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 …
Trouble will Come but Take Heart
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”—John 16:33 (NIV). My heart is heavy. History is repeating itself. I lived through the turmoil of the 60s during the Civil Rights movement. I saw the injustice. Segregated schools and restaurants. Separate water fountains and restrooms left an imprint on my impressionable mind. What is happening in our country today didn’t begin with the murder of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement. It isn’t the first time hatred has …
When You’re Tempted, Turn to God
“You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and He will show you how to escape from your temptations”—1 Corinthians 10:13 (CEV). Amazed by a video my youngest son sent to me recently, I laughed. The video was what I would call a training video. To teach my two-year-old granddaughter about delayed gratification, her mother, an educator, placed a few pieces of candy on the kitchen table. Her mother then lifted Ruby into her booster seat, and she immediately reached for the candy. …
Doing Good Makes a Difference
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up”—Galatians 6:9 (ESV). One dime can make a difference. Just ask those who were able to attend school and also learn about God because one woman wasn’t afraid to ask. Born in 1866 in Alabama, Martha Berry grew up privileged. Her wealthy parents afforded Martha and her siblings the luxuries others couldn’t afford. Schools were scarce but Martha was educated by tutors and a governess at home. It was her father, however, who modeled a charitable heart for his …
Guest Post: A New Season Blossoms
A new season blossoms amid a chaotic world. Spring provides beauty and refreshment after the long, cold winter. A new awakening provided by God’s omnipotent hand. The birds sing cheerful songs, gracing bird feeders. Gold finches preen their bright yellow feathers. Shy indigo buntings emerge from the woods. Flowers bloom in an endless parade of beauty. Redbud trees relinquish magnificent buds for new fresh, life-giving leaves. Dogwoods bloom, reminding us of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Each white petal, tipped with crimson, bursts with hope as the season unfolds. Spring is a season of renewal and revival as earth throws …
Can We be Patient During Tribulation?
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer”—Romans 12:12 (ESV). Opening the blinds in my office this morning, I was stunned to see the empty jelly cups in my Oriole feeder. I’d just filled them late the day before. If I didn’t refill them soon, they’d be invading my hummingbird feeders. I’m delighted with the profusion of these colorful birds. I still don’t know why the increase in numbers this year. But I’m enjoying their visits, even if it keeps me busy spooning grape jelly into their feeding cups. I’m patient while tending to their needs but …
Finding Joy During the Trials
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…”—James 1:2(NIV). Joy may seem out of reach for those who are suffering during the current pandemic. I can understand, and I pray for those whose trials are greater than mine. As I spend time with my Heavenly Father each morning, I lift in prayer those who are on the front lines. They include medical personnel, first responders, law enforcement, truck drivers, grocery store employees, and others required to work during this time. Despite the fact I can’t visit my grandchildren and hug them right now, …
Let’s Celebrate the Earth Every Day
“Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground’”—Genesis 1:28 (NLT). Kneeling beside my flower beds, I pulled on the stubborn weeds clinging to the earth. They were refusing to give up their temporary home. When they finally released their hold, I almost tumbled backwards. I love to feel the cool earth beneath my fingers. That’s why I don’t always wear gloves when doing yard work. Yes, my hands and fingernails get …