Category Archives: Uncategorized

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.      Psalm 27:13 (NASB) As I sit to write this, there’s certainly a lot going on in our nation and world to anguish about. Cultural upheaval, vitriolic divisiveness, fearmongering—and a global pandemic (about which thereContinue reading “don’t despair”

Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:33 The word “reproach” isn’t often used anymore. But it’s a pretty powerful word. It can be described as “blame conveyed in disapproval and discredit.” Or, more simply put, it is “disgrace.” Just reading those words puts a pit in my stomach—how aboutContinue reading “beyond reproach”

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.        Ephesians 2:19 When we are “alienated” from someone, we are estranged from them—separated. The relationship is damaged. If you’ve experienced this with a friend, for example, something likely happened to create this sense ofContinue reading “from alienated to alienated”

This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. 2 John 6 As Christians, we are called to obey God’s Word—the Bible. The whole thing. “That’s a lot of stuff,” you’re probably thinking. But, during His earthly ministry, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ summed up everything into two rules: Love the Lord GodContinue reading “in the direction of obedience”

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. 2Continue reading “the time is now”

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 We adopted a new dog a little over a year ago. Her name is Caroline, and she is probably about five years old—but no one really knows, because all her remaining teeth are little nubs. (The vetContinue reading “thankfulness lessons from my rescue dog (revised)”

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.   Matthew 16:24 Back in the 1970s and 80s, the lemon-lime soda brand 7UP had a very popular tagline that immediately boosted sales of the fledgling pop: The uncola. The marketing firm that cameContinue reading “unself”

But You, O LORD are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head.  Psalm 3:3 I don’t know about you, but it’s really easy (albeit, somewhat necessary) for me to keep my head down and just move forward through each day. I stay focused on the task at hand,Continue reading “a chin repositioning”

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 My memory isn’t great—and it’s not just because I’ve surpassed that big 5-0 mark.Continue reading “reflective love”

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:4-7 Confession time: I’veContinue reading “don’t worry, be joyful”