Bow of Hope

The storm clouds gather above. Rain pours down, drenching. The waters threaten to rise and overtake. I am bowed down with sorrow. “For the waves of death encompassed me; The torrents of destruction overwhelmed me (2 Samuel 22:6, NASB).” Fear fills me as the storm persists. “Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart […]

Sunday Honor

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;let the distant shores rejoice.Clouds and thick darkness surround him;righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.Fire goes before himand consumes his foes on every side.His lightning lights up the world;the earth sees and trembles.– Psalm 97:1-4 (NIV)

Vignettes—Approval

Their eyes are upon me. What are they thinking when they look at me? I don’t feel like I fit in, but I remain standing in this crowd. Where do I belong? From across the street I see him standing there with welcoming eyes, telling me to join him. I want to cross the street […]

Friday Faith

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. – John 14:27 (NASB) What do you do with fear? Do you dwell on it or release your fear to Jesus?

Prayer Journey — Laying It All At Your Feet

At this moment I have done all I can. There is nothing more I can do. She has rejected me. She has rejected you dear God. All my efforts seem for naught. Not even my love and concern for her can break through the wall she has built between us. I desperately want to reach […]

Where Do We Place Our Fear?

Why are we so afraid of the people and forces of this world? So often we respond like the disciples in the midst of the storms that pop up in life by crying out to God to do something saying, “Don’t you care?”

A Guiding Hand in the Storm

There’s an interesting thing I noticed when I was reading Matthew 14:22-32. This is the passage where the disciples set out in a boat to go to the other side ahead of Jesus. While crossing, they are buffeted by wind and waves. Then they see Jesus walking on the water and are scared, thinking it’s […]

Prayer Journey — Unknown Future

Dear God, I am concerned about a future I cannot see. Help me to lay those concerns at your feet, to trust that all is in your hands. May I see you purposes in this moment and know that you have a plan; that there is a reason for all things. You have the long […]

Prayer Journey — Fully Trusting

How can I fully trust you dear God — to walk through life without worry, to be at ease knowing you are in control? The attacks come; problems stalk me; grief envelopes me; fear seizes me. If I am totally immersed in you dear God, what do I have to fear. You are eternal. You […]

When Fear Seizes You and Calls You Inferior

Fear. It’s that feeling deep inside that seeks to devour you. It stands in front of you like Goliath in 1 Samuel 17; towering above you; stopping you from moving forward. Even though an army of support surrounds you, fear has immobilized everyone. How is one person able to generate so much fear? You’ve been […]