I’m meditating on this often quoted scripture this morning: “We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 CEB I trust this is true. I believe this is true. But I don’t always “see” that this is true. Perhaps, I don’t always “see” it is because I’m looking for the wrong evidence....
Boast
Dear friends, I know you are hurting. I know you are struggling. I know this has been isolating, heartbreaking, financially difficult, confusing. This morning, I’m reading your pain as I stroll through Facebook. But then I read these words from Paul: “And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope...
Door of Hope
Achan sinned. He coveted what was to be set aside for the Lord and he stole what was not his. Because of his actions, Israel was defeated in their next battle. Old Testament judgment demanded stoning. So Achan, his family, his livestock were all stoned. Then burned and buried to appease the wrath of God. The name of that place was called the Valley of Achor or the Valley of...
Breakthrough
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Preemptive Strike – Day 16
God is about to Flip the Script Mordecai was a Jew who refused to bow down to a high ranking official, Haman. This enraged Haman so much, not only did he seek to destroy Mordecai but ALL the Jews. He built large gallows to hang Mordecai and issued a decree to destroy all Jews. It seemed like the end for Mordecai and all the Jews…But God. Through a set of...
The Power of the Tongue
Oh, the tongue. It is one of the most powerful weapons we have. It can be used to build or tear down Encourage or discourage. Empower or deflate. Bless or curse. Give thanks or complain. It’s the source of both life and death. According to James, man is incapable of taming our tongue. So how do we use this mighty weapon for good and not evil? How do we encourage,...
The Spirit of the Lord
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon you…” Those are the words I heard as I lay in my bed, asking God to speak to me this morning. I’m familiar with the reference but not sure why God is speaking this to me. I just completed a women’s retreat and after most speaking engagements, I am now wrestling with feelings of inadequacy. Thoughts like, “why wasn’t anyone healed? I should...
Why?
Christian artist’s, Toby Mac, son dies at 21. My Christian friend’s Daughter is making bad life choices. My heart is heavy for both situations. So I look to God and in my sadness asked, “Why are Christians not exempt from stuff like this? Why even be a Christian?” Now before you get all sanctimonious and vow never to read my posts again, let me remind you of two things. First,...
Walking Through the Fire
My students were complaining about a decision I made. They said it was “unfair.” And because I am such a compassionate and loving teacher, my response was, “Life is unfair and then you die.” They were not exactly happy with my response. But the truth of the matter is, “Life is unfair.” Sometimes, spouses cheat, financial devastation occur, children get sick, natural disasters destroy, bosses fire, lives are lost. Sometimes...
Positivity
Each year I am overwhelmed by students asking for letters of recommendations. To help write a letter that is personal, I ask the students to complete a survey. This response captured my heart. What was your favorite memory from my class? “My favorite memory of calculus BC would have to be being greeted by you everyday. No matter what was happening that day or how long the week felt you...