John 11:21-22 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Even now…. She had lost her brother, Lazarus, four days earlier. All hope for his recovery had vanished as the mournful reality Continue Reading…
Matthew 8:24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. Ever experience a “furious storm?” Maybe a whole season of “furious storms?” They’re the kind of storms so overwhelming you’re afraid your boat might sink. Wave after 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 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. You’re probably familiar with the Continue Reading…
Matthew 7:9-11 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven Continue Reading…
Psalm 31:24 “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” A lady called our church office the other day asking if she could meet with me. We set up a time and as she related all the difficulties she was going through, my heat broke. It seemed Continue Reading…
Isaiah 46:3-4 “Listen to me… you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Continue Reading…
2 Corinthians 7:12 “So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. “ I get Paul’s concern. He had confronted Continue Reading…
2 Corinthians 8:2 “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” An unpleasant part of life involves the experience of being squeezed. Pressure forces something on the inside to end up on the outside. Anything from trying to Continue Reading…
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” I dreamed Ray and I were in a kayak floating down a stream when a shark surfaced. He kept bumping our boat, consistently Continue Reading…