King David is described in scripture as “a man after God’s own heart.” I had assumed God was referring to David’s heart of worship. That is what David is famous for. David wrote many of the psalms of praise. David established a rotation of worshipers to play and sing in the temple 24/7. But God is not highlighting David’s heart of worship. God is highlighting . . .
Read MoreIn Light of Eternity
At a women’s retreat, years ago, the speaker asked, “In the light of eternity, does it really matter?” She was attempting to get us to let go of offences and move toward forgiveness. I took her advice and forgave . . . .
Read MoreLonging for Heaven
More than before, I feel like a stranger in a strange land. This world is not my home; my citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20).
First, there was this worldwide plague . . . .
Read MoreTransformed Beauty
Lori was caught in a spider web of drug addiction and prostitution. Every time she tried to make a move, she became more entangled. Not that she was trying to free herself; she thought life was great. Yet, the pallor of death was upon her face. Photos from . . .
Read MoreHouse of Prayer
God wants you and I to be that “house of prayer” for all nations.
Does being a “house of prayer” seem fantastical to you? As unbelievable as it seems, you are actually the ‘house’ of God. . . .
Read MoreGrow in Your Walk
Without me noticing, I have some how become one of the “older women” at my church. No longer am I the one trying to figure out how to grow kids God’s way or parent with love and logic. My kids are grown. That puts me in the category of “older women.” I really don’t mind; I like being older and wiser – especially the wiser part. I have always loved to encourage people, especially younger women. Now, there is just a lot more of them!
Today, I am another year older and wiser. So . . . .
Read MoreCaught in Adultery
. . Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. John 8:4 NASB
Where is the guy? If this woman was caught in the “very act” of adultery, why is the man not present? Why is he not answering for his culpability? This question plagued me for years. Honestly, the whole story seemed random . . . unrelated to the context. This morning, in a shaft of divine inspiration, God revealed to me the “why.” . . . .
Read MoreGod is a Salvage Artist
There is a whole genre of art that takes what you and I would call “junk” and turns it into something beautiful. These artists salvage broken and discarded things and fashion them into a beautiful re-creation.
God is the first and ultimate salvage artist. . . .
Read MoreThe Revival Lifestyle
Jesus’ restatement of the beatitudes in Luke reminded me of the revival lifestyle. We talk about the revival lifestyle as being “hungry” for more of the Lord. We hear it described as “hotly pursuing Him” rather than just warming a pew. And that is exactly what Jesus is teaching here in Luke. . . . .
Read MoreGod is the Deliverer
Joshua had already been anointed by Moses in front of the people of Israel, at God’s direction. But here God is giving Joshua His commissioning, His strategies, His marching orders.
Joshua fell on his face because he knew . . .
Read MoreThe Crux of the Gospel
I chuckle every time I read this verse. The Roman governor, Festus, was perplexed as to what to do with the apostle Paul, who had been left in prison. When Festus assumed command, he expected the Jewish leaders to accuse Paul of some vicious crimes. Instead, they argued about “their religion” and about some dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. I chuckle because this Roman governor unknowingly speaks the crux of the Gospel in one sentence. . . .
Read MoreLove Notes
Most young children struggle with fears. Mine certainly did. In this time of worldwide pandemic, in which the children’s world is dramatically upset, I imagine those fears are at a panic level. I empathize with the parents who are trying to calm and reassure their children.
Let me share with you . . .
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