God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 When riots and violent protests struck Portland, Oregon, earlier this year, one pastor fought to share Jesus with his community. Reverend Aaron Bennett of Garden Church in downtown Portland said, “Don’t give up on Portland. This is a place filled with… Read More »
True Love
True Love But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 The sixteenth-century English Bible translator, William Tyndale, was detained by royal authorities in Belgium and condemned to die. He was tied to a stake, strangled to death, and his body was burned.… Read More »
A Nudge
And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Colossians 4:17 Do you ever need a nudge to do something? Psychologists claim that twenty percent of us are habitual procrastinators, and the other eighty percent struggle occasionally with putting things off. Several books… Read More »
Increasing Confidence
But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works. Psalm 73:28 We are appreciative when we find a service or repair person who instills confidence. It’s not the fancy truck or high-tech gear that they have; it’s… Read More »
Have Mercy
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 There are several key words in the biblical lexicon that are similar, but different. And their difference makes all the difference! Justice means getting what we deserve. Mercy means not getting what we deserve. And grace… Read More »
Peace on Earth
The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name. Zechariah 14:9, NIV In 1959, a bronze statue was given to the United Nations depicting a man beating a sword into a plowshare. It suggests the cessation of war and a transition… Read More »
Heavenly Joy
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 Everyone has a special place or environment they know will bring them great joy. Perhaps it is in nature—a waterfall or mountain vista. It may be the weekly worship service at… Read More »
Spend Time With Him
TRUST ME ENOUGH to spend ample time with Me, pushing back the demands of the day. Refuse to feel guilty about something that is so pleasing to Me, the King of the universe. Because I am omnipotent, I am able to bend time and events in your favor. You will find that you can accomplish… Read More »