Scars: A Reminder of What We’ve Experienced
“So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ Thomas said to them, ‘Unless I see the scars of the nails in his hands and put my finger on those scars and my hand in his side, I will not believe’”— John 20:25(GNT). Recently, I acquired eight new stitches, the result of skin cancer on my neck. Growing up a fair-skinned blonde with blue eyes, I sunburned easily. During my formative years in the 50s and 60s, sunscreen wasn’t widely promoted to prevent sunburns or skin damage. The test results revealed it was Basal cell carcinoma, the most …
Chasing the Wind is Foolishness
“Then I observed that the basic motive for success is the driving force of envy and jealousy! But this, too, is foolishness, chasing the wind”— Ecclesiastes 4:4 (TLB). One of my favorite contemporary Christian songs is titled “Just Give Me Jesus.” It reminds me of the saying, often credited to Billy Graham. “My home is in heaven. I’m just passing through this world.” Often called upon to ease the nation’s fears during stressful times, Dr. Graham’s wisdom provided calm no matter the situation. He reassured us that Earth is just a stopping place, a way station, before our final home. …
Stand on God’s Promises During Difficult Times
“And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires”— 2 Peter 1:4 (NLT). How can we hold on to our faith in God when times are difficult? Doesn’t scripture tell us to “give thanks in all things,” trusting God for our daily needs? Losing our job, being diagnosed with a devastating illness, or facing other life changes can leave us questioning God. How can we be thankful? How can we trust Him during …
The Lord’s Plans Stand Firm as a Sycamore Tree
“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations”—Psalm 33:11 (NIV). An anonymous quote on social media recently grabbed my attention. It said, “Long before Zacchaeus couldn’t see Jesus, the tree was planted to meet his need.” Not only do I love this quote, I had to share it. Reflecting on the words, I began to think about God’s plans for my life. Until my rebirth, I never considered how God had already prepared a way for me, just as He did for Zacchaeus. According to Luke 19, the tree Zacchaeus climbed …
Let Your Light Shine for All to See
“Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father”—Matthew 5:15-16 (NLT). Have you found it difficult to let your light light lately? I have. It’s not just the continued increase in COVID-19 cases, either. The pandemic has divided us a nation. Those who wear a mask, to hopefully prevent the spread, also follow social distancing guidelines. Then, there is the opposing side, the ones who don’t wear a mask in public or observe social distancing guidelines. I fall into the former group. However, …
Don’t Let Anyone Steal Your Joy
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore”—Psalm 16:11 (ESV). One of my favorite YouTube videos is of children singing a Zach Williams’ song titled “Old Church Choir.” What makes the video so special is the actions of one youngster who steals the show. She seems oblivious to those around her, reveling in the lyrics as she dances to the music. Part of the song’s lyrics follow: There’s revival, and it’s spreading Like a wildfire in my heart A Sunday morning, Hallelujah And it’s lasting …
Will You Say “Yes” to the Lord?
“After this, I heard the Lord ask, ‘Is there anyone I can send? Will someone go for us?’ ‘I’ll go,’ I answered. ‘Send me!’”—Isaiah 6:8 (CEV). Nine months passed before I said “yes” to God. It was April 2005 when that still, small voice convinced me to go. Taking a leap of faith, I relocated from my hometown to a larger community almost 100 miles west. My house sold quickly. I was excited, yet apprehensive at the same time. Moving to a new community, where I knew very few people, was the beginning of a new adventure. It was also …
A Father to All of Us
“And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty”—2 Corinthians 6:18 (NASB). Trying to find a sympathy card for a friend who’d recently lost her father, I noticed the display of Father’s Day cards nearby. My heart ached. My friend would no longer be purchasing greeting cards for this special occasion. I could relate because I lost my father to cancer in September 2007. I’ve had 12 years to adjust to his absence. However, I still experience the loss, and not just on holidays. My father had a …
Transformed by His Amazing Grace
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”—Romans 12:2 (NIV). Do you believe people can change? Before you answer that question, let’s consider some examples of characters in scripture who were used by God, even though they were not perfect. In the Old Testament, we learn that “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). Was Noah perfect? No. But God chose to save Noah and his family from …