They were exiled from Jerusalem, the city of peace. Many prophesied this exile would end quickly. But not Jeremiah. Jeremiah said, “Get comfortable. Multiply. Build houses. Prosper. You will be here a while.” (Jeremiah 29:4-14) I have been meditating on that phrase: “Exiled from the City of Peace.” As New Testament Christians, can we be exiled from the “City of Peace”? Oh I know this life can be hard. I...
The Broken-hearted
Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted. I know He came to save us from our sins, heal or bodies, give us new life but He also came to heal the broken hearted. (Luke 4) We all know the story of the woman with an issue of blood. After 12 years of suffering, loosing all she had, she found courage to touch Jesus’ garment and find healing. Have you ever ask,...
My Morning Conversation
A flood of negative emotions awakened me this morning. Regret. Sadness. Insufficiency. As I am grappling with these emotions, one thought seems to bud from nowhere: God is good. Yes but… No buts. God is good. Think it louder. God is good. I know but… Mind be quiet. God is good. Mouth Say it. God is good. Say it again. God is good. Meditate on why He is good. He...
Just my Imagination
Yesterday, I was feeling anxious. I needed to research and buy a new oven. I was trying to get ready for remote learning starting Monday. And then, I had to stop everything I was doing to plan to teach bible study that night. Oh, the topic by the way – Jehovah Shalom, God our peace. Ironic, right? (That is why I love teaching the word. I am always my first...
Seated!
Yesterday was rough. It went something like this. Bad news. Worse news. Heated discussion. Bad news. Threat of horrible news but we won’t know until tomorrow. I ended up walking aimlessly around my neighborhood listening to gospel music and praying in the Spirit. But this morning, my Facebook memories reminded me of this important truth. Let this post from four years ago remind you of who you are and where...
Uncertainty
What do you do when you get news of a possible bad report? The company is downsizing and you may be laid off. The doctor is concerned about your test and you may have a degenerative disease, Your spouse is unhappy and divorce is looming. What do you do in the uncertainty? Fear? Worry? Google? What if you prayed and rested? A man came to Jesus because his son was...
Speak to the Storm
While attending a church service in Mexico a couple of weeks ago, it started to rain. This church was a beautiful building but very open. As the rain began to fall, the noise became a disruption and made the sermon difficult to hear. Pastor Bryan, my pastor, spoke peace to the rain and it immediately subsided. There is a song we sing in Christian circles called, “It Is Well.” The...
The Storm
Living in NC, I have experienced a storm or two in my lifetime. Storms normally hit land, rage war for a day, then head back to sea. We, North Carolinians, know how to weather a storm – milk, bread and bottled water. But could you imagine being in the storm for two weeks? Paul found himself in the midst of a storm for two weeks. Fourteen days of wind, rain,...
Follow the Peace
”How do I know if it is God’s will?” I’m often asked. My formula: 1. Does it fit the criteria of Philippians 4:8? Is it good, excellent, praiseworthy, honorable, admirable? 2. Does it agree with the call on your Life in this season? 3. Do you have peace? If the answer is yes. Then go for it. This morning I read Acts 16. Paul and his team were going to...
You Are Blessed
When God created man and woman, he blessed them an said, “Be fruitful and multiply.” God promised Abraham that he would bless Abraham so that Abraham would be a blessing. God instructed the priest to bless the nation. Paul wrote, “God has blessed us with every spiritual gift.” Today, in America, we have reduced blessings to material items. “God has blessed with a new house, a shiny car, a nice...