“And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage” (Ezra 9:8).…
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body” (Proverbs 16:24). Words can hurt, and words can also heal. It is so uncomfortable to be around someone spewing out harsh words to another. I cringe when I’m in a public place and hear hateful things…
“He showed me this: The Lord was standing there by a vertical wall with a plumb line in his hand” (Amos 7:7, Christian Standard Bible). Sometimes I become excited about a project before considering how much work it will entail. When I decided to paint stripes to create an accent…
“And David danced before the LORD with all his might” (II Samuel 6:14). It was a joyous day in the land. King David and the people of Israel were bringing the Ark of the Covenant to its place in Jerusalem. The people worshiped; they shouted. Trumpets sounded, and sacrifices were made every…
“I say this about the LORD, my shelter and my stronghold, my God in whom I trust – he will certainly rescue you from the snare of the hunter and from the destructive plague” (Psalm 91:2-3, New English Translation). I have a weekly visitor at my house that has caused…
“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions…” (II Timothy 3:10-11). How well do your friends know you? The people at work? What about those at church? Do they know what you believe and how you live your everyday life? In…
“But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine’” (Isaiah 43:1). I suppose one of the most mind-boggling things to me is that of the…
“And David inquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines?” (I Chronicles 14:10). While recently chatting with a friend about this and that, she made the comment, “So, I prayed about what I should do.” I hate to admit it, but I immediately thought, “Why would she…
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). At this time of year, many people talk about the New Year’s resolutions they have made for the coming year. The list may be long or short; but…