Mission trips are eye-opening for many reasons, but one bonus is there’s usually extra time to reflect. One reason being, if you don’t speak the language there is often more opportunity to just be quiet and observe. I’ve always had wonderful hosts that translate and interpret for me on the mission field, and we have many encouraging conversations in English ...
While on a shopping spree before Christmas, I went to Kohl’s department store to look for one item, but came out with ten or more gifts marked off my list. Besides being excited about that, I was also delighted when the cashier gave me a coupon good for $50 in free merchandise I could redeem later. I’ve received “Kohl’s cash” ...
You may or may not have heard this story before, but I want to look at two men who both did something honorable. Remember, righteousness isn’t only what Christ has done for us, but what we now do for Him. Righteousness is an action as well as a position. In the Second Book of Samuel, we find that King David ...
There is one thing that all people (regardless of race, age, gender, or even religious belief) have in common–and that is desire. What I mean is, every person has something they really want. Of course, motive is something entirely different… but let’s assume we’re talking about genuine desires like a child wanting a bike for his birthday, or a young ...
Have you seen the movie, The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise? It’s been on TV a couple of times recently and as I watched it again, I was reminded why I like it so much. Honestly, I’m a true story buff and this one is no exception. I’m not going to spoil the movie and tell you everything that happened, ...
This article first appeared on The Christian Broadcasting Network There isn’t a human on earth who hasn’t at one time or another been discontented, distressed, or in debt. Even at an early age, children and teenagers experience moments of being dissatisfied or fed up with school or rules. And people of all ages have unfortunately suffered heartache and anxiousness. This ...
Every word in scripture expresses the thoughts of God, while at the same time, paints a vivid picture to help us see things from His perspective. And for this reason, we should pay attention to God’s choice of words and the sequence in which they are laid out. For example, I’m intrigued by Peter’s inspired writings in his second letter. ...
Keeping it simple today with a list that will keep us busy for some time. Sometimes we make things harder than they have to be. God’s Word should always be viewed as something for our good — not as a list of do’s and don’ts, but as a list of successful strategies — from the One who knows best. With ...
How many of you have been excited about a dream …only to have life happen? I mean, the wheels were turning, your heart was beating wildly with anticipation, and the vision was coming in faster than you could write it down –and then one day, you found yourself wondering what happened? I think this scenario is pretty relatable to most ...
“In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death” (Proverbs 12:28). Hold a man’s head under water, and he will fight you to come up for air. It’s in every person to LIVE and not die. This is how God created us… with breath in our lungs, hope in our hearts, and a desire ...
I wonder if we ever thought about the fact that Jesus didn’t interview the people before He fed them? Yet, as His followers today, we are prone to ask questions like, “Why are you in this condition?” “What did you do wrong?” “Where’s your faith?” The account of Jesus feeding the multitudes is one of the few stories that are ...
It makes sense that when we face a trial of any kind (relationships, finances, health, etc), we pray more earnestly, we read our Bible more searching scripture for direction and hope, and we let go of less important things like checking our social media accounts every hour. But here’s my question: when we get the breakthrough, then what? It’s so ...
“I have held many things in my hands and lost them all. But whatever I’ve placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” –Martin Luther (1483-1546) Sometimes you don’t need many words to express a great truth. When I stumbled upon this quote, it said so much more to my heart than what could be read with my eyes alone. Dreams, hopes, and ...
I had a hunch God was about to do something different– about to take me in a new direction. Many years ago, while my husband Tod was finishing Bible school, I joined Mary Kay Cosmetics. I wanted to have another baby, while also desiring to be a stay-at-home mom. Their business plan was intriguing, and right away God confirmed this ...
Recently at church, during our meet & greet time, one of our members introduced me to someone she had brought with her. The lady was very sweet but laughed as she told me she was made to come! She then added that she was glad too. I commented back that sometimes we have to literally pick people up and not give them a ...
Years ago, the Holy Spirit said something funny to me: “Three hugs a day keeps strife away.” It was in January, around my wedding anniversary. My husband and I always celebrate of course, but it’s also the season of “new resolutions” in life. We had just come off a rough year and I was praying for change. When the Holy Spirit ...