We Will Have Trouble in this World
“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). Trouble fills our world. We can’t escape it. Right now, the aftermath of a devastating hurricane that hit the southeastern part of the United States dominates the news. Amid the hurricane’s destruction, the current presidential election season leaves us reeling with concern about the outcome. Adding to the chaos, we hear constant updates of wars around the world. Destruction. Negativity. Wars. Besides avoiding social media and the …
Let Your Light Shine for Others to See
“You are the world’s light—a city on a hill, glowing in the night 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 5:14-16 (TLB). Grabbing a scrap of paper, I scribbled down the following statement: “The only way a light can grow is by passing it on.” I was watching a clean secular movie when one of the main characters made this statement to another character, who was struggling with his life choices. While I can’t remember anything else …
Help is Only a Whisper Away
“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth”—Psalm 121:2 (ESV). In a devotional by Pat Butler Dyson, she shared the grief her family was experiencing at the loss of a grandson who died during delivery. Her grandson’s death brought back memories of the loss of her own son, who was only three years old when he passed away from meningitis. Contemplating the grief her son and his wife were facing sent the normally “strong-in-a-crisis” woman into a tailspin. Distraught with grief, she cried out, “Lord, I can’t do this.” In addition, Dyson was battling a severe migraine. …
Why God Prunes His Children
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful”—John 15:2 (NIV). Planting flowers in the spring is one of my favorite activities. But if I want to see them grow and thrive, I must take care of them. Watering is number one followed by fertilizing them every two weeks. Petunias have never been one of my favorite flowers. Despite watering and fertilizing the plants, they never seem to retain their beauty after I bring them home from the store. Then, a …
Those Who Hope in the Lord
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”— Isaiah 40:31 (NIV). Isaiah 40:31 is one of my favorite Bible verses. When I read or recall this scripture, my heart soars as I imagine a magnificent eagle gliding in the wind. My hope is renewed and whatever negative thoughts are plaguing me scatter with Isaiah’s words. Allowing our negative thoughts to lead us down a path of hopelessness is easy when we are overwhelmed with life’s trials. …
Making Wise Choices: The Key to Life
“ For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe”—Proverbs 2:10-11 (NLT). Before I gave my life to Jesus, I sometimes made wrong choices. Instead of listening to that still, small voice, my decisions were often based on the opinions of others or were led by my emotions. I didn’t trust myself to choose wisely. My insecurities led me to trust others instead of seeking God’s wisdom. The choices I made sometimes led me down the wrong path. It was like tripping over a small pebble that …
Have You Ever Wrestled with God?
“Yes, he wrestled with the Angel and prevailed. He wept and pleaded for a blessing from him”— Hosea 12:4 (TLB). If you’ve never wrestled with God, you’re missing out. Why would I make that statement when struggling spiritually leaves us feeling alone, overwhelmed, and at times ready to give up? Yet, even biblical heroes like Jacob wrestled with God. Christian writer Amanda Williams calls it ‘holy wrestling,’ and says, “This profound experience has deepened the faith of many over the centuries.” Since I began my journey with Jesus over 20 years ago, I’ve wrestled with God more times than I …
Finding Your Strength Through Christ
“ I can do all this through Him who gives me strength”— Philippians 4:13 (NIV). Writing in my journal this morning, I poured out my heart to God. I was feeling like a failure. Hoping to accomplish some major tasks in 2024, I’d made four goals at the beginning of this year. I had set deadlines for three of the four goals. So far, I’d accomplished zilch. That isn’t completely true. Before I gave up, I’d memorized 15 scriptures about God’s promises. My goal was to memorize 52—one a week—before the end of this year. I’ve also completed an online writing …
What Can Storms and Trials Teach Us?
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world”— John 16:33 (NLT). Since an EF-3 tornado tore through our Oklahoma county last month, people have been dealing with the clean-up of debris and the trials of surviving without electricity. While most have had power restored, others are waiting for electricians to replace destroyed electrical boxes or reconnect the city power to their houses. I was blessed. My property was not damaged. Others weren’t so fortunate. My …