“say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” — Isaiah 35:4 NIV In this world we sometimes are left to wonder if evil-doers will ever face justice or if wicked people will ever face the vengeance they deserve for the … Continue reading →
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” — James 1:19-20 NIV It’s likely that we all have heard an old saying that goes, “God gave us two ears and one mouth so we … Continue reading →
“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV It has been said that when we get to Heaven, there will be two things that will surprise us: those who aren’t there and those that are there. The reason for this is because the Lord judges man by his/her heart. We tend … Continue reading →
“And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.” — 1 Corinthians 10:10 NIV While the larger context of this verse is the disobedience of the Israelites traveling through the wilderness out of Egypt, there is a truth here for us to take heed to and that is to not grumble. Grumbling is not … Continue reading →
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV I once asked a hospice patient, How is your spirit? She immediately said, Content. I have a peace and contentment in … Continue reading →
“and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you” — 1 Thessalonians 4:11 NIV Many young people look toward their future with dreams of fame as a sports star, a Hollywood celebrity, or a popular singer in front of stadium crowds. In … Continue reading →
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22 NIV While serving as a hospital chaplain in Mobile, Alabama when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, I was struck by something I noticed among the patients in its aftermath. The days that followed were very somber among hospital staff and patient’s family. … Continue reading →
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” — James 1:27 NIV When we consider the topic of religion, our minds likely reflect on the outward expressions of rituals, sacred writings, or holy artifacts. However, the type … Continue reading →
“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” — John 16:20 NIV The things that excite this world are not the same as what inspires a follower of Jesus Christ. The world may celebrate immorality, knowingly promote a lie, and applaud when truth is … Continue reading →
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” — Matthew 6:34 NIV Years ago I sat at a Japanese Hibachi restaurant when a guest at our table tried to engage the cook in a conversation regarding a recent societal event. The cook simply retorted back, Not my problem. … Continue reading →
“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 It’s rare, but once in a while I’ll meet a patient who has lived sheltered from hardship and suddenly finding themselves dealing with illness and suffering is … Continue reading →
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” — Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV The writer of Ecclesiastes, who is believed to be Solomon, explores the meaning of living from the perspective of his life being largely behind him. In kind of a life … Continue reading →
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV When I first met this certain patient, I was taken back by the overwhelming loss they were experiencing. The patient just found out they only had weeks to live, their cancer had metastasized throughout their body, their congestive heart failure was already making it difficult … Continue reading →
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” — Nahum 1:7 NIV Some have rejected the Lord, mostly because they have been taught to by their upbringing, so they don’t trust in Him in their daily lives. When troubles come and no one cares they blame the very God they … Continue reading →
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” — Matthew 1:21 (NIV) After the birth of my first child I was peering into the hospital nursery window. Just then a young mother walked up with a friend who asked her, What did you … Continue reading →
“Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…and got rid of all the idols his ancestors had made.” — 1 Kings 15:11-12 NIV Adulthood often presents us with choices to maintain the traditions of our families or to break away and start a new course. Ending the unhealthy cycles of behavior that we’ve born into is a … Continue reading →
“Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” — John 5:8-9 NIV When I worked as a trauma chaplain, I often heard families claim miracles for their loved ones who declared they would soon get up off their gurney’s and walk out of the … Continue reading →
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:18 NIV It’s always funny to see the memes on social media that convey the message that it’s easier to live with our pets than it is to live with other people. We can all relate to experiencing conflicts between personalities. However, … Continue reading →
“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” — Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIV The pursuit of happiness is not just a governing … Continue reading →
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13 NIV Whatever God puts on your heart, know that the secret of success is His Spirit blessing your efforts. Our day by day activities are not governed by the miraculous but by our efforts. We may pray, “Lord give us our daily bread” but we don’t hold … Continue reading →
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” — Psalm 9:9 NIV When the circumstances of life are battering against you like a ship on rough seas, the Lord is your sure stronghold. You can find a shelter in Him that is secure, safe, and peaceful despite the storms that rage on the outside. You … Continue reading →
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” — Galatians 5:22-23 NIV Love is a unique quality to the Christian faith. The emphasis on love is not to be compared in the sacred writings from other religions like it is in the Bible. It identifies God as love and speaks extensively … Continue reading →
“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” — Psalm 100:5 NIV Every now and then someone comes my way who blames God for some evil thing that has happened to them. Their blame usually goes like this: if God was real then he wouldn’t have allowed whatever it is that happened to … Continue reading →
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” — 1 John 4:18 NIV Fearfulness is usually something we experience when we are worried about a loss, suffering pain, or some type of major setback. We fear the unknown when the unknown could mean harm. It doesn’t have to be … Continue reading →