When Bad Things Turn to Good

It’s easy for us to look at the story of Esther in the Old Testament and see the good outcome. Yet a lot of bad things happened to the people in the story before the outcome could happen. Early on in the Book of Esther, on the seventh day of a lavish banquet, King Ahasuerus […]

Two Sides of a Prayer

When we humbly approach the Lord in prayer, we bare our heart and acknowledge we are helpless without Him. Submitting to God’s will shows we trust his wisdom.

Lonely Days; Where Would I Be Without God?

It is hard to remember when we struggle with pain that it is a temporal thing we go through on this earth. The sorrow is real and at times it seems never ending. Yet God is faithful.

Tending to Denials

I can relate to Peter’s denial of Jesus not once, but three times (Luke 22:54-62). I’ve had plenty of missed opportunities in my life—lost chances to go deeper with someone about my faith when they press me with questions. Fear kicks in and I become more concerned about myself and my ego than how I […]

Arising After Denial

You’re in a group of Christians sharing a meal and someone mentions how committed they are to Jesus. You chime in and say that you too are fully committed to Jesus. The rest of the group adds that they too are committed followers. However, soon those words are tested. In Matthew 26:26-35, Jesus has finished […]

Everyday—Mirror Reflection

“Everyday” is a series of Thursday posts this month looking at God’s presence in everyday life. The thought was persistent. Write “God Loves You” on the steamed up mirror in the hotel bathroom. I hesitated. Wouldn’t the person cleaning the room clean the mirror, thus removing my message? Then it occurred to me that I […]

Everyday—Reflective Reminder

“Everyday” is a series of Thursday posts this month looking at God’s presence in everyday life. Almost a year ago, a loved one suffered a head injury. While there continues to be progress, recovery has been slow. Vision problems, headaches and fatigue still persist. Too much stimulus can be painful for her. While she can […]

Prayer Journey—Honor

You are righteous dear God. Your wisdom is life. It is difficult for me to grasp the vastness of your presence, the depth of your holiness, the purity of your light. Nothing on this earth compares to you, yet your work, the beauty of your creation is evident in this world. Your mighty hand is […]

Talking to God

Some of the deepest conversations I have had with a friend have been one to one in private—sitting together over a cup of coffee or a meal. Sometimes I think of those moments when praying—sitting in private with God and discussing life and it’s challenges. It is that one-to-one dialogue that I envision when I […]

Surrounded by an Army of Trials

Have you ever felt surrounded by trials in life? It seems there is no way out. You feel overwhelmed. It’s as if a powerful army has showed up at your door seeking to conquer your life. It’s an overwhelming feeling and it seems there is no way out. This is how King Hezekiah felt when […]