We live in the information age. We are inundated with information—some of it accurate and helpful; some of it actually harmful misinformation. I used to tell my fifth graders, what is popular (socially accepted/lauded) is not always right, and what is right (moral) is not always popular. It’s been a…
A few years ago, my Sunday school class discussed how we can stand for right in a world that celebrates wrong. One of the younger members said, “Find friends who believe like you do.” Sound advice. It’s so much easier to be pulled down than it is to pull someone…
Oh, if only people hurried to do what He asks of us. No hesitation, no wondering if it’ll lead to ridicule or persecution, but simple obedience based on trust and respect. We live in a culture that creates hesitation when it comes to standing up for God and His commands.…
HYMN DAY! John W. Peterson was a very prolific song-writer, and “Shepherd of Love” is one of my favorites. The words are so encouraging! Our Shepherd is always waiting and willing to welcome us into the fold. (The second verse might be new to you.) Verse 1 Shepherd of love…
Have you ever seen a soldier do an about-face? It’s actually very impressive to watch. One deliberate, brisk movement that aims the individual in the opposite direction. This is such a great visual for repentance. When we know we’re going in the wrong direction, repentance turns the tide. It sets…
Promises, shromises, who keeps’em? I’ve forgotten the television character who uttered this disparaging remark (maybe Laverne from Laverne & Shirley?), but sadly it’s too often true. A lot of people don’t honor promises, and every time a promise is broken, the relationship suffers. But you know who always keeps His…
I go through spells where I don’t sleep well (hormones, anyone?). More than once, I complained to my mom about it. I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before, but my mom was a prayer warrior. After a few times of simply sympathizing with me, she suggested I take advantage of those…
Dare I confess that there are times when news reports make my blood pressure rise? I become angered by acts of injustice, cruelty, disrespectfulness, or selfishness. These acts are always committed by people who have no desire to heed God’s instruction to treat others the way we want to be…
HYMN DAY! “Sing Them Over Again to Me” by P. P. Bliss was published in 1864 and became one of the standard songs in the author’s repertoire (at Dwight Moody’s prompting) when he became a singing evangelist. Wonderful words of life! 1 Sing them over again to me, Wonderful words…
Afflictions aren’t fun. They hurt. Sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally, sometimes spiritually…sometimes all of the above. Jesus tells us in John 10:10 (NKJV), “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Jesus came into this world to seek and save the lost. I…
