Giant Slaying
In the Mornings

We all have heard the story – Young lad vs. Huge Giant. Sling shot of a kid vs. well armed military giant What Goliath have you faced? Insufficient bank account vs. huge need. Waning faith vs. a devasting medical diagnosis. Tear-stained pillows vs. a crumbling marriage. Weary mom vs. the addiction of a child. A dream vs. years of closed doors. What is your Goliath today? What has God promised...

Overcoming Failure
In the Mornings

Failure. No one likes it. Yet, it is inevitable. They had taken Jericho miraculously – a victory, we still marvel about thousands of years later. This victory gave them the confidence needed to take their promised land and establish Joshua as leader. Their next encounter, the small insignificant city of Ai, was supposed to be an easy victory. They sent a fraction of their men to secure this victory. And...

Do you Need a Breakthrough
In the Mornings

He had been disabled for 38 years. In an era, when the life expectancy was 35, that was truly a lifetime. We don’t know how long he had waited at the Pool of Bethesda for his miracle. All we know is that this is where Jesus found him – gathered with others who were blind, paralyzed, crippled…waiting for a miracle, waiting for a breakthrough, waiting for mercy. At the pool...

From Trouble to Hope
In the Mornings

“And there I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.” Hosea‬ ‭2:15‬a ESV‬‬ The valley of Achor represents shame, disobedience, failure, mistakes, greed, defeat, regret, punishment, death. (Joshua 7). It is translated the valley of trouble. It is the epitome of our past pain, hurts, discomforts, regrets. But only God can take a place of destruction and plant a vineyard in its...

We Are a Neon Sign
In the Mornings

We are sons and daughters of the Most High. God has called us to be a peculiar people. We have a hope when all seems lost. We have something to give when lack is prevalent. We have a song when tears fill our eyes. We have wisdom in times of uncertainty. We have joy in times of mourning. We have confidence when the world is scary. We have love in...

Hope?
In the Mornings

Can I tell you a secret? Sinners sin. This apparently is a secret because I am amazed how Christians react when sinners do outrageous acts. Our current indignation is about a pair of shoes. (I will not name the shoes or the artist because I believe there is no such thing as bad publicity.) I have seen outrage from Christians, fear this will corrupt our children, and dismay that this...

The Mind of Christ
In the Mornings

I have the mind of Christ! That may seem an arrogant thought to some. Self-debasing to others. But for those of us who have surrendered to Christ, it is a truth. A truth with power. This morning I am meditating on the implications of this truth. How does this affect my day to day life. Why is this important as I minister to others. Why did Paul say, “We have...

Overcoming Disappointment
In the Mornings

Lately, I have had a hesitation before kissing my husband. I hope this is not TMI. But, the air is so dry in our home, that with every quick goodbye or welcome home kiss comes a small electric shock. (I guess I could look at it as, “After 34 years together sparks are still flying.”) But still, I brace myself for that nanosecond of discomfort before greeting my husband. This...