One of the greatest turning points in my life and faith was when I realized I don’t have to live a life of reactions: meaning when I speak and my words are favorably received, I’m happy; but when not, my smile quickly disappears. No longer need I let people and circumstances dictate the inner joy of my heart, leaving me wounded by someone’s words or actions, or down because it’s raining again. I can cultivate a cheerful heart. Now maybe you’re thinking, “Life is hard right now. How can I possibly have a cheerful heart in these circumstances?” Jesus tells…
“You’re not making me want to do this,” I uneasily laughed. The pre-op nurse stood before me reciting a litany of risks of surgery: from possible infection, to cardiac arrest . . . to death. For a split second, fear gripped my heart. This was elective surgery. Do I really want to go through with this? Let’s face it . . . surgery brings anxiety. The uncertainties, the unknowns, the disruption of routines, the fear of pain . . . The hidden things in our hearts that leave us teetering on the brink of fear often surface during this time….
A feeling of finality came over me as I thumbed through, then closed my 2016 monthly planner. December 31. Another year ended . . . By the grace of God it had been a good year, despite some unexpected challenges and changes. He had seen us through. We are grateful. As I open my new 2017 calendar I pause to admire its clean pages. Each one an empty slate, soon to be filled in with day-to-day happenings, appointments, and special occasions. A new year brings hope. A sense of new beginnings. A time to redefine goals and sharpen our focus…
As we celebrate our national holiday of Thanksgiving, I’ve been coming across numerous articles about the countless benefits of cultivating an attitude of gratitude in our lives. According to Scripture, an unthankful heart displeases God. He exhorts us to always give thanks, and to be thankful in all circumstances. It’s through praise and thanksgiving that we enter His presence. A powerful way to build thanks and praise into our lives is to personalize scriptures and offer them to God as prayers and proclamations of our faith. The Psalms are great for this. They are beloved by so many because…
Psalm 1 describes the person who doesn’t follow worldly methods and means, but who takes their greatest delight in the Lord. Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (Psalm 1:1-3) Great joy, blessings, fruit, and prosperity follow this person. So how do I make the Lord…
