Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to His Father. He had loved His disciples during His ministry on earth, and now He loved them to the end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to … [Read more…]
When You took that first step into human skin, confining yourself to the darkness of a womb created by Your hands, You already knew what awaited You. You knew Your worldly welcome would be sparse, and the scoffing of Your divinity would accompany You at every turn. You knew the hearts of men would be … [Read more…]
“The glory of God’s faithfulness is that no sin of ours has ever made Him unfaithful.” – Charles Spurgeon Father, You are perfect and holy and ever-true to Yourself.Your Word stands when all of humanity falters.Your sacrifice finished, salvation’s work complete, although I still live under construction. Thank You for redeeming and restoring every bit … [Read more…]
Religion kept me in line and out of trouble but kept me far from ever knowing His father’s heart for me. — Joanna Gaines The above quote welcomed me in this morning’s early hours, a reminder of a “memory” from my Facebook feed seven years ago. When I saw today’s Five Minute Friday word prompt … [Read more…]
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved my self-esteem.  The above words were recently spoken by my son, referencing our modern-day approach to God’s mercy. Sadly, Joshua’s rendition of the well-known hymn seems more in keeping with how most of us view grace. We make it more about us as the recipient than Jesus as … [Read more…]
. . . and the government will rest on His shoulders. Man’s authority and rule, whether good or evil, rests upon the shoulders of my Savior. There is nothing that occurs without His notice. Nor does this world’s depravity extend beyond or above the reach of His goodness. Men’s choosing of sin and death is … [Read more…]
Life comes with challenges. There are physical ailments, relational struggles, emotional trials, and even doubts concerning ourselves and what we believe to be true. All of these obstacles require effort to overcome. Or to move through with at least a semblance of grace — a grace that comes readily from a Savior who has promised … [Read more…]
You are not hard to love. So read the subject line of a recent devotional in my email inbox. My initial thought came with a slight chuckle as I countered, “Oh, but I am.” The truth is sometimes I am hard to love. I can be impatient and irritable and selfish, and just downright cranky, making it … [Read more…]
This morning I read the following quote by Michele Cushatt: The journey of faith seldom follows predictable steps. Ain’t that the truth? Instead, faith bids us step into illogical and often unreasonable places. I’ve lost count of the times I have irreverently sighed to my heavenly Father, “Surely, You cannot be serious.” But He was. … [Read more…]
Let this be written for the generation to come, so that a people not yet created may praise the LORD. — Psalm 102:18 When the earth was without form, and all was void and darkness, did You have me in mind when You spoke for light to come? Did You see across the centuries and know … [Read more…]