Our times are in His hands . . . How I was recently reminded of this when my dear friend Sarah’s husband died on May 15. Shocking. Unexpected. How can this be? My heart yet aches with sorrow—for Barry, leaving us too soon; for Sarah, now alone after 35 years of marriage; for their three wonderful daughters, left without a dad. Our times are in His hands . . . An expression of our smallness, and His bigness. But also an expression of hope—that our Heavenly Father has an everlasting plan for us and our loved ones—wherein one day there…
What brings God joy? He wants us to know joy—not circumstantial happiness, but the deep and unshakable joy He gives, rooted in an awareness of His presence. Joy that keeps us going in good times or bad, because we know who is ultimately in control. But what brings a smile to His face? The simple answer is us, His people. For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. (Psalm 149:4) In Scripture, we’re often referred to as “sheep” (Psalm 100:3). Sheep require constant care to survive and thrive. If left alone they easily wander off…
He who bends to himself a Joy Does the winged life destroy; But he who kisses the Joy as it flies Lives in Eternity’s sunrise. William Blake, English poet (1757-1827) For centuries philosophers, poets, and other deep thinkers have written about joy—its fleeting and unpredictable nature, and how it’s often found in the little things. The Scriptures reveal joy as a deep-seated spiritual reality, grounded in an awareness of God in and around us. Joy extends beyond the reaches of happiness—the sense of pleasure that often comes and goes depending on circumstance. It’s a warm, sunny day: I’m happy. We’re…
On Tuesday, April 28, the Supreme Court of the United States begins hearing oral arguments for and against redefining marriage in America. Simply put, God’s design and institution of marriage as solely between one man and one woman is on trial. The American Family Association (AFA) says: As hard as it is to believe, nine people will decide if our nation will honor God and obey Him, or turn its back on the most fundamental building block of society and on God himself. It’s no coincidence that this week also marks America’s National Day of Repentance, leading up to the 64th…
Recently while driving on the interstate, I noticed the car behind me gently swerving over the lines as it drew closer. My rearview mirror revealed a woman putting on lipstick while driving. As I carefully maneuvered into the neighboring lane to let her pass, my mind turned to how quickly distracted driving can turn bad—even fatal. Distractions can also prove damaging to our relationship with God. I’ve grown to love the ease of reading the Bible in the mornings on my iPad. But if not attentive, I can quickly find myself reading emails, clicking on an article, or checking Facebook….
