“That is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” (Romans 1:12, ESV) I received a text message last week that said, “We need to get tea on the calendar.” I understood the message immediately. It meant we hadn’t talked in a while, and…
“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15, ESV) One of my earliest childhood memories is of the little white country church that sat on a hill not far from our home. It’s been many years, and I…
The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him . . . So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old,…
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21, ESV) My friend laughs at my list-making and calendar-keeping ways. She does neither. Oh, she sometimes tries to write things down, but just as frequently she forgets to…
“And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace.” (Jeremiah 29:7, NKJV) What is your community like? Is it a pleasant place to live? Do you feel safe…
“And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Colossians 3:10) The little voice from the back seat suddenly asked, “Is your name written in the book?” Our excursions together often proved interesting, and apparently this would be another of…
“But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided.” (Genesis 8:1, ESV) I forget things. Most of us do—some more than others. That’s why I keep a…
The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God to wait on tables. “Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we…
Have you ever been falsely accused of something? It happens. The motive behind such an action may be done out of spite, envy, or the desire to make themselves look better. It hurts when your good name and reputation are unjustly attacked. Those false accusations may cause you to suffer…