This truth. It’s worth suffering for.This truth. It’s worth dying for.This truth. It changes everything! Oh, how Paul wanted Timothy and all us to “Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point ofContinue reading “Have you considered this about suffering?”
Tag Archives: hope in Jesus
Holy Last Words of HOPE!
It’s easy to sit here on my couch, coffee in hand, read these words in Second Timothy from my pretty Bible, and miss the profound depth of them. These are hard-lived, holy last words from a dying brother who is full of strength and joy. It should cause us to pause. The world around PaulContinue reading “Holy Last Words of HOPE!”
Thank God! I’m not the sum of what I’ve done.
You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. Psalm 31:5 Disappointed and sad could only begin to describe the way I felt after learning one of my kids had made a really, stupid, sinful decision many years ago. Something happened that I wish had never happened, yet God was at work. He brought conviction,Continue reading “Thank God! I’m not the sum of what I’ve done.”
Hang on! We’re going to see the VICTORY!
Paul is about to end his letter to Timothy in the same way he started it -to challenge Timothy to “wage the good warfare” (I Tim 1:18). As his old hands are about to lay his pen down, roll the letter up and dispatch it to his prodigy, he writes the words, “fight the goodContinue reading “Hang on! We’re going to see the VICTORY!”
When Your Life Disappoints You
I had been walking with Jesus in real relationship just a few short years when my husband, whom I loved so very much, committed suicide and left me caring for our chronically ill one-year-old and three-year-old sons. My life had turned out far from what I had planned or expected. As much as I hadContinue reading “When Your Life Disappoints You”
a dark day
Today marks another anniversary of an awful decision. The decision our country made to legalize abortion and usher in waves of pain to those who live with its‘ memory. And abortion is always painful. I couldn’t stop the choking tears when I watched “The Unplanned” movie portray the ultrasound images of the tiny baby pushingContinue reading “a dark day”
He sees. So let’s rest. But how?
God sees.He knows.There’s rest to be had in this truth. But how? Paul tells Timothy, “ Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden”.(1 Tim 5:24-25) Here’s the deal…Continue reading “He sees. So let’s rest. But how?”
No matter the season
This is a guest post from my daughter, Abi, originally written two years ago. Her desire back then for a “new season” included the desire for a boyfriend. She just got married two weeks ago. However, the truths in this post are timeless and will carry her (and us) through many longings and struggles. Lately,Continue reading “No matter the season”
The Secret of those not walking in FEAR
It is affecting the hearts and minds of many. I’m not saying we should not take this pandemic seriously or take precautions. I’m not saying that at all. What I am seeing though is so incredibly sad and it breaks my heart. It’s fear without hope. It’s gripping. It’s suffocating. It’s consuming. Many. It’s notContinue reading “The Secret of those not walking in FEAR”
Yes, bake some cookies
As I sat looking at the presents under my tree—it occurred to me that I’m much more excited about others opening the presents that I’ve bought for others than looking for ones set there for me. I’ve grown up from the little girl who focused only on herself and what she was getting. And IContinue reading “Yes, bake some cookies”
When God Doesn’t Seem Fair
When God Doesn’t Seem Fair-From Two Moms’ hearts Just over FOUR YEARS AGO— The surgery waiting room was packed with family and close-as-family special friends. We had been told the day before my tall, dark, and handsome twenty-three-year-old son’s mass was cancer. This second surgery would reveal if the cancer had spread to Will’s lymphContinue reading “When God Doesn’t Seem Fair”
We aren’t of those who shrink back!
I know these are hard days. I feel them too. But I’m also seeing God at work, even now, maybe especially now in the midst of the chaos that is 2020. I’ve heard these words from several different young people around me in just the past couple of days. They are all in their twenties—Continue reading “We aren’t of those who shrink back!”
You don’t have to be.
I sat in a cabin, this weekend, laughing, talking and crying with some of the dearest girls in the world to me. In a few weeks, they will be bridesmaids at my daughter’s wedding. It was the sweetest of times. But as we talked, and caught up, I learned of heartache- two young women whoContinue reading “You don’t have to be.”
Expect this…
It’s not an easy pill to swallow, but I find comfort knowing God told me to expect it. It’s something Jesus, in His teaching, never hid from us (Matt 5:10-11), Peter told us not to be surprised by it (1 Peter 4:12) and Paul doesn’t leave it out in his letter to the Thessalonians either.Continue reading “Expect this…”
Unplanned post (after last night)
Are you worried about where our country is headed? Especially after the debate last night? A Fox News alert scrolls across the screen– another election poll, another crisis, another government scandal. I find myself dismayed, almost distraught, really. Questions race through my mind, “Where is our country going? What will this world look like whenContinue reading “Unplanned post (after last night)”
Concerned? Do this for some peace…
Daniel has become literally sick over what God has shown him will happen to God’s people as a result of their unfaithfulness. But Daniel gets up and goes about his work (Dan 8:27). He studies Scripture, specifically the book of Jeremiah (Dan 9:2); and he fasts, and he prays. But, before we race ahead, let’sContinue reading “Concerned? Do this for some peace…”
We still feel
I find myself in Daniel 7 and 8. And it’s hard to read. I slow down. I back up. I pull out commentaries. I see that many great theologians, like John Calvin and Martin Luther, have studied these words of prophecy and disagreed over their meaning. And here I am, still in pajamas this earlyContinue reading “We still feel”
24 years ago
24 years ago tomorrow… It isn’t just the date on the calendar, but something about the feel and the smell of the late August, Tennessee air that carries me back to that day. It’s other things, too, like the anticipation of the first Tennessee football game and the reminder of how much he always lookedContinue reading “24 years ago”
When your arms feel empty
She’s incredibly private. And one of the godly women I am honored to call family. She’s my niece and her words are honest. They are raw, and they are powerful. I know they will resonate with others, whether facing this specific heartache, or something else. Thank you Bradleigh for your vulnerability… “I believe our firstContinue reading “When your arms feel empty”
Just what you need when you need it.
I literally woke up this morning to these lyrics playing in my head,” I lift my hands to believe again You are my refuge, You are my strength. As I pour out my heart, these things I remember. You are faithful, God, forever.” (Chris Tomlin, I l Lift My Hands) Then, I thought about Daniel.Continue reading “Just what you need when you need it.”