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…
Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. In 2014, Boko Haram abducted 276 Nigerian Christian school girls. My heart was riveted to the news Maybe yours was, too. A social media campaign, #BringBackOurGirls, went viral as people across the world witnessed the horror. Although Continue Reading…
John 6:27 “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.” The man was explaining to my husband about an out-of-body experience he had. As he described what he saw in heaven with great detail Continue Reading…
Luke 2:26 “And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” A few years ago my husband pruned our holly tree. Boy, did he! I wondered if any of those beautiful red berries would ever Continue Reading…
Romans 8:25 “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” “Don’t worry Grandma.” Those were the wise words my 3-year-old grandson spoke when his milk splattered across the table. In fact, encouraging the people around him not to worry turns out to Continue Reading…
Psalm 74:16 “The day is yours, and yours also the night” Anyone experiencing some dark days? You know God is good and sovereign. He created all there is. He can do anything. The psalmist tells us he created the day, and also the night. Ah, yes. Therein lies the rub. Continue Reading…
Psalm 49:5 “Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me—” Uncertain times. I’ve heard that phrase periodically during my short stint on the earth. With all the turmoil surrounding recent events, I would say the term quite aptly describes 2021’s arrival. Actress Patricia Heaton remarked, “If you’re Continue Reading…
Psalm 22:5 “To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.” If you believe the Dunkin Donuts’ advertisement, you would think America runs on Dunkin. I’m not so sure I agree with their clever slogan, but just about everything runs on something. Even Christianity. Continue Reading…