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 …
God Will Meet Our Daily Needs
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus”—Philippians 4:19 (NIV). During these trying times, people are panicking. They’re afraid. Afraid their needs, the necessary things for living, will not be available when they go to the store or order online. I’ve experienced it. Most of us have. Stores have begun to ration what they do have in stock, especially toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and cleaning products. But shortages are being felt in other areas, including food. Have we forgotten the provider of all our needs? With Him, there’s no need …
Looking for Jesus in all the Wrong Places
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples”—Matthew 28:5-8 (NIV). The women were looking for Jesus. But He wasn’t there. The tomb was …
Fill-up on the Word of God
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”—Hebrews 4:12 (NIV). Depending on what time of day you go to the grocery or big box store, you’ll find many shelves are empty or almost empty. Some individual’s carts are overflowing. Discussing this panic-buying trend, a friend and I agreed people were stuffing their pantries and shelves in fear of not having enough. Instead, shouldn’t we be filling-up on the Word of God, allowing scriptures to …
Does Anger Accomplish Anything?
“Human anger doesn’t produce the holy life God wants”—James 1:20 (NIV). As I write this, I’m taking deep breaths. My chest is tight. That’s what happens when I get angry. It’s not good for me, or anyone else, for that matter. However, righteous anger has led me to write this post. When I googled the number of scriptures about anger, the results varied. However, in an article by Pastor Jeremiah David, he writes, “I surveyed the number of times the words anger, wrath, and indignation (in all their various forms) are used in the Bible, and the number is more …
Unexpected Change: Will We Ever Be the Same?
“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed”—Malachi 3:6 (NIV). Unexpected change in the form of a pandemic has the world reeling. Constant news updates, newspapers filled with information, and social media posts leading to panic buying and hoarding are the new normal. Most of us don’t deal with change easily. We’re used to staying in our comfort zones and believing we’re in control. We’re not. God is. Those who haven’t trusted God for His protection and provision may find themselves even more uncertain during this rapid change. Trusting God’s Holy Word brings …
Anxious Thoughts Don’t Have To Weigh You Down
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”—Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV). Anxious (adjective) – full of mental distress or uneasiness because of fear of danger or misfortune; greatly worried; solicitous. Example used in a sentence: People are anxious (distressed, fearful, worried) about the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). While we should be concerned about what is now being referred to as a pandemic (prevalent throughout an entire country, continent, …