And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah...
The One Who Thanks
The One Who ThanksAnd one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:15-16 (NKJV)The woman and her young daughter in front of me at...
Life’s Mazes
Life's Mazes No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NIV) I have no sense of direction. I can’t make my way through a floor of office cubicles and back without drama. I get lost in the mall. Simply taking a walk, I...
Hope Deferred
Hope Deferred You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) At first we were annoyed at the four cowbirds bullying the little sparrow—all puffed up, chasing and...
The Dangers of Spiritual Sleepwalking
The Dangers of Spiritual Sleepwalking But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” Acts 20:10 (ESV) A ccording to Sleep Foundation, sleep-walking affects 29% of children and about 4% of adults. Tales of...
Day 5: Jesus’ Garments Are Divided
John 19:23-25 (ESV) When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not...
Proof of ID
Proof of ID "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) I I planned my business at the bank for their least busy hour, so I could cash a...
Unchanging God
Unchanging GodJesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)he weather forecast looked promising for a smooth trip home to New England in late November, 2019, but forty minutes in, a sudden snow covered the road and...
Baby Jesus and the Six Cats of Christmas
Baby Jesus and the Six Cats of Christmasam not a big decorator, and I have not purposefully established a Christmas tradition. I do, however, set out two decorations each December: a nativity set with small figurines, and the book The Twelve Cats...
Hidden in the Heart
Hidden in the Heart I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Psalm 119:16 ome claim that we remember only ten to twenty percent of what we read or hear. Others debate that estimate, saying it isn’t that simple. Numerous...
Contagious Joy
Contagious Joy You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 “Stay out of trouble,” my college roommate’s husband said, sending us off on our annual beach day. He knows well...
The Sweetness of Slowing Down
The Sweetness of Slowing Downglanced at the clock while beating the eggs. Everything was on schedule for our summer brunch. The oven was pre-heated and dry ingredients sifted. I just needed to add the buttermilk, applesauce, and honey. I would set...