Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes." Isaiah 54:2 (ESV). Isaiah 54 is named the eternal covenant of peace. The study notes for this chapter say God commands his people to prepare joyfully for their future. Thi[...]
Last spring, as the snow started to melt during a few warm March days, I decided to go for a walk with my dog in the woods behind my house. It is a beautiful walk beside a creek and then up steps that are built into the hillside. The loop takes about twenty minutes to walk, a bit longer sometimes with my old dog, who stops at e[...]
I try to picture it. “Sweating blood.” Nope. My mind registers the words, but it can’t quite comprehend being put upon to such a degree. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane is a brutally honest portrayal of what was within Him during the time leading up to Him being arrested and finally led to the cross. The Bible says in[...]
Why do we despise that which is good for us? Why do we see discipline as negative, harmful, and holding us back from living our true selves? I want another donut, just one more episode, just one more drink, just one more click, scroll or post; indulgences that lead us to hate ourselves after but in the moment feel so authentica[...]
The words printed on the t-shirt I am wearing as I write this are: Work Hard, Stay Humble. This is a biblical principle. The only thing that the Bible says, God exalts and lifts up, is humility. It is interesting that it's not talent, ability, good looks, popularity, or how much you earn or own. The one thing God exalts is humil[...]
'I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse/mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit & bridle, else they will not come near you.' Psalm 32:8-9 NKJV Do you ever feel like you've made a wrong choice, said the wrong thing or jus[...]
In Isaiah, chapters 36 and 37, we read the story of the Assyrian King, Sennacherib, sending his Chief of Staff, and a huge army, to confront King Hezekiah in Jerusalem. They brag about all the nations they have conquered and how the Hebrew God is no match for them. This messenger even uses Hezekiah's own Hebrew language to say t[...]
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NLT How often have we read or heard these powerful words shared in Psalm 23? Impactful. Strengthening. Life-altering. Yet, even as we hold these words fir[...]
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me, and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me, and you’l[...]
I remember as a young child shopping with my mother. I always held a fear deep inside that I would somehow get separated from her and be lost. I remember one particular day we were shopping, and I got distracted by something in the store. When I reached over and tapped her on the leg, I looked up, and to my embarrassment, it[...]