Luke 24:21 “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” Easter is coming! We live in a world jam packed with fears and anxieties. So much tragic news bombards our airwaves that I think many folks are losing the capacity to even recognize good news. And Easter Continue Reading…
1 Corinthians 15:19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. As we watched our 7-month old grandson reach for his plastic toy, we could see he was making a herculean effort. Not yet able to crawl, he would push up Continue Reading…
Job 33:14 For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. We recently drove to Nashville to visit our son and his family. Josiah works in music business, and one of the bands he helps manage was performing at the Ryman Auditorium. Since he had to work Continue Reading…
2 Chronicles 20:12 “For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Have you experienced situations that throw you into a Lord I don’t know what to do but my eyes are on Continue Reading…
Romans 5:5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. [NLT] Christmas has a way of heightening our expectations, doesn’t it? The week before Thanksgiving I parked Continue Reading…
Psalm 31:1 “In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!” “If at first you don’t succeed, have some cake.” One of my students recently began her speech with this quote from the book, The Boy, the Mole, Continue Reading…
Romans 8:24-25 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. I was preparing to go to church when my 5-year-old grandson came into the Continue Reading…
James 5:19-20 “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” Rip Van Wrinkle. That’s who John Benton, Director for Pastoral Support at Continue Reading…
Luke 15:7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. I thought of the scripture about how the birth of a new believer triggers widespread joy in heaven. Of course, I was holding my Continue Reading…
Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” I’ve been experiencing some green envy lately. I walk around our block every day and admire the beautifully groomed yards with their budding trees, splashes of tulips and green grass. Our grass is Continue Reading…