We are told in Romans 12:12. “Be joyful in hope.” Hope is a command. The Greek word translated hope means desiring good and confidently expecting to obtain it. Your assurance is in your Father that He is Lord of everything, even your challenges, opposition, and suffering. He knows the mysteries of your life, He knows…
For many of us this year has felt like one wave after another crashing against us. Most of us are just ready for this chapter of the story to be over. I totally understand it. I find myself looking for the fast forward button to get to “the good part” sooner. But God has numbered…
This year we all just want to get back to “normal,” whatever that means to each of us. Many say we are living in unprecedented times. As we look towards Christmas and the celebration of Jesus’ birth. I find it comforting to realize that the story of Christmas is anything but normal. It is absurd….
“The power of Jesus was present for him to heal the sick” (Luke 5:17). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Heb 13:8). You belong to your Abba, the King of creation. He takes care of what is His and has compassion on all He has made. God is the Father of…
A few weeks ago, the main verse of our devotional was 1 Timothy 2:1-2 which says I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. When I read…
1 Timothy 2:1-2 says I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. God desires for righteous men and women to rule. His desire extends to all…
As we have watched the events of the past weeks unfold you can hear the hearts of many crying out for deep and systematic change that will get at the root of the issues. It is a principle we see in Scripture. In Romans 11:16, Paul says “If the root is holy, so are the…
Isaiah 42:3. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice.” Psalm 147:3. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Come to the promises of God for healing. In His humanity Jesus knew all your griefs, your rejection, your…
Happy New Year! The turning of the year on the calendar offers a chance to reflect on what has been and dream about what is to come. January 1st feels like a fresh start. People are quick to make resolutions about what they will do differently. People are determined to eat less, exercise more, be…
As Paul prayed for his disciples in the churches of Ephesus, Colosse, Philippi, and Thessalonica, he asked God to do what only God could do, to take the written word and make it a living epistle in their transformed lives. These are personalized, paraphrased scriptures which are powerful swords of the Spirit. Pray them for…
Have you ever noticed a couple who have been married for many years? They have truly become one. They finish each other’s sentences. At a restaurant they look down the menu and can tell you what the other person will order. They start smiling when their spouse begins to tell a story, because they know…
Let’s face it. Waiting is hard. It is usually stubborn family situations that get to me, of course, for they have been going on the longest and require the most patient endurance in the midst of waiting. The good news is it is not up to us. The Holy Spirit enables us to wait. Gal…
