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 …
What Can Unity Accomplish?
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”—Psalm 133:1(NIV). These people are not drowning today!” This thought entered Jessica Simmons’ mind when she watched as six members of a single family struggled after a powerful riptide had swept them away at a Panama City Beach. Others had tried to reach the family in trouble, but each previous rescue attempt left more people stranded. A lifeguard was not on duty. A rescue boat had not yet arrived. People began to use boogie boards, surf boards and their arms and legs to attempt a rescue. When someone …
Making Each Season Count
“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day”— 2 Corinthians 4:16(TLB). My two oldest grandchildren, now 12 and 13, spent several days with me recently. Cheyenne is now taller than I am by almost two inches. Her brother, Brennan, is also catching up with my five foot plus three inches. I’m not getting any taller, but they are. It’s sometimes difficult to fathom how fast the years have gone. It seems just like yesterday that I was changing their diapers. While I miss those years, I’m …
Baseball, Blackberries and Bless to Me Moments
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be in my mouth”—Psalm 34:1 (CEB). It was a game “where the real action took place off the field.” This subtitle appeared above an article titled “Take Me Out to The Blackberry Patch” in a recent edition of Reader’s Digest. The article was written by Ernie Johnson, Jr., sportscaster and host of NBC’s “Inside the NBA.” In the article, Johnson recalls a little league game of eight-year-olds when the baseball score was tied. During a time-out, so the coach of Johnson’s team could discuss strategy, they noticed two …