Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; […]
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 (NIV) Cultivating a heart of thanksgiving could easily symbolize the lives of Lin and Peter Calvert. These two young, starry-eyed New Zealanders met in medical school and were married […]
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:29 Neighbors in Lebanon, Oregon probably wouldn’t agree with Carl Sandburg’s quote, “Love your neighbor as yourself; but don’t take down the fence.” Neighbors realized that Rebecca and Michael Kerrigone’s house desperately needed to be painted but the Kerrigones […]
Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? James 2:15-16 (NIV) Barbara was struggling to get up the stairs of her son’s Washington D.C. apartment […]
A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more. Matthew 2:18 (NIV) “Yes, Aslan,” said both the children. But Polly added, “But we’re not quite as bad as that world, are we, Aslan?” “Not yet, Daughter of Eve,” he […]
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.” Matthew 14:25-26 You just ordered your tall Pumpkin Spice Latte, extra hot, skim milk, one pump with no whipped cream but […]
The LORD is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (CSB) Deep down you knew it was stupid but you did it anyway. What is that? Walking down a platform, letting a total stranger buckle you into a metal car, and hearing the words, “Keep your arms inside the car!” You […]
The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. Revelation 1:14-15 I am thankful Jesus chose a time in history when his disciples couldn’t pull […]
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand. Zechariah 4:10 NLT Sorry, our ice cream machine is broken. If you’ve been to a McDonald’s for the sheer pleasure of an ice cream cone or a McFlurry, more likely than not, […]
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 8:4 Certain events leave an everlasting impression in our memories. Who can forget the day you held your little newborn baby in your arms for the first time? Can you forget the lump in your throat as […]