Did someone thank you this week for a kind word, a helpful deed or some other expression of love? Never dismiss or discount the appreciation expressed to you by others for the blessing(s) you have brought to their lives. Instead, graciously receive their thanks on behalf of the One who privileged you to be an… Read More »

I asked my wife if she had to boil it down to a simple one sentence reason, why is it that people who skyrocket to fame and fortune so often wind up disillusioned and become self-destructive. She said, “I think it comes down to loneliness.” She meant specifically, they wrestle with “who really knows me… Read More »

“I will give you rest…” (Matthew 11:28). As you contemplate the week ahead, relax. Remember the Lord is so much greater than our words or effects. His plans for the person or the situation are always more expansive than ours. Therefore “the future” does not depend on you!  Don’t embrace that oppressive and unhealthy pressure.… Read More »

The American work (a-holic) ethic is not necessarily how the Lord works. For Him, “busy” is not necessarily better. Working by faith and waiting in faith are equally virtuous. As an example, even though Lazarus was deathly ill, Jesus didn’t rush to Lazarus’ side because Jesus knew waiting was going to result in a more… Read More »

Sometimes the Lord touches our hearts and evokes unexpected tears. Today was such a day for me. As I spent time with the Lord, I simply asked Him to “bless my desire to honor You as God today.” That is not a new desire for me but I don’t usually express it that way, and… Read More »

From the Old Testament through the New, the words that are used to describe our Lord’s dealings with mankind are nothing short of lavish. Just a few examples: “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore” (Genesis 22:17). …… Read More »

“From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised. The LORD is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, Who is enthroned on high” (Psalm 113:3-5).   As spring bursts forth in all its captivating magnificence… Read More »

A man formerly lame but now healed stood with the apostles Peter and John.  A crowd gathered and stood wide-eyed and amazed. “But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, ‘Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or… Read More »

Valuing our relationship with God above all else may not earn us many points in the world, but the scoreboard is not in the world, the Scorekeeper is not of the world, and the real prize is not from the world: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides… Read More »

When my wife and I receive from each other a greeting card that just “says it all” and is especially touching, we say, “Oh, you’ve got to certify this one!” So the person who gave the card will write “certified” on the card, meaning, “Yes! I meant exactly what it says.” If we come across… Read More »