Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 We were sitting with a couple, who are dear friends, around a table, nestled in the back corner of a restaurant. Behind us was a wall of windows, giving us the perfect…
Nourishing Words
The lips of the righteous nourish many. — Proverbs 10:21 There was once a monk who, like many followers of Jesus at the time, was looking for a deeper walk with God. This monk, Abbot Agatho, fled to the desert. The story goes that Abbot Agatho, aware of his temptation to sin with his words,…
Why Are You So Angry?
The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?” — Genesis 4:6 The first sin recorded for us in the Bible outside of the garden of Eden is the sin of Cain killing his brother, Abel. We’re told that Abel kept the f locks and Cain worked the soil (Genesis…
Making Bedtime a Treasured & Meaningful Time with Your Children
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I had just announced to our four kids it was time for bed. One child, responded that he was hungry. Another with an emotional meltdown. Our oldest son forgot he needed a test signed, which led to a rather lengthy discussion of other assignments due later…
The One Who Judges Justly
When they hurled their insults at [Jesus], He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. —1 Peter 2:23 We all like the idea of a loving God who is patient with us. In Christ, He forgives, redeems, and restores. He has set His…
Making a Place for God
Several years ago I was roped into trying to read the Bible in ninety days. I say “roped” not because I didn’t want to do it or because I thought it was a bad idea, but because I suspected it would be nearly impossible for a busy mom. But I eventually decided to give…
Celebrating the Beauty of Creation with Our Kids
The changing seasons are a glorious display of a creative God. But it is interesting to me how quickly we can forget the beauty that surrounds us. Not long ago, a friend was visiting from out of town. Not being from the Midwest, she couldn’t believe the beauty of the town I live in.…
Don’t Waste the Wait
We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. — Psalm 33:20–21 Have you ever noticed that there’s a lot of waiting in the Bible? Abraham waited for an heir. Hannah waited for a child. King David waited…
Love Anyway
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” —Matthew 5:46 Let’s be honest. Sometimes we just don’t see eye to eye with some people in our lives. Showing them love can be quite a challenge, especially when these people are difficult, different, or don’t always show appreciation. But learning to love…
The Hard Places That Make Us Holy
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone…