I can do all things through [Jesus] who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13) Paul wrote today’s scripture while in prison. Every time he was behind bars, he was facing death. Being chained to a Roman guard, he would’ve been deprived of any privacy. Under such conditions you might think Paul would’ve been daunted or depressed—but read …
Tag: Comfort
Cast Your Burden Upon the Lord
Cast your burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain you… (Psalm 55:22) About a year after starting to serve at the church, I was invited to participate in a golf tournament that was raising money for our outreach ministries. After praying to begin the day, someone said, “Please join me in my cart. I …
God’s Peace and Strength
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.” (Psalm 46:1-3) Soon after entering one of the shelters for …
A Journey That May Heal Your Own Heart
Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. (2 John 12) I once had a serious break with my daughter that was breaking my heart. …
In the Manger with Jesus
And she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them at the inn. (Lk. 2:7) I’d received a phone call from a distraught mother. Her 30-something daughter had disappeared. The mother feared that her daughter—let me call her Abby—could have committed suicide. A …
Jesus Born Again Anywhere
While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. (Lk. 2:6-7) When my schedule permits, I visit some inmates in …
Too Good Not To Be True
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.’ (Luke 2: 13-14) One of the ways that some people get in the “spirit” of Christmas is to watch the old-time …
Forgiving Someone From Our Heart
So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart. (Mt. 18:35) The man was a respected leader in town. The man also had a secret life. During business trips he indulged in risky behavior. In time, he contracted a …
…and a Little Child Shall Lead Them
“The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.” (Is. 11:6) Let me call him Fred. He didn’t like the changes I was making at church. He made an appointment to express his …
Room For All
He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.’ (Lk. 4:17-18) One of church’s receptionists buzzed to tell me that she had a woman on the phone that demanded to talk with …