stronghold. A stronghold is like an iceberg–the sea of our thoughts and emotions hide the majority of it. The ten percent we show to those around us is no indication of its depth and size. …
Continue reading →There was a security in Papa’s love…
Continue reading →Before sunrise, Pastor Troy unlocked the doors of Countryside Church. It was his custom to pray for the people before they arrived. He touched the back of a pew where Bessie customarily sat. “Father God, I lift Bessie up to you…” A tear trickled down his cheek as he prayed. *** Outside, the sun crested the horizon. Congregants were starting to arrive. Bessie cupped her hand to her mouth. She asked Sue to keep a secret, “Pastor visited a liquor … 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 →
She knew what she’d done—and took her punishment willingly…
Continue reading →Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. ~Psalm 62:5 NIV Disappointment, sadness or displeasure because someone or something has failed to fulfill our hopes or expectations. That is disillusionment. We allow disillusionment to become a part of who we are by turning our eyes, our hopes, and our expectations, to the wrong place. Our focus becomes inward instead of upward to God and outward to others. Let’s look at someone in the Bible who … Continue reading →
My servant Job shall pray for you. Job 42:8b KJV Before sunrise, Pastor Troy unlocked the doors of Countryside Church. It was his custom to pray for the people before they arrived. He touched the back of the pew where Bessie customarily sat. “Father God, I lift Bessie to you.” A tear trickled down his cheek…. *** Outside, the sun crested as congregants arrived. Bessie asked Sue to keep a secret, “Pastor visited a liquor store.” She lifted an empty … Continue reading →
Nan sat in her recliner admiring her Christmas gift. Her grandchildren had bought her a tablet. She was intrigued that she could read without turning a page. “Nanna,” Matt called. Nan barely heard her grandson as she fiddled with the keypad. “Nan, I’m going home,” Matt said, “so give me a hug.” Nan stretched an arm towards her grandson, balancing the tablet on her knees. “Uh-uh! I want a real hug. Come on, get up.” Matt stretched his hands towards … Continue reading →
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 Frankie propped his Ba-Ba Bear on top of the sofa, waiting for the mail truck to arrive. Michelle also waited, quietly reading a primer, while glancing out the window at intervals. Would Mema’s gifts come today? For these two, this would mark the beginning of the Christmas season. Meanwhile, Mama stirred a pot of potato soup. She ladled out the ham … Continue reading →
