For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go (Psalm 91:11) A well-known painting that hung in my childhood nursery belongs to one of my earliest memories. An angel guides two children across a ramshackle bridge spanning a turbulent river. As a child, I feared for the boy and girl who did not seem to notice the danger....
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Reflect: I can never read Isaiah 9:6 without hearing Handel’s Messiah,” movement 12, in my head. “For Unto us a Child is Born”...
. . . but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. `(Hebrews 12:26b-27) Do you live with a sense that things are falling apart, unraveling? I tend to...
Have you ever searched for something valuable only to find it later in the most surprising place? Something like that happened to archeologist Howard Carter and his team as they hunted for King Tut, the only pharaoh whose tomb had never been discovered in the Valley of the Kings. Carter was quite certain where to look and worked diligently for...
I am still recovering from our youngest son’s wedding celebration last month. What a tangle of emotions in the midst of stress, smiles, tears, and joy! Upon reflection, I can’t help but also think about the greatest wedding yet to come—when we, the bride of Christ, finally celebrate our union with Jesus. So here are some wedding vignettes and spiritual...
Listen: To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices (Mark 12:33). Reflect: How do we put God first in all our affections, thoughts, and energy? Without the Holy Spirit, it’s impossible! God is the one who...
We love because he first loved us (I John 4:19). Years ago I attended a women’s retreat where a Jewish wedding canopy (chuppah) was set up in one area. A bridal veil was provided, and we were invited to take communion as we felt ready. For me, it became a profound encounter with Jesus as I wept and worshiped him...
Pregnancy means all kinds of body changes and discomforts. Those nine months are usually not described as floating on a euphoric cloud of bliss. As one mom put it: “Life is tough enough without having someone kick you from the inside.” So, dear pregnant lady (insert name), you’ve got to keep your sense of humor with jokes like this one:...
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (II Corinthians 1:3). How do you live in the midst of chaos, uncertainty, and loss? How will our brothers and sisters in Ukraine find comfort in their distress? How will we? God often uses our testimonies to encourage...
Jesus said to Peter, Unless I wash you, you have no part with me (John 13:8). Jill Biden disguised herself as a stewardess on a flight returning to Washington D.C, and then served the members of the media and her staff. No one recognized the First Lady until she removed her wig and with a huge grin announced, “April Fools!” ...