A new year is a good time to reflect on the past, make changes that improve life, and to honestly deal with any unconfessed sin. God is always faithful to forgive and remove it, but Satan sometimes has other plans for lingering guilt and shame.
All in Forgiveness
Forgiveness
Words can hurt … deep within the soul.
In that moment of pain … I have a choice … revenge or forgiveness?
My response matters.
SMELLY SHEEP
We have a large wool rug in our den. Though we now have the rug professionally cleaned, I initially cleaned the rug by following the instructions I was given. I washed it with mild shampoo and let it dry naturally. Most of the time, this worked well. But one time I cleaned the rug and brought it back inside before it was completely dry. Damp wool is not a pleasant odor. I felt like I was living with a herd of wet, smelly sheep!
I Need Help
I have two houseguests as of last night. They had been surviving without heat and electricity in the freezing temperature. I wanted to cook them a nice, hot breakfast this morning. As it turned out, a bowl of cold cereal would have been preferable. Rubbery eggs and ugly waffles, anyone?
A Fresh Encounter with God
We live in busy times. For many Christians attending church is an item on their checklist. They feel that by attending church weekly, they have fulfilled their “spiritual duty.” We live in a world where believers are not excited about the Lord’s work and have lost their compassion for the unsaved. This has caused many believers to live in a worldly and sinful way.
Sin Forgiver, Soul Healer
The tight crowd made it impossible to get even to the doorway of where Jesus was teaching. The men had to think of another way to get their friend before Jesus. According to the stories heard all over the region, He would be able to heal him. The roof! They made an opening in it and lowered their paralyzed friend in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
A Fresh Encounter with God
We live in busy times. For many Christians attending church is an item on their checklist. They feel that by attending church weekly, they have fulfilled their “spiritual duty.” We live in a world where believers are not excited about the Lord’s work and have lost their compassion for the unsaved. This has caused many believers to live in a worldly and sinful way.
Dusty Books
I sat down to read and turned on the table lamp beside me. As light spread across the table, I saw a fine white powder coated its surface and even the books resting there.
When Anger gets the Best of You
I met a man from Mosul, Kurdistan, an elegant godly man. That’s when Nineveh and the story of Jonah and the whale became real to me. Mosul is the modern-day city of Nineveh. The gentleman grew up there and told me Jonah’s Tomb was located there, though recently desecrated.
Complain Less, and You’ll Be Happier
love to see scientific studies back up Bible verses. While I’m not surprised, I just think it’s fun to watch science catch up.
Just today, I read an article on how complaining and negativity rewires your brain for anxiety and depression.
Dusty Books
I sat down to read and turned on the table lamp beside me. As light spread across the table, I saw a fine white powder coated its surface and even the books resting there.
A Fresh Encounter with God
We live in busy times. For many Christians attending church is an item on their checklist. They feel that by attending church weekly, they have fulfilled their “spiritual duty.” We live in a world where believers are not excited about the Lord’s work and have lost their compassion for the unsaved. This has caused many believers to live in a worldly and sinful way.
Overdue Apology
I looked forward to youth group every week. My mom dropped me off at the back door of the church and I darted through the hall, heading up the stairs to the unfinished “attic” where we met on Wednesday nights. I couldn’t wait to see my friends and hear the music and message to grow my faith.
A Cleansing Walk
I love to wear black for two reasons. First, it goes well with my dark hair and eyes. Second, it doesn’t show dirt. I can wear a white blouse for about five minutes before I get it dirty. When I wear black, I can still look clean at the end of the day. Though the dirt is most definitely there, it is not visible.
When Healing Takes Longer
About a month ago my daughter cracked one of the bones in her foot while tumbling. Though it was painful physically, it was even more painful due to the timing. She had just made the volleyball team for her school. She was so excited to play, and her competitive nature made it hard for her to slow down.
Love Covers
I almost missed seeing it, but I glanced over to Lily, the teen foster girl seated at the kitchen table next to me. The current group at the emergency shelter was finishing eating their dessert—two scoops of ice cream. Lily grimaced as she took a bite of the chocolate ice cream. Her response was in sharp contrast to her delight over the vanilla scoop.
The Glue that Repairs the Cracks
My husband and I were trying to find the right place. The jazz concert had been moved to a different venue on campus, so it wasn’t happening here!
From Disappointment to Adoration
Disappointment—that which we experience when expectations or wishes are not met. All of us face numerous disappointments throughout life—someone says something that hurts, a project fails, an illness interrupts plans…
The Transparent Woman
One morning I was in front of my vanity mirror putting on my make-up. My youngest daughter walked up to me with a curious look upon her face.
How Deep is Too Deep?
This summer my youngest daughter learned how to jump off the diving board. She would approach the diving board with her head held high, full of assurance that she was just as big as those kids around her.