One of the meanings of discipline is to punish or penalize to train and control; correct; chastise. When you are disciplined for doing something wrong, it does not necessarily result in repentance or transformation. I find myself pondering the question today, what type of environment must be cultivated to yield the fruitful res[...]
Have you ever had someone come to you with a problem or been in a place in life where there seemed to be no clear answer or help? How many of us are guilty of searching for solutions to our issues everywhere except in God? I know I would be the first to raise my hand to say I have. I have also, like many others, been guilty of h[...]
I enjoyed hearing the many stories found in the Old Testament in my youth. Noah and his “floating zoo,” Moses parting the Red Sea, the walls of Jericho, David versus the giant, and so many more. I knew each of them by heart; however, they never stitched together to form anything more significant in my mind. The Bible appeare[...]
"The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving, and the sound of singing." Isaiah 51:3 (NIV). The first glimpses of warmer weather and sunshine are so encouragi[...]
"Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 Our world is in a confusing time right now, with days feeling like weeks and no clear end in sight.[...]
My word for this year is DISCIPLINE: a word with more negative feelings connected to it than positive ones. Discipline tends to remind us of what we lack, where we fall short, or punishment. Then, we bring ourselves to the other side of this word, only to be left with decisions that feel impossible, too hard, or laborious. So, w[...]
21 Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: 22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 24 I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" 25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him,[...]
"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6 (NIV). "I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6 (NLT). "I'm after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer mee[...]
My heart thudded against my chest as I approached Simon's house. Jesus had been invited to dine with the former leper, and many other friends had joined them. I expected a welcome as a close friend of the Master. I clutched the alabaster flask tightly as I held it close to my body. The fragrant oil inside was expensive, and I d[...]
“In the beginning, God created…” -Genesis 1:1 When I read this small initial passage of Scripture, I absolutely get goosebumps. It is an amazing opening to an immense story. However, this is not just a single line of Scripture to me. I also see this passage echoing in several other places. In fact, I actually see God repe[...]