Our problem is not the storm that is currently raging. Storms will brew in all of our lives. No one becomes of age without walking through a storm a time or two. But it is not the storm that gives us angst. It’s not the fires, nor the raging winds, or the torrential rains that will from time to time pop up that causes worry. No, our true problem is...
Behold, the Beauty of Creation
We worry about our children. We worry about our finances. We worry about tomorrow. We worry about being hacked. We worry about food. We worry about political choices. Worry. Worry, worry. It’s epidemic. But it is also counter-Christianity. Jesus gave us few commands but “Do not worry” was one of them. Instead of worrying, He encouraged us to consider the beauty of nature. Look at God’s care for the birds;...
But At Your Word
They were professional fisherman. From experience, from, from being taught by their fathers, they knew the right time to cast their nets for the ultimate catch. They were also well acquainted with good catches and meager catches. Today had been a meager catch. So they called it a day. I can hear Peter calling it, “Men, today is not our day. Let’s clean the nets and head home to our...
He is IN
God is not the author of the bad things that have happen to us. He did not send them our way to teach us, humble us, discipline us. He was not standing at a cosmic gate blocking some stuff, allowing others to pass him. He was not judging our strength level, “testing how much we could bear,” and sending tragedy accordingly. I spoke to a young woman who moments earlier...
Trust
Who are you trusting this morning? Are you relying on self? Your education? Your abilities? Your talents? Your bank account? Are you relying on people to bring deliverance? A political party? A president? A pastor? A prophet? Your abilities will fail. People will disappoint. Put your trust, your confidence, your hope in the God who: Spoke the world into existence Formed man from dust Parted a sea just to deliver...
The Challenge – Week 3 Day 2
What is concerning you today? Your marriage? Your children? A financial problem? Your job? What is causing you worry or anxiety? About a year and a half ago, I was researching the cost of getting a book edited. It was overwhelming to me. At the same time I was toying with the idea of going on a missions trip. Together, but of these seemed like financial impossibilities. I had spent...
From Cave to Palace
David was chosen by God, anointed by Samuel in front of his family to be the King of Israel. Israel was a large prosperous nation with 12 tribes. I’m sure when anointed, David had visions of living well in the palace with his wife and children, commanding an army of thousands. It seemed as if he were on his way to fulfilling the prophetic word spoken over him. He was...
Persevere
A small town of Gibeah started a Civil War. A few men in the town performed a hideous act. The tribe of Benjamin refused to turn these men over for punishment and so the other 11 tribes warred with their brothers. Now the 11 tribes were stronger than the tribe of Benjamin. They were morally correct and they had inquired of God if they should attack their brother. God had...
What’s in Your Hand?
I was talking with a friend the other day. She has had some tough breaks in her life. In our conversation, she kept telling me what she could not do because of lack of resources -money, equipping, family. But God had me encourage her that it was not about her lack but it’s about His All-sufficiency. When Jesus commanded His disciples to feed thousands, they immediately reminded Jesus of their...
My Response
I am angry and frustrated about a situation. The who and what are unimportant. If I told you my tale you would probably agree that my anger and frustration are justified. But that is not the point. The point is how do I as a Christian, as a daughter, as one who has been forgiven respond? My devotion this morning took me to a familiar story. The disciples are in...