Learning Patience Leads to a Mature Faith
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”—Colossians 3:12 (NIV). In a recent conversation with an acquaintance, we were discussing our grandchildren. We both questioned why we were more patient with them than we were with their parents. Yes, we are older, and hopefully have more wisdom, but does that mean patience follows? Not necessarily. I’ve observed grandparents in public with some of their grands. Not all are calm when their children’s offspring act out. I’ve seen them lose their temper, yelling at a child until he or she begins …
Recover Your Life with Jesus’ Help
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly”—Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG). Packing. Moving. Unpacking. I questioned, once again, “Why did I have so much stuff?” It’s not the first time I’ve moved in almost 20 years. It’s the sixth time. I …
Jesus Can Make All Things New Each Day
“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true”—Revelation 21:5 (NIV). The New Year is here! After the stresses of 2020, I doubt anyone wants to cling to the past. With the turning of the calendar to January 2021, sighs of relief were probably expressed by many. Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? While I used to, I don’t anymore. My list used to look something like this: lose weight, eat healthier, save more money, etc. Those are also some of the …
Called to Be a Light in a Dark World
“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness”—John 12:46 (ESV). Although I’ve never watched the television show, it draws millions of viewers. Each episode of “The Great Christmas Light Fight” features different families or groups that create elaborate Christmas light displays. Chosen in advance by the producers, the contestants’ displays are judged on three categories: use of lights, overall design, and Christmas spirit. After judges review each display, a winner is chosen and is the recipient of $50,000 and a trophy. That’s a lot of money. I’m sure it …
And His Name Will Be Immanuel
“But the Lord will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel”—Isaiah 7:14 (CEV). When I was born in 1953, my parents named me Carol Ann. I disliked my name for a long time. I considered it plain vanilla. Not even a squirt of chocolate syrup could make it more palatable for my tastes. Even adding an “e” to the end to spell Carole would have made it more acceptable in my eyes. According to different websites, the name Carol means “free person,” or “song” and is of English origin. …
Let Jesus Write Your To-Do List
“Jesus Christ came from the family of King David and also from the family of Abraham. And this is a list of his ancestors”—Matthew 1:1(CEV). Some of us like making a to-do list. Many of us are so rigid about our lists, we can’t function without one. That was me until I let Jesus take control of my life. Others might fly by the seat of their pants, but without my daily list, I was lost. I still make lists, but I’m more flexible now. It was a process of letting go of the need to be in control and …
Jesus Seeks and Saves the Lost
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost”—Luke 19:10 (ESV). Looking for my spare house key recently, I’d almost given up hope of finding the lost item. In a hurry, I really didn’t want to take the time to have another spare made. Searching through my kitchen junk drawer, which is partially organized, I came across a slew of keys. If I’d taken the time to label them in the first place, I wouldn’t have been overwhelmed. Comparing the keys to my original, I tried to find a match. Some came close but when I …
Putting Joy Back in the Christmas Holidays
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”—Romans 14:17(NIV). If you ask any American child what he likes about Christmas, you will probably hear the same answer. In their excitement, most would probably shout the word “presents” or “toys.” Ask any harried parent what he likes about Christmas and you’d get a different answer. You would get even another viewpoint if you asked retailers. The holiday season is upon us. Although the advertising blitz has been going on for a few months—or at least it …
Exercising Your Gratitude Muscles
“Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him”—Colossians 3:16c-17(CEB). Thanksgiving will look different this year for most of us. Large family gatherings are discouraged because of the pandemic. Others have lost loved ones to this virus, leaving an empty seat at the table. Family traditions, such as going around the Thanksgiving table, and expressing gratitude for something or someone, may be more difficult. We might be asking, “Where is the light at the …