When we open our hearts to God we begin our journey toward completeness and wholeness. Without Him, our journey takes us toward emptiness. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jesus-John 15:5) …
There have been times in my life that I have avoided prayer, because I felt distant, discouraged or unworthy to communicate with God. Then I remember that when I am weak, He is strong. The hymn below is a great reminder of the great privilege to know Jesus and the peace we can have through …
“What do you do when disappointments come…when it weighs on you like a rock? You can either let it press you down until you become discouraged, even devastated, or you can use it as a stepping stone to better things.” (Meyer) God spoke these words to Isaiah centuries ago and they are just as true …
A Memorial Day Prayer: “Dear Heavenly Father, We are grateful for the ultimate price of freedom paid by those fallen. As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please …
Do you ever feel inadequate, not good enough, not smart enough or spiritual enough? “Jesus intentionally chose common, socially unimportant, and marginalized men to turn the world right-side up. Jesus did big ‘uncommon’ things with little ‘common’ things. He still does.” (Pete McKenzie and Phil Van Horn in ‘Cracking the Man Code’) If we make …
I love a good story. Who doesn’t? Jesus was a great story teller. He could tell a compelling and powerful parable using few words. A great example of this is “The Parable of the Lost Son” found in Luke 15:11-32. Jesus, in this great story, reminds us that while sin would lock us in a …
Most likely, we will encounter someone today who feels discouraged. We may speak to someone who feels unloved and all alone. A smile or a kind word from me or you may encourage someone to carry on and not give up. Let’s all ask the Holy Spirit to use each one of us to “brighten …
There is pain, sadness, disappointment and evil in our world. But, there is also faith, hope, love and joy. These four verses cause me to be thankful for my faith, helps me to love others and they give me great hope and joy. This hope and joy is available to every believer. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 …
Compared to eternity, our time on earth is brief. The time we have in our relationships with others is even more brief. In 1 Peter 4:7-11, we are given specific encouragement on how to take advantage of the time and gifts God has given us: 1. Be clear minded and self-controlled so that we can …
People want leaders who are decisive. Comedienne Ruth Buzzi once quipped, “The road of life is paved with fat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.” We aren’t alone in making decisions. God promises to give wisdom, and give it abundantly, if we ask in faith (James 1:5). Decisiveness, energy and a strong work ethic gives …