Have you ever gotten such good news that you couldn't wipe the smile from your face? Maybe your grin caught the gaze of a stranger who asked you why you were so joyful. Maybe your joy spread to the curious stranger. Perhaps, even, someone nearby overheard your conversation and it sparked them to join in... Continue Reading →
Times of Refreshing
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19-20a ESV). The hike had been arduous, up and down hills, through dense underbrush. It was unseasonably warm and I had a fair bit of gear strapped to my back.... Continue Reading →
Jacob’s Second Vision
Israel = “God prevails”
Elisha: Burning Bridges
“And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him” (1 Kings 19:21, ESV). On occasion we set our minds to... Continue Reading →
Shaken
“This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,... Continue Reading →
Light
"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12 ESV). My family has made the trip into the depths of the Crystal Cave in western Wisconsin several times. It's a place of wonder, with... Continue Reading →
Upheld By The Lord
“If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, "My foot slips," your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul”(Psalms 94:17-19 ESV emphasis mine). As disciples, Jesus followers, we... Continue Reading →
Forgiveness
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15 ESV). I deeply understand the power of forgiveness. But I came about this knowledge in an unconventional manner. Sure, I had some understanding... Continue Reading →
Throne of Grace
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without... Continue Reading →
When You Pass Through…
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you" (Isaiah 43:2 ESV). https://youtu.be/WmAwcMNxGqM With the threat of losing their jobs Lucy and Ethel quickly become overwhelmed as... Continue Reading →
Skipping Stones 