Plant a Seed and Watch God Make It Grow
“I planted the seed and Apollos watered it. But God is the one who made the seed grow”— 1 Corinthians 3:6 (ERV). Reading the directions on the back of the seed packet, I could picture a mass of wildflowers blossoming in a sunny corner of my backyard. The seed mixture includes yarrow, columbine, marigolds, cornflowers, wallflowers, daisies, and at least 20 other kinds of annuals and perennials. The packet of seeds, according to the description, will also provide a variety of colors on the different size plants. The photo on the front of the packet reveals different shades of reds, …
Kindness Should Be Part of Our Stories
“and whatever you do, do it with kindness and love”—1 Corinthians 16:14 (TLB). Tears streamed down my cheeks as I watched a major news program end its broadcast on a positive note. After all the negative news, this major network tries each day to find something uplifting to share with their audience. Acts of kindness and charity are always a part of each segment. That day’s encouraging video was about a high school basketball team manager at Lake Hamilton High School in Pearcy, Arkansas. Andy Tollison, a special needs student, helps run the clock, folds towels in the locker room, …
Christ-Like Behavior Reveals Your Identity
“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!”—Luke 6:31 (MSG). If you were to walk through the front door of my house, you’d be able to identify my favorite color. After a brief look around my living room, you’d know red is my favorite. I chose neutral colors for my furniture but use colorful red pillows, candles, and other décor to liven up my living space. You’ll also find pops of red in my kitchen. Other décor throughout …
Need to find rest? Put Jesus on Speed Dial
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”—Matthew 11:28 (NIV). Rest. For some, it seems impossible. With too many commitments and responsibilities, rest seems like an unachievable goal. Craving rest in a noisy world, some seek to escape. Seeking rest for their weary soul, some look for it in prestigious titles, extreme wealth, and expensive purchases to impress others. But striving to gain these things never satisfies. Instead, in an effort to satisfy these cravings, disappointment, monotony, and fatigue overwhelms the soul. The load becomes oppressive. Only Jesus Can Bring Satisfaction Over …
Change is Possible with God
“Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to Him and is perfect”—Romans 12:2 (GNT). A recent news item about a car prototype made me wonder, “What’s next?” The German automakers of BMW have designed a vehicle for those who are indecisive about the color of the car to choose. Currently, there are only three options—black, white, and grey—but with the push of a button, the consumer can change …
Our Days are Already Determined
“A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed”—Job 14:5 (NIV). On Christmas morning, as I was reading one of my daily devotionals, something I’d never thought about grabbed my attention. Forty days and forty years are significant in the Bible. However, while reading my daily devotional, the number forty weeks was mentioned. The devotional, written by O.S. Hawkins, appears in his book titled, “The Believer’s Code.” He writes, “Jesus came to earth as a helpless, tiny seed planted in the womb of a young Jewish virgin. Forty weeks …
God’s Word Brings a Peace Unknown in the Natural World
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”—John 1:1-5 (NIV). Morning is my favorite time of day. Before I get busy with the demands on my time or unexpected interruptions, my heart longs for the quiet. During this busy season, it’s even more …
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Advent: Practicing Hope Leads to Bold Faith
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful”—Hebrews 10:23 (NIV). As the first candle of Advent was lit this past Sunday at our church, it set the tone for this season—a season of hope. For those unfamiliar with the Christian liturgical year, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. For Christians, Advent is a time to reflect. It’s a time of anticipation, a time of waiting. In the midst of this busy season, we seek the quiet reflected in the starry night, thanking God for what He …
Prayer Changes Us, Not God
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”—Philippians 4:6 (NIV). Each Monday, I receive an email from one of our associate pastors. Attached to his correspondence is a list of prayer requests from members of our congregation. The list has grown exponentially since I started receiving the requests about eight years ago. I often wonder. Have the needs grown or have people come to realize the power of prayer? As I prayed over the latest requests, I also wondered why God answers some and not others. I …