Our True Heart Laid Bare

Seeking a heart for God is not practicing a faith that expects earthly reward in exchange for righteousness. It is not being religious so as to gain approval or honor from other people. A heart for God drives a faith that has a deep love for God; a faith that operates from a yearning for […]

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.

Prayer Journey—Lord of Life

In all the uncertainty in this world, it is reassuring to know you, dear Jesus, are Lord. You are a stable fortress when chaos surrounds me. You are a piercing light driving out the darkest day. You are a comforting balm on the deepest pain. Your Spirit endures against the temporary forces in this world […]

Everyday—Encouragement in Chalk

“Everyday” is a series of Thursday posts this month looking at God’s presence in everyday life. Someone scrawled a message in chalk on their driveway. Two Bible verses, Joshua 1:19” and Proverbs 3:5-6. It wasn’t a random act. The couple living at the house had set the chalk out for people to draw or leave […]

God’s Power Assist

You don’t always appreciate what you have until it’s gone. That thought occurred to me last week when the power steering went out in our car. I had to drive the car home and let me tell you, it was a workout just to turn a corner. Even trying to keep the car going straight […]

Prayer Journey—A Rich Faith

You know my heart dear God. You know the deepest parts of my inner being, the struggles I face each day. I pray you will fill me with your wisdom. Deepen my faith, especially when the darkness seems overwhelming. Give me a richness of belief in what is possible with you. Show me how to […]

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 […]

Struggling for Purpose

We struggle for years, working to serve the Lord. Yet there are moments when setbacks can cause us to wonder why we expended so much effort. It can seem like it is wasted. Isaiah expressed this sentiment: “But I said, ‘I have toiled in vain, I have spent My strength for nothing and vanity (Isaiah […]

Vignettes—Disbelief

It can’t be. How could that possibly happen? She parked her car and stared at him with skepticism. She was lost for words. Did he not know that she had been praying to God about this for years? Month after month her prayers went unanswered. It seemed nothing would change. How could things be different? […]

Together for Good

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28. (NASB) “What good can come from this?” It is a phrase I have found myself saying many times in my life. Sometimes it goes along […]