“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 ESV Where can we find wisdom that is pure, unadulterated by ulterior motives, uncontaminated by selfishness, and uncorrupted by evil? I opened my laptop, determined to begin my morning by reading an online devotional. […]
So much is wrong with the world! Lord, show me something right! This year I vowed to change my mindset and dwell on the positive. (Philippians 4:8) But February’s been a difficult month for me. As winds of change sweep through our nation, I keep my eyes and ears open. I watch the news and […]
I’m witnessing a miracle. I watch with fascination as fat flakes fly in a frigid frenzy across my lawn. It’s snowing in South Louisiana. Those who live in more northerly climates may not understand our enchantment with snow in the deep south. To northerners, a snowfall may be merely a form of precipitation to contend […]
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil. 4:8 ESV Fake news. Fact checks. Flip-flopping opinions. How do we know what to believe? We used to […]
My life is but a weaving between my God and me. I do not choose the colors; He worketh steadily. Oftimes He weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside. Not ’til the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly Will God unroll the canvas […]
For to us a child is born,to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder,and his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa. 9:6 ESV) My worst Christmas was the year we almost had a white Christmas. Snow is a rare event in southern Louisiana. And snow on the ground for Christmas—well, that only […]
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the […]
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Heb. 4:12 ESV) I winced. Here comes the needle. I’d already been poked earlier that day, and the phlebotomist had had trouble finding a […]
Seven years ago a health crisis sent me into a tailspin, and during that time I learned what it means to find strength in the joy of the Lord. Today good results from a routine check-up left me feeling grateful. I’m revisiting a blog post I wrote in 2016 for Restore Ministries. The Joy of […]
And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (Ex. 17:7 ESV) When things go wrong, do you find yourself quarreling with God? Have you tested the Lord’s patience by complaining? Let me sheepishly raise my hand and […]