“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27) Christ arrived on planet earth with...
Courage
Spill Over
“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’” (Mark 4:35) Of course, you could sleep. The water filling the boat would not terrify you. From your viewpoint,...
Right By Our Side
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38) Do Something Quick We sound just like that boatload of wet, weary disciples whenever self-pity takes up residence, and fear moves in as our...
Truth Be Known
“Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” (Luke 1:13) “I don’t believe you.” “This can’t possibly be...
Magdalene
“There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. When he was in Galilee, they followed him and...
In Action
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) Jesus doesn’t compel us to be...
Hope Surge
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) We hear reports from...
Helper
“Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 124:8) Heavy-hearted and under siege, we hunker down and hide, fearful of the onslaught from the enemy intent on our destruction....
Intimidation
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6) As a little girl I presumed...
Fingerprints
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.” (Psalm 67:1-2) At a time when travel was arduous and...
Flawless
“Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me!” (I Samuel 25:32) How would you respond if an army was charging toward your home to destroy everyone you held dear? What would...
Prayer for Ukraine
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone; and especially to those who are of the...