The Joy We Find in Gratitude

. . . and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.—Acts 5:40b-41

For years, Thanksgiving week became the time when I would focus on (more…)

Stealing, Killing and Destroying

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.—John 10:10 (NIV)

Two weeks after we moved into our current house, we came home to find someone had been inside while we had been at church. The door was still locked. No windows were broken. No valuables, some (more…)

Serve Fruit at Your Holiday Gathering

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.—Galatians 5:22-23

Our gatherings with friends and loved ones may look a little different this year—possibly smaller, possibly more sparse. Your guest list may be limited by COVID concerns. Your menu may be limited by availability or budget. But no (more…)

Cheap Imitations

And Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent. But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.—Exodus 7:10b-11

When God told Moses to tell Pharaoh to let His people go worship Him, He told them to perform signs (more…)

Those Voices in Your Head

Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.—Isaiah 41:10

Most of us would run from someone who admitted having voices in her head. But in reality, most of us do, just not to the kind that tell us (more…)