“But when He who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood.” ~~Galatians 1:15-16~~ Not long ago, this passage really drew me in. As usual, I started out by defining some … Read More
When God seems Vague
I was reading this morning in Matthew 26 and I was impacted by verses 17-19. “Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked,“Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, … Read More
A Divine Interplay
As I read 1 Samuel 16:1-13 this morning, what hit me was the interplay between God and Samuel, from an emotional perspective. Samuel was pouting over God’s rejection of Saul. The reason? He wasn’t ready to accept God’s will in the matter. God’s response? Get over it Samuel and OBEY Me. To which Samuel responds, “How can I do that?! … Read More
In the Shadow of the Almighty
“One who dwells in the shelter of the Most HighWill lodge in the shadow of the Almighty.”~~Psalm 91:1~~ Oh this verse!!! It has so much in it! “One who dwells” (to sit down, remain, to have one’s abode) in the shelter (as a hiding place) of the Most High will lodge (to cause to rest or to lodge) in the … Read More
Who’s Running the Show?
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to … Read More
A Lesson from Caleb
This morning as I was reading, Joshua 14:8 jumped out at me. “but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear.I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.” I was struck by a phrase that described Caleb, “followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.” A couple questions ran through my mind. What does … Read More
Compassion Like Jesus
I was reading Matthew 9 this morning and something “popped out” to me. It was as though God was saying, “Pay attention daughter. I want to teach you something.” Have you ever wondered about compassion? In Matthew 9:35-38 it says, “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom … Read More
Trials (Part 2)
THE WHAT AND THE WHY OF TRIALS (Part 2) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, Knowing that the testing of your faith develops endurance. And let endurance finish its work So that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” ~~James 1:2-4~~ So yesterday we unpacked “what“ I’m supposed to do in … Read More
Trials (Part 1)
THE WHAT AND THE WHY OF TRIALS (Part 1) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.And let endurance have its perfect resultSo that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.”~~James 1:2-4~~ As I sit here on my porch on this chilly June morning, Bible open, … Read More
God’s Love for Us
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.”~~1 John 4:16~~ When I came across this verse today, the first thing that occurred to me was that because it began with “And so…”, something that ties into this verse must come before it. When I looked back, here’s what I found. Love one another because love … Read More