“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 NIV Many are too fast to assume that God is unaware or uninvolved in the affairs of men because they expect Him to show up and show out like a Super Hero from a comic strip dishing out instant justice. The cosmic … Continue reading →
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 NIV Next time you think to say, The universe is working against me or The stars are not lined up for me today, consider that the God of … Continue reading →
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV Don’t wonder where God is when adversity strikes, if all along you’ve been pushing Him away. God doesn’t hide from us and He doesn’t make it difficult to be found by us. God is there when we need Him but He does … 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 →
“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 →
“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 →
After 35 years of serving as a church pastor, I have learned something about why people come to celebrations or ceremonies. I’ve learned that at a baptism, we come to see the candidate take a public stand for following the Lord. At a wedding, we come to see the beauty of a bride and her happily ever after. But at … Continue reading →