A promise Have you ever heard these words from your father? Or have you ever spoken them to your children, maybe even grandchildren? If not in either case, yours and their lives have been diminished. Jesus, the very Son of God, heard an audibly spoken message right after his baptism by John the Baptist. And […]
Compassion Jesus is addressing the disciples and the Pharisees concerning his statement that the Son of Man had the power to forgive sins, as well as heal. Controversy broke out. The Lord was showing mercy, compassion, love to the paralytic. He was not preaching the word to him, but simply healed him. Grace and the […]
God’s will This doesn’t seem to leave any room for complaining or being anxious. Which is what many of us are used to doing. This is not a self-help formula. Because those rely mainly on human effort. I know, because I’ve been guilty of them on numerous occasions. So why is this dominating lifestyle important […]
Grace A few years ago, while working out, I learned that lifting weights did not in fact build your muscles. But it actually tears them down, or weakens them, and then your body rushes in to rebuild and strengthen them to allow your muscles to be stronger. I think Paul would agree. God is assuring […]
From the cradle to the cross! When the time had arrived, on the appointed day, Mary gave birth to Jesus, and laid Him on the hay. Not of fine linen or silk, His swaddling clothes, Had to be born in a manger as the inn was filled and closed. What was Mary thinking as she drew […]
Grace Alone Assurance…is what I believe everyone desires in so many areas of their lives. For instance; that my brakes will work at a critical moment, I will have enough money to last me for my lifetime, that the food I buy is safe, the doctor’s advice will work, the job I have will last […]
50% Off Bargaining hunting…is a pastime for some, even an addiction or religion of sorts for others. Nothing wrong with wanting a ‘good deal’ when you need something. There are those who move from one estate sale to the next. The ‘pro’ finds bargains and then resells for a profit. And then there are people […]
Hope As we approach Thanksgiving this year, I am sure that for many it has been difficult in many ways. God has not changed but our circumstances have. COVID, loss of jobs, even loved ones. Depression and elevated anxiety have been on the rise, maybe a sense of hopelessness. Where do I draw my strength […]
There are all kinds of surprises Surprises… can work out one or two ways. They can be a joyful and exciting event, or one that causes sadness, even shock. Think back, what has surprised you lately? Was it good or bad? How did it make you feel? Are you still enjoying the afterglow or are […]
“No pain, no gain” Endurance and perseverance…go hand in hand, in every day of our earthly journey. Endurance is experiencing or surviving pain or hardship. Perseverance refers to continuing in spite of difficulty and lack of success. Neither word provides a tone of comfort or encouragement. The U. of Tennessee track coach years ago coined […]