Delight. What does this word conjure? Ice cream sundae on a hot summer afternoon? A Friday off from work? Taking a stroll in the park with your dog? An al fresco lunch with two of your best friends? To delight yourself in something means to get pleasure from it and to SHOW that delight. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Why did David write this? As an encouragement to…
Today, January 14, 2021 from 5:00am to 11:00pm, there is a call to lift up hearts in prayer for America, believing this is God’s call to His people: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved,” (1…
In a dream, I didn’t have anywhere to go and couldn’t see where I was going to live. It was distressing and I was very upset. Things had been changing in my life, but now there seemed to be a deafening silence and a confusion I didn’t understand. On a walk, I bumped into the couple who had purchased my previous house. After exchanging pleasantries, they asked how I was doing and where I was living, so I told them…
As the Christmas season is here, set aside the noise, the busyness, the activities, and the plans. Celebrate the season, not only with a quietness of heart and mind, but with all the senses. Allow the Sprit to heighten your senses and abilities, and understand that all five human senses have their spiritual counterparts. Celebrate the spiritual sense of taste: If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:3 Taste and see that the LORD is…
Have you ever really looked at a bodybuilder? If so, you can appreciate the development that comes with a fierce commitment. Whether for sport or recreation, bodybuilders do not achieve that level of fitness overnight. Nor does it take just a week, a month or even a year. Their form and strength are built over a prolonged period using a wide range of exercises and disciplines, with an intense daily focus, diligence and dedication. Ask any bodybuilder and they will…
When Jesus heard that his friend Lazarus was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. (John 11:6) The bible shows us that Jesus didn’t immediately come running when he heard his friend was sick. Nor does it indicate that He sent a message back at once. When all is silent, this can be confusing or upsetting; delay of an answer feels bewildering or even agonizing. Oswald Chambers, in his writings in ‘From My Utmost for…
Daniel 9:4-19 is prayer where Daniel confessed the sin of his people, while glorified the goodness and righteousness of God. As we Americans enter a season of elections, holidays, and a new year of uncertainty, let all the saints come together in prayer for our cities, counties, states, and nation: I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,…
The other day, I found myself in a game of dodgeball. I was walking along, minding my own business when I got hit in the back with a ball. Orange. Couldn’t miss it. When I turned around, I got hit in the side with a blue ball. As I reached down to pick up the orange one, I was hit in the head with a red one. Thus, the game began, and no, this was not a child’s game. The…
There’s an old Yiddish adage that says “Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht” which translated means: “man plans, and God laughs.” Despite our most careful planning, the Road of Life is unpredictable. The unpredictability of life and our own expectations lead to heartbreak and great disappointment. But in reality, God isn’t laughing. Our good and loving Heavenly Father does not laugh at His children who He so carefully and lovingly created, and He wants His best for us. Disappointment comes in…
“If it takes forever, I will wait for you. For a thousand summers, I will wait for you…” is the first line of the 1966 song “I Will Wait for You” by Bobby Darin. There are hundreds of songs written about waiting forever for our romantic love. But what about waiting for our True Love? One of the amazing lessons found in the book of Habakkuk is that the prophet asked God exactly what he wanted to know. He also…