Does Your Walk Need an Energy Boost?
“Love means doing what God has commanded us, and He has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning”—2 John 1:6 (NLT). Walking outside is one of my favorite forms of daily exercise. For me, it’s also a time to get away from my writing commitments and rejoin the world. Writing is a solitary occupation. Getting out in nature is a reminder of how blessed I am. Walking through the winding hills of my neighborhood and pausing to watch the geese living on our lake, I remember how much God loves us. His creation refreshes …
What is Pleasing to God?
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near”— Isaiah 55:6 (NRSV). Do you think it pleases our Heavenly Father when we spend more time on our cell phones than we do in scripture? Think about it this way. Does it please you when others ignore you because they’re too busy answering text messages, posting on Facebook or Instagram or answering emails on their electronic devices? Well-known author and Bible teacher Beth Moore puts it this way: “Our devices have become our vices. We’ve lost the art of reading and meditating on the Word. …
Turning lemons into lemonade
“—to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me”—Acts 26:18 (ESV). In 1950, the small town of Wetumka, Okla. was scammed by a visitor who claimed to be the advance man for a traveling circus. According to reports, the visitor was blessed with a silver tongue and sweet talked the townspeople into preparing for the upcoming visit. In preparation for the supposed visit, a hotel bought 20 new mattresses …
We are the Hands and Feet of Jesus
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality”—Romans 12:13 (NLT). Newspaper photos, social media posts and live TV coverage depicted the devastation. Those viewing the destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey could only imagine what the Texas victims were experiencing. For those of us who have experienced the aftermath of a hurricane, the reality is familiar. However, anyone who has either viewed or experienced a disaster like this is familiar with the sacrifices of those who respond to the call for help. As responders poured into the southeastern Texas …
How do you remember what God has done for you?
“But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago”—Psalm 77:11 (NLT). Do you remember when we were arguing over who had the most frogs in their jar and accidentally let them loose in Mom’s car?” I laughed as my sister and I recalled some of our childhood antics. The frog story was funny, even though our mother didn’t think so. The escaped frogs hopped across the floorboard and over her feet as she drove. And yes, we did get in trouble. We all have memories. Some elicit laughter. Others bring tears. …
We Must Tell the Coming Generation
“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done”—Psalm 78:4 (ESV). My youngest grandson recently spent two days with me. Like his father, Cash is mischievous, loving to tease and play practical jokes on his Nana. However, like my other grandchildren, he has a serious side, especially when it comes to praying before meals. I love listening to their heartfelt innocent prayers, filling my heart with joy. Cash has many role models of the faith. His parents, grandparents and …
Take Heart for Jesus Has Overcome
“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). When a dear friend phoned me recently, she asked for prayer, specifically for her son-in-law and daughter who were preparing to travel out of the country for a family emergency. The sister of her son-in-law had been murdered. My friend was not only grieving this senseless crime, but she was concerned for the safety of her loved ones who would be entering a foreign country where the laws and …
Keep Pressing Heavenward to Win the Prize
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”—Philippians 3:14(NIV). Today, I’m pressing on. It’s Friday morning. I’m in my usual spot facing my computer screen. I’ve prayed, “God, please give me the words to reach the people You want me to reach.” When I began this journey, I had no idea I’d still be writing a weekly column almost 12 years later. I don’t share this out of pride but out of humility. While I’ve always loved writing and reading, my post-retirement plans from a 30-year teaching career …
What Do You Believe?
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”—John 11:40 (NIV). The social media site, Facebook, was abuzz several weeks ago with users posting and sending private messages about a hacker. I was bombarded with messages. It was irritating. After the third message, I googled the “supposed” scammer’s name and discovered the rumor about this fake account had been circulating for years. It was a hoax. Although I shared the deception with others, the messages continued. I signed off, hoping to avoid more notices. The messages, fueled by fears of …