Imagine being a woman who has lived blamelessly before the Lord all your life, yet you are looked upon with scorn and suspicion. The reason: You are childless in a culture that views barrenness as God’s judgment. And now you are old, beyond childbearing years.
You are destined to die in your disgrace, a shame so great that even having your husband, (more…)
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.—Isaiah 30:21
Every day I pray I will hear, immediately recognize and immediately obey the voice of the Holy Spirit. I often pray it will be as reflexive to me as breathing. I (more…)
I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord. – 1 Samuel 1:27-28
Infertility plagued Hannah, who endured ongoing taunts about her childless state. So when God gave her Samuel, she fulfilled her promise and dedicated him (more…)
I had made it my mission one recent Saturday to be an encouragement to others. In the dairy aisle, I encouraged the new mom with the baby strapped to her chest. As I walked down the specialty diet aisle, I encouraged a middle-aged woman who was newly diagnosed with celiac disease, a condition I share. While in the checkout line, I (more…)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit (more…)