light in the darkness

Where is this world headed?

Where is this world headed? A Fox News alert scrolls across the screen — Putin is attacking the Ukraine, China is making noise about Taiwan, our president is fumbling. I find myself dismayed, almost distraught, really. Questions race through my mind, “Where is our country going? What will this world look like when my kidsContinue reading “Where is this world headed?”

Are you getting weary of this HARD world?

Is this evil world getting to you? Some days it can really be discouraging. Genesis 6:6, tells us, long ago, God saw the evil of man. He was sorry. He was grieved. But when God was lamenting that He had created mankind (Gen 6:5-8), Noah “found grace in the eyes of the Lord” in theContinue reading “Are you getting weary of this HARD world?”

The Questioning of Truth. Same Old ATTACK.

So the cunning, evil, serpent (the fallen Satan) questions Eve about what God had really said to her. (Gen 3:1) He then tells her what God has said is not really true. (Gen 3:4) The one who has come to steal, kill and destroy is saying the same thing, right now, to you, me andContinue reading “The Questioning of Truth. Same Old ATTACK.”

When they call you names…

A while back, a young, full of himself and this world person, called me “”Karen” after I had written something he didn’t like. While he meant it in a derogatory way, I smiled because one of the most godly women I have ever known was named “Karen”. She is with Jesus now, and she wasContinue reading “When they call you names…”

You can’t be NEUTRAL in your faith.

You can’t be neutral in your faith. If it impacts you, you should want it to impact those you care about. John Piper went so far as to say, “If you don’t want people to believe what you believe about God, your views of Him are not functionally significant for you.” The fact is, ifContinue reading “You can’t be NEUTRAL in your faith.”

March for Life

Today, thousands will give up other things they could be doing and March for Life. Because of technology, like ultrasounds, we all know it’s a baby—a life they march for. The issue is no longer, “is that a life”, but am I going to choose my self (my desires, my comfort, my plans, my goals)Continue reading “March for Life”

A CAUTION for those getting comfy at home

Some studies suggest 30 percent of church-goers have left the church during this pandemic. Many are probably cultural Christians who don’t truly know Jesus. But not all. Some of you, who truly know Jesus, have decided you like your church better on a screen because you prefer the edited, less-messy version. I get it. IContinue reading “A CAUTION for those getting comfy at home”

For those in the BATTLE

I take notice when I hear their stories. The ones who have suffered and stayed. They endure the hard marriages, they care for the elderly parent, they patiently raise the child with special needs who will never leave home. They love the prodigal. They serve the homeless and pick up the broken and addicted. TheyContinue reading “For those in the BATTLE”

A BAD DREAM

The dream felt like it lasted all night. I was running, hiding, jumping up and hiding again. I was locked in a house with others. We were all hiding. We saw the evil person coming. We had no power against her. I shook with fear frantically looking for some place to hide. And the alarmContinue reading “A BAD DREAM”

He is doing what He promised!

The things which are impossible with men are possible with God”. (Luke 18:27) No seriously, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27) Lately, I see so much that seems impossible. Will this pandemic ever end? Will our country ever come together in unity? Will we stop fighting with eachContinue reading “He is doing what He promised!”

You don’t have to box it up

The Christmas tree lights sparkle in the early morning dark. The candle flame dances. The smell of pine and cinnamon fill my home. I sit snuggled under a red Christmas blanket, piping hot coffee in my mug, my Bible in my lap. Sweet moments to savor. Christmas is almost here. Once again, it has comeContinue reading “You don’t have to box it up”

Prophecy foretells His Return even more than His Birth!

Do you know these words from the prophet Isaiah were written 700 years before Jesus was born?? Isaiah 9:2The people walking in darknesshave seen a great light;on those living in the land of the shadow of deatha light has dawned.Isaiah 9:6-7For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,and the government willContinue reading “Prophecy foretells His Return even more than His Birth!”

Is this the way you came?

I sit thinking of friend after friend.Story after story.Every one of them.Not one of them came another way. Those I know well, who love God so deeply, whose trust is rock-solid, who possess the sweetest peace and unshakable hope…they each have this in common—they came the way of suffering. I bet you know them too.Continue reading “Is this the way you came?”

I wonder if it was Christmas-time when they did what they did….

I think of this story every Christmas. I guess I wonder if it was Christmas-time when they did what they did. I am forever thankful. How I wish I knew their names. I’m sure they are walking the streets of glory now with the Savior, but I wonder if they know how very much theyContinue reading “I wonder if it was Christmas-time when they did what they did….”

The house is still and dark.No one else is up. There’s nothing quite like the Christmas lights in the darkness. I soak up this moment sitting by my tree.….nothing quite like LIGHT in the darkness. I’m drawn to it. Are you? Sitting in the stillness, I’m reminded of the words from Zechariah’s holy prophecy, theContinue reading “LIGHT in the darkness”

In THE PRESENCE of our enemies…

This Thanksgiving week, as I have counted my blessings, I’ve found myself counting something as a blessing I didn’t think I ever would. A couple of years ago, our family faced what felt like a true enemy in another flesh and blood person. It all seemed to begin right after we shared our faith withContinue reading “In THE PRESENCE of our enemies…”

Say something about sin…before it’s too late.

I’m thinking of picking up this hammer and hitting my thumb. How many of you would just stand there, and watch, and say nothing? Yet, this is what so many of us do when we see others walking in and toward misery-making sin! We say nothing. We even tell others to not bring it up.Continue reading “Say something about sin…before it’s too late.”

What if we were known for this?

Those are my boys goofing around at our family photo session. But you know, in all seriousness , if we aren’t careful when we are dealing with others, things can get quickly out of hand! Somebody is probably living this right now! I know I have had situations quickly go south when that was neverContinue reading “What if we were known for this?”

If it’s true, tell it.

Paul says,”hold such men in esteem” (Phil 2:29) Hold such men in esteem. What kind of men? Well, men and women like Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus didn’t only have a strange name, he was a rare one. He’s only mentioned once in the Bible (Phil 2:25). But this much is clear from the text, Epaphroditus was rare,Continue reading “If it’s true, tell it.”

We have to understand our battle is not against flesh and blood.

Paul knew he could confidently send Timothy because Timothy had that rare trait of not just focusing on his own needs but looking to the interests of others and the things which are of Christ. (Phil 2:21-22) But this rare trait, Timothy possessed, is a trait we should all strive to have. Timothy saw theContinue reading “We have to understand our battle is not against flesh and blood.”