What a challenge, loving one’s enemy. When someone curses you, it’s not your natural inclination to bless them. If someone stomps on your foot, it’s very tempting to stomp back. When someone takes advantage of you, plans for getting even form in your brain. (Btw, that’s a universal “you” that…
HYMN DAY! “My Jesus, I Love Thee,” by William R. Featherston makes a beautiful prayer of commitment and adoration. 1 My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine; for thee all the follies of sin I resign; my gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou; if ever I loved…
Years ago at a women’s retreat someone asked me, “If I don’t love myself, do I have to worry about my neighbor?” I still feel sad when I think about it. First, let me assure you, you are loved. God loves you so much He sent His very own Son…
Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind… The first and greatest commandment defines what it means to be a Christian. When we involve the heart, we’re talking about the center of our being—the very essence of our life itself. Our soul is our entirety. Not one tiny…
Mid-Psalm the text shifts from the psalmist speaking about God to hearing God’s words spoken. What a promise we find here! When we call on Him, He will answer. When we face times of trouble and conflict, He will deliver us. When we remain steadfast in our faith, He honors…
I feel as if I’m giving vocabulary lessons this week, but I can’t help myself. There is such wonderful meaning in these words! To be covered is to be given a hedge of protection where the enemy cannot reach. Have you ever seen a hen spread its wings and gather…
HYMN DAY! “Under His Wings I am Safely Abiding” by William Orcutt Cushing is such a beautiful reminder of where our peace and security is found. Enjoy these words. 1 Under His wings I am safely abiding. Tho’ the night deepens and tempests are wild, Still I can trust Him;…
Here are some more wonderful descriptors for God: MY refuge, MY fortress, MY GOD (emphases mine). Refuge and fortress have similar yet distinct meanings. A refuge is a place of shelter or sanctuary, while a fortress refers to a place of security. Again, we’re not talking about a physical location…
Wildfires; political unrest; countries at war… Seems as though there are lots of reasons for us to be fearful. Honestly, fear in itself isn’t bad. It can make us stop and think, “Is this a good idea?” before we do something foolhardy or outright dangerous. But fear that cripples or…
Apparently David was growing weary of his enemies getting away with their mistreatment. He wanted God to vindicate him…now. When mistreatment goes on and on, it’s completely human to wish God would intervene. But David’s long-time relationship with the Lord had taught him something. Even though he was yet to…
