For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1: 16, 17 Colleen Chao writes in her thoughtfully and tenderly presented book, In the Hands of a Fiercely Tender God, that she has learned while battling terminal cancer that just as... Read more
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6: 14 To forgive the incessant provocations of daily life – to keep on forgiving the bossy mother-in-law, the bullying husband, the nagging wife, the selfish daughter, the deceitful son – how can we do it? Only, I think, by remembering where we stand,... Read more
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37: 3-7 All of us desperately... Read more
I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me – God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Psalm 57: 2, 3, 7 Without Christ not one step, with Him anywhere. David Livingstone In my book, Joyous Faith: The Key to Aging with Resilience, I contemplate the hard issues of learning to... Read more
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20 He who has heard your prayers in the past will not refuse to supply your need in the present emergency. Arthur W. Pink in The Attributes of God Looking back, I still painfully recall specific parenting moments which bring a stab of pain and sorrow to me because of the... Read more
The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along that path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes along and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.... Read more
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. Psalm 77: 11-14 Several months ago, I was sitting at a church dinner celebrating the upcoming holiday when I looked up... Read more
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of... Read more
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of... Read more
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 First off, let’s be honest. No one likes to suffer. It’s painful. It’s discouraging. It’s just plain hard to wake up in the throes of grief, sorrow, and loss. And everyone knows it. God promises us strength to meet every challenge However, God... Read more
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