“The Lord’s lovingkindnesses never cease. His compassions never fail” (Lamentations 3:22). Dear Lord, Because there is never a time I am not being blessed by Your love for me, I thank You not only for the blessings I recognize, but also for the blessings I overlooked, misinterpreted, complained about, ignored or resisted.

In my private time with the Lord, I hold a candle in front of me. I wave my hand over the flame and touch my heart, and I pray, “Thank You, Lord, for the warmth of Your reception and Your affection for me.” For You meet me with the blessings of good things; You set… Read More »

My daughter asked me what I would say, as a pastor for almost 40 years now, to the “me” who was a brand-new pastor. I thought about it for a few minutes, because there is so much I could say that would really be helpful. But I finally came up with an answer that covers… Read More »

You Truly Wanted ME The real 100% me. Not my IMAGE. Not my ACT. My insecurities were not TOO MUCH for You. My youthful mistakes didn’t drive you CRAZY. My intentional sins did not drive you AWAY. My “secrets” did not SHOCK You. My oddness did not turn You OFF. My stubbornness did not DEFEAT… Read More »

“The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). But wait! Great news! The Lord garnished ALL our sin wages. So, what did He do with the “death” we earned? Isaiah gives us the answer: “He [Jesus] was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon… Read More »

Here are 31 Bible passages that can help to establish a solid foundation for new believers as well as providing an effective tune-up for all believers. Psalms 62:8 (NIV) 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB77) 5 Trust in… Read More »

Here are 31 of my favorite Bible verses.  One for each day of the month.  Feel free to add any of these to your own collection and may the Lord bless your prayerful and praise-full meditation on them.  – D. B. Genesis 50:20 (NIV) You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good… Read More »

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). One of the ways we can delight ourselves in the Lord is by embracing His delight in us. To experience all the fullness of God is to know through personal experience His love that surpasses mere intellectual knowledge.… Read More »

What do I do when I sin against the Lord? Simply stated, I say, “I’m sorry, Lord.” I may also talk about my thoughts and feelings and the details of the situation, not as an excuse or because I need to explain it to Him but to bare my heart with Him. (And I am… Read More »

The astonishing miracle of Jesus’ transfiguration had just occurred, and… “as the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to Him, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ (He did not know what he was saying.)” (Luke 9:33). Sometimes,… Read More »