Hold Tight

Take a slow read of these words the Apostle Paul penned so very long ago. May we take them to heart in this day. May we not live in fear, but be warned and so very careful about who we allow to speak into our lives – “If anyoneteaches otherwiseand does not consentto wholesome words,evenContinue reading “Hold Tight”

When you need hope…

God sees.He knows.There’s rest to be had in this truth. But how? Let’s remember our Good Father always and accurately sees everything. Everything. (Heb 4:13 and Job 28:24) He does. We can take that to the bank. So, let’s don’t spin our wheels, wring our hands, and lose sleep over what we can’t control. Instead,Continue reading “When you need hope…”

When the Hard Things Pile Up

Sometimes, the hard things pile up, and we can feel like Job. Even those who don’t read the Bible know about the tragedies of Job. In the midst of it all, the Bible tells us, Job walked forward, but could not see God. He looked backward, but could not perceive Him. (Job 23:8) Where wasContinue reading “When the Hard Things Pile Up”

Is God shaking us?

As craziness and immorality continues to be justified and celebrated in this country, and scary things continue to happen around us, I’ve wondered if God is shaking us. There’s part of me that still holds out hope that better days will come through the election of God-fearing leaders. But that hope has continued to dwindle.Continue reading “Is God shaking us?”

Judas Heart

Judas betrayed Jesus (Matt 26:47). His name is forever linked with betrayal. He sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, and we’ve shaken our heads that he could betray the Son of God for so very little…for so cheap. While I know Jesus was completely in control, came to die, and could have called downContinue reading “Judas Heart”

It’s a wound that cuts so deep…

If you’ve ever felt betrayed by a friend you know that’s a wound that cuts deep. Jesus said it would happen to Him.And it did. “All the disciples forsook Him and fled.” (Matt 26:56) Prophecy was fulfilled. He was on His way to the Cross. He went alone. He stood alone. His friends deserted Him.Continue reading “It’s a wound that cuts so deep…”

Fool-Proof Exercise

About this time every year, I start thinking about diet and exercise. Anybody else? But you know, the Bible says strenuous spiritual exercise is better than physical exercise. And if ever we need to be spiritually strong, it’s now, in these crazy times we are living. Paul says to “exercise yourself toward godliness” (4:7). TheContinue reading “Fool-Proof Exercise”

Powerful Help!

At the proclamation of the New Covenant between God and man, the disciples sung a hymn (Matt 26:30). They worshipped. They understood that Jesus was surely doing for them what they could never do for themselves. Or did they? For after they sang, they went on to the Mount of Olives where Jesus said, “AllContinue reading “Powerful Help!”

Keep Asking

No doubt, this Christmas, many of us will see, or think about, friends and family for whom we have prayed for years. Many of us are facing situations that threaten to steal our joy. Honestly, I’ve grown tired of my own asking about some things in my life. I’ve prayed and asked and, at times,Continue reading “Keep Asking”

Truth To Hold On To

Newly Re-Released! If ever I have someone respond to the gospel, it is most often through reading or hearing my story. Many read my book because they are drawn to the love story of my first marriage. Others are curious about the tragedy of what happened. But ultimately, many have told me they have beenContinue reading “Truth To Hold On To”

Conquering Fear

Those who fear God aren’t consumed and paralyzed by fear like those who look only to this world for their hope. In our flesh, we are just as capable of worry, dread and fear; but when we remember what we know of the Lord, we aren’t devastated by the circumstances we find ourselves in, INSTEADContinue reading “Conquering Fear”

He loves them more than you do…

I know, God, You love them more than I do….those whose names are heavy on my heart. I often find myself trying to say or do just the right thing in hopes they would find hope, joy, and peace in You. Oh God, that some would finally just surrender to You. In the middle ofContinue reading “He loves them more than you do…”

“Is it me?”

The One who had been laid in a manger, the One of whom the angels sang, the One shepherds told, and the wise men travelled to see —had grown up to be their friend. Their friend. They had fished together and watched Him feed the five thousand together. But they had also walked miles ofContinue reading ““Is it me?””

One of the most debated statements Jesus ever made.

It is one of the most debated of the statements Jesus ever made —“But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matt 24:13) What does this mean? “Interpreters offer three basic possibilities for Jesus’ meaning here. One is that those who remain faithful to Christ until death will see eternal salvation—meaning those whoContinue reading “One of the most debated statements Jesus ever made.”

A BRUTAL indictment.

Matthew 23 is nothing short of a brutal indictment of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus calls them hypocrites and fools. He says they do what they do to be seen by others. He says they put heavy burdens on others that they themselves do not follow. Jesus says, they look good on the outside butContinue reading “A BRUTAL indictment.”

It’s embarrassing to moms everywhere…

Jesus clearly tells his disciples he will be condemned to death and will rise on the third day (Matt 20:17-19). And you’d expect to read of the disciples awe-filled response. But instead, the mother of two of the disciples, James and John, starts lobbying for her sons to have prominent seating in the Kingdom. It’sContinue reading “It’s embarrassing to moms everywhere…”

Even this?

The rich young ruler walked away, sorrowful, but unwilling to part with his great possessions to follow Jesus.(Matt 19:26-26) I’ve wondered again and again if I’m holding anything too tightly or counting on anything more than I count on Jesus. Jesus explains to His disciples how difficult the path will be for those who chooseContinue reading “Even this?”

Louder Lies

Have you ever noticed the enemy’s lies get louder as the trial gets harder? Somehow in the midst of most every trial there seems to be temptation to go our own way and fall prey to sin and its’ consequences. Our enemy, the devil, does not fight fair. In fact, when trials consume us, heContinue reading “Louder Lies”

We need THIS for all our lives.

As the world continues to slide into chaos, I pick up my Bible and open back to Matthew. Forgiveness, and now divorce. Couldn’t Matthew record some easier teachings of Jesus about now? But I guess I know. It’s actually really clear. Jesus spent His very short time on earth telling us the truth because weContinue reading “We need THIS for all our lives.”