God Promises us a Hope-Filled Future
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope”— Jeremiah 29:11 (TLB). For me, the word “future” brings to mind two things: exciting new discoveries or the end of things as we know it. The first is an optimistic outlook; the second is pessimistic, depending on your view. Recently, I ran into a friend, who like me, had been a professional photographer. His was a full-time job. I supplemented my teacher’s income with a sideline photography business. Our discussion led …
Can we Find Victory in Death?
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me”— Psalm 23:4 (NASB). The recent death of a dear friend to cancer has left me asking, once again, “Why, Lord, why?” Cat is the second friend I’ve lost to cancer this year. She would have been 68 on September 27. Much too young, if you ask me. Cancer doesn’t discriminate. Neither does death. It’s the ultimate fate of every human who has and will walk this earth. However, when a life …
Forget the Former Things, Look Up
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland”—Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV). Forget the past? Sometimes it’s easier said than done. In fact, I would say, it’s impossible to let go of the times we’ve been lost in the wilderness, unless we look up. What does it mean to look up? Look up, seek God, seek His forgiveness, seek His guidance, and seek His hand. Let Him lead you from the …
If You Hurry You’ll Miss the Miracles
“A man named Jairus came to him. He was a leader of the synagogue. He had only one daughter. She was twelve years old, and she was dying. So Jairus bowed down at the feet of Jesus and begged him to come to his house. While Jesus was going to Jairus’ house, the people crowded all around him”— Luke 8:41-42 (ERV). If your child were dying, wouldn’t you be in a hurry to seek medical attention? I know I would. In this case, Jairus, a synagogue leader, knew who could heal his dying daughter. Jesus. This church leader sought out …
Kindness is the Key to a More Peace-filled World
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”—Galatians 5:22-23(NIV). Did you know you have the power to turn someone’s day around? And, in the process, you’ll benefit, too. It’s a win-win situation. Ask yourself: am I nice or kind? There’s a difference. People considered nice are polite. Kindness goes deeper. For example, a nice person can ask, “Are you hungry?” Kindness leads a person to provide food for someone without even asking. Simple acts of kindness show others you care and reveal they aren’t alone in this world. State Trooper Takes …
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Why do you believe in Jesus Christ?
“That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins”—John 8:24 (TLB). What would you say if someone asked you why you believe in Jesus? I recently posted this question on Facebook and was immediately inundated with replies. Those replies ranged from simple statements like “He saved my life,” to more detailed answers, including someone who shared her miracle stories after praying for healing from pain. After struggling on her own, and refusing to take pain medication, she said, “I …
Peace Can Only Be Found in Jesus
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid”—John 14:27 (TLB). In a world filled with strife, how do you find peace? A peace that lasts, not dependent on your circumstances or shattered by the latest news reports. Do you want that kind of peace? Who doesn’t? How can you discover the peace that passes understanding? It requires a change in our habits. How often do we let our minds wander aimlessly? Do we allow our emotions to dominate …
Prayer and the Lessons We Can Learn
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”—James 5:16(NIV). “Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” This quote from Mother Teresa led me to reflect on my own prayer life. I’ve been struggling for months, actually over a year, with an unanswered prayer. When I say struggling, I don’t mean wrestling with God’s lack of response to my pleas. I’ve heard that still, small voice saying, “Be patient. Wait on me.” The Holy Spirit’s reply to my prayer …