We’ve heard it said actions speak louder than words. When it comes to conviction, it’s true. We can say, “Oh, yeah, I believe a healthy diet is important,” but if we say it while consuming a steady diet of nachos, deep-fried Oreos, and soda pop, folks probably won’t believe us.…
The words for “I’d Rather Have Jesus” was written by Rhea F. Miller. George Beverly Shea composed the music. What a beautiful, worshipful combination. If you aren’t familiar with it, please listen to Mr. Shea himself sing it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg-o2eGzM4). These words…powerful. I pray we mean them. 1 I’d rather have…
I realize this next statement could be interpreted as politically motivated, but it isn’t: there is very little understanding given to those who have a different opinion from one’s own these days. So often my heart aches at the harsh words and accusations and downright ugliness I see between people.…
When we were kids, we sang this silly little song: “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I think I’ll go eat worms…” (I did mention it was a silly song, right?) Being disliked isn’t a good feeling. Most of us want to be liked. But the fact is, if we…
When I was in high school I had an album called Natural High. It was a pretty radical record in my Mennonite household, but words from one of the songs spoke to me then and speaks to me in memory: “Just to think of the cross moves me now. The…
Most people like thinking about Jesus’s love. And why shouldn’t we? His love is unconditional. His love is universal. He welcomes into His presence the prostitutes and tax collectors and the lowliest of society as well the “goodest” among us. His arms are always ready to receive sinners. But we…
HYMN DAY! My mom’s favorite hymn was “I Love to Tell the Story” by Katherine Hankey. Before the second stroke stole her ability to speak at all, her last coherent words were the chorus to this hymn. She had experienced Jesus’s love, and she wanted others to have it, too.…
When we do as Jesus advised us in yesterday’s verse, remain in His love and walk in obedience, there is a natural offshoot: Jesus finds joy in us, and we find joy, as well. People who commit crimes and run instead of facing the consequences always have to look over…
Have you or someone you know gotten all enthusiastic about something, such as an exercise plan or diet, couponing, or a new hobby? In the beginning, we’re all in, diligently focused and on track, but as time goes by, keeping up with it becomes difficult. Our initial excitement dims, it…
When my girls deliberately did things they knew they shouldn’t, it bothered me a lot more than when they made innocent mistakes. I remember my mom telling me before I went out with friends, “Remember Whose you are.” In other words, I’d made a commitment to Christ; the way I…
