“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” (Psalm 62:8, NKJV). Life is unpredictable. Today may be sunny and bright, but tomorrow storm clouds of trouble may roll in and overwhelm us. It sometimes seems that one problem is scarcely resolved before we are blindsided with another. Financial setbacks, illness, grief, disappointments—all can cause us to despair and cry out, “God, do you see what’s happening to me?” Trouble is universal. Saint or sinner, no one is exempt. Job 14:1 tells us, “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (NKJV). It is how we choose to respond to the trials and disappointments of life that makes the difference. It is our choice. the story of Naomi We often think of the Book of Ruth as a “happily ever after” love story. While it does contain a beautiful story of love and redemption, it also tells of hardship, disappointment, and grief. Naomi experienced famine, leaving her homeland, sons who married pagan wives, and the death of her husband and both sons. The one bright spot in this bleak picture was the evident love and devotion of…

In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (I John 4:10-11, NKJV) Although the ministry of Jesus drew large crowds, He often interrupted what He was doing to minister to just one person. He wasn’t afraid to touch the ones society often overlooked or marginalized—the poor, the infirm, the untouchables, the tormented, and those burdened by guilt and shame. Some of our best-known Bible stories tell of Jesus interacting with those society would consider unimportant or without worth. Yet, He showed compassion and mercy regardless of a person’s station in life. He made time for them. Let’s look at just a few of those He ministered to one-on-one. A Determined Woman A woman with a bleeding disorder (Mark 5) had suffered for twelve years with this infirmity. She was exhausted—emotionally, physically, and financially. Although ceremonially unclean due to her condition, desperation caused her to press through the crowd to find Jesus. She resolutely reached out to touch the edge of His garment. He could have rebuked her or ignored her, but He…

“Lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Hebrews 12:15). I may be one of those rare people who actually enjoys grocery shopping. You will find me  wandering the aisles, reading labels, and looking for new items. I also enjoy the array of fresh fruits and vegetables on display, but I pause before buying high-priced, out-of-season fruit. It does not compare with the aromatic sweetness of locally grown summer fruit. growing sweet fruit Our lives also produce fruit. When we allow our lives to be controlled by the Spirit, that fruit may be sweet, like the sun-kissed fruit of summer. When our carnal nature takes control, our fruit may be bitter, like the tart, out-of-season flavor of winter fruit. Bitterness can creep in If we allow ourselves to feel that we have been slighted, overlooked, or mistreated. The Spirit working in our lives protects us from harsh and bitter attitudes. When the Old Testament speaks of bitterness, it means despair. This is the anguish one might feel when overwhelmed by life’s circumstances. In the New Testament, however, the literal translation of the word has to do with sharp or bitter taste. It speaks more…

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, ESV) One summer a few years ago, I was forced to change my route to work. The city planned to replace a small bridge over a creek. I was not happy; that street was the most direct way to my office. Although it probably only added five minutes to my drivetime, I did not look forward to the change in my morning routine. Detours are inconvenient as we find ourselves traveling in unfamiliar areas. I spent several days trying first one street and then another in my search for the quickest route with the fewest stop signs. I gradually adjusted to the change and soon learned to enjoy my new route. Each day, I checked the progress of an old house being rehabbed and tried to see what had been done since the previous morning. Around another corner, I observed the beautiful landscaping of several yards. On another street I viewed tidy homes with neatly trimmed yards. Soon, instead of impatience, I felt relaxed as I drove my new route. life’s detours Life will sometimes take us on detours as well. All will be going smoothly…