There is no confidence apart from trust. Confidence is assurance, certainty, and boldness. Trusting God is a part of what fearing God looks like. But what does it practically mean to trust God?
All in Challenge
Thornbushes and Brick Walls
Well, Hosea did as God told him to and married Gomer. She conceived and bore him a son, a daughter, and another son (1:3). Then things went awry. Gomer became restless, in spite of the love of Hosea: “I will go after my lovers, who give me my food and my water, my wool and my linen, my oil and my drink” (2:5). She had totally forgotten who had rescued her, protected her, loved her, and supplied all her needs.
Persevering Faith
The tiny pond needed fish and could provide the perfect habitat for Koi, those large multi-colored goldfish. Feeding them would provide such fun for the grandkids. The adventure began with four Koi fingerlings.
Follow the Leader
I pulled into the rest area and looked around. The people I observed were as varied as the vehicles. Where were they all going? The adventurist in me began to imagine several possible scenarios.
Aging With Gratitude: Because of God’s Purpose and Grace
God’s purpose or ours. Which do we most want?
Christ rescued us and invited us to live set apart for His sake—not because of anything we could do for Him. He accomplished this because of what He set forth before us by His matchless favor. This is true at all stages of life.
Bound to God
I am so thankful that God called Jeremiah and not me to be His voice to His people. Jeremiah, at God’s behest, preached gloom and doom to the people of Israel and Judah because of their sin and rebellion.
To Create
I do not have one creative bone in my body. When I walk into an arts and crafts fair, or worse yet, a craft store, I feel like I am going to hyperventilate. I am gifted in other areas, but somebody else got my portion of creativity.
Step It Up
Our detached garage has a step up from the garage floor and a step down into the patio. I get a kick out of our two-year old grandson when he tries to maneuver those steps. As he attempts to do them, he looks up at me and says, “BIG step, Tida.”
Wait . . . What?
My daughter cracks me up with all the things she says. One of those phrases is, wait . . . what? This is what she says every time she misses something or wants something repeated.
God Notices You: The Isolated
In some cities it is quite popular to visit graveyards and go on spooky tours. The city of
New Orleans has thousands of tourists that pay to go through their cemeteries to hear
stories of the past, admire the tomb’s architectural elements, and seek the suspense of
getting spooked while there.
God Notices You: The Skeptic
It was common in those days to have village rivalry, so Nathanael’s skeptical attitude
toward Jesus would not be a surprising response. Important or famous people did not
come from small villages.
God Notices You: In Denial
Throughout Jesus' ministry we find Him surrounded by some of his closest friends. One
of his closest friends was Simon Peter. Throughout the gospels we see how Peter was
a witness to many miraculous things Jesus did.
God Notices You: In Your Uncertainty
“The doctor found a suspicious spot; he would like for you to come in and have another
scan,” the voice said over the phone. I stood there stunned for a second. Did I hear that
right? Could it really be something?
Whole Heartedly
Have you ever found yourself putting off a challenging task until the last minute or indefinitely? I know I have.
A Little Bird Told Me
My Grandmother had a funny way with words in order to get her point across. Some of her favorite sayings were: “This is how the cow ate the corn” as she grabbed your knee to get your attention, “Well, shoot a monkey” when things did not go her way and “A little bird told me” when she was curious about something she had heard.
Kicked Off the Zip Line
Has fear ever physically paralyzed you? It did me.
Are You Listening?
Do you know someone who doesn’t know how to listen? I became acquainted with a kind man who worked at a grocery store I frequented. Every time he saw me, he would stop what he was doing and head my way.
Dirty Lamps
Several months ago, a broken sprinkler head under high pressure sent muddy water spraying across the front of our home. The deep front porch took the brunt of the filth, with windows, shudders and our pretty red door dirtied.
A New Thing
Are you ready for something new? Do you need a fresh start, a new direction, a renewed spirit? Do you feel like you have a slow leak in the abundant life to which you were called?
One Thing
Our children are stepping into the adult world day by day. Our daughter is finishing college, and our son has just graduated from high school. They are asking big life questions: Where do I go to college? What do I study? Who do I marry? What is my life work? Most recently, our son asked, “What do I need to be a good husband and father?” These are heavy questions that demand wisdom and courage.