A Spiritual Exercise

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 3:14

Every day I read my Bible as I eat my breakfast. In the cooler months—far and few between in Florida—I enjoy power walking while I pray. (Take note of the verb “enjoy.”) But in the hotter months, I usually pray on my elliptical. (more…)

The Patience of . . . Noah?

And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him. Noah was 600 years old when the floodwaters came on the earth—Genesis 7:5-6

When we think about a biblical role model for patience, our minds naturally go to Job, the character who inspired the saying “the patience of Job.” Few of us would have remained so steadfast in the face of so much loss. (more…)

Dedicating and Dedicated

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…)

What Is a Normal Family?

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.—1 Corinthians 13:7

My husband came home from work one day and mentioned he had to go to my birthplace, Washington, D.C., on business for three days. Would I like to take the opportunity to go see my dad an hour outside town?

I had prayed for a chance to see (more…)

Glory in Suffering

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. – John 11:5-6

I’ve talked before about those precious Jobian friends who are quick to point an accusing finger in our times of suffering. Surely we’re suffering because of our sin, they tell us. (more…)