Sparkles of Hope

The pain is deep It eats at my soul My heart stiffens I ache for relief My body tightens Muscles tense Tendons strain I can’t move My brain swells Turbulence within Emotions swirl A whirlwind inside Tears well up Eyes close Salt water streams Touch my lips Body crumples Folding in half Whimpers break The […]

Encouraging the Discouraged

“Hey,” my brother in Christ said as he entered the dark room illuminated by a lamp. “There you are.” He sat down next to me and placed the lamp on the floor between us. “What are you doing here? You look so worried.”

Fearing the New Day

The day dawns Fear rises from the east Daylight emerges Overtaking the darkness The day is ahead Yet I hesitate to enter it Anxious thoughts About a future yet to be Sunlight spreads Moving across the floor Cold feet Immovable as I grip the chair Sunbeam advances Warmth touches my toe Distressed thoughts Released as […]

Awakening Our Soul in the Morning

The alarm pulls me out of a deep sleep. I drag myself out of bed. I am disoriented as I slowly awaken. My brain starts to engage, as the day’s schedule slowly comes into view. I hesitate, seating myself down before I am overwhelmed by another packed day; before God is crowded out of my […]

Finding True Joy

The Thessalonians found true joy in serving Christ despite hardships and trials. They did not do things grudgingly or because of guilt. People knew their faith was real, that they held eternal truths, not words based on idle human wisdom.

#ThanksgivingThursday: People Who Give You Joy

When I read 1 Thessalonians 3:7-9 I think of these people in my life. Some are still dear friends and others have moved on to other places and ministries to mentor others in the faith. At times we have encouraged one another as we faced struggles in life.

Seeking to Build a Dwelling Place for God

I want them to experience the joy of the Lord; to experience the peace that comes from the Spirit of God dwelling within. Yet like David, sometimes God tells me “no,” that someone else will build it and I will not see it in my lifetime.

Please Take Away This Pain

God has created us for a specific purpose. He has uniquely crafted us, chosen us to do his will. Our obedience, as difficult as it is at times, is essential to carrying out God’s plan — to help others find the path to salvation through Christ Jesus.

Healing and Forgiveness Seeping Into Our Life

“It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen,” the man said as he stared at me intensely. “I was there. I watched them lower this helpless man on a mat down from the roof. I watched Jesus heal him.”