The reassuring news arrived unexpectedly, and my discouraged and thirsty soul soaked it up like a sponge. “Thanks, Lord, for that hopeful word,” I prayed simply. “Would You grant me more encouragement?“ As softly and gently as a whisper, I heard His voice, “I am the God of Encouragement. You should pray for this more often. This is a prayer I am always …
Hopelessness is the new pandemic. It builds within us as we watch society crumble around us. Culture no longer espouses the values of generations past, and few share a Biblical worldview. Even those strongest in faith find themselves saying, “I have lost control over everything, even the places in my head” (Paula Hawkins). As believers, we are urged to “fight the …
O Tender Father, I am so thankful that You do not avoid the crushed and brokenhearted but come near us in our agony (Psalm 34:18). Compassion sends You to those who’ve been battered with abuse and trauma. Although You are exalted on high, You willingly descend to be with all who are contrite and lowly of spirit (Isaiah 57:15). I …
Words tumble from my heart like dozens of Lego pieces. Some are red with anger, some orange with distrust and all too many are black with despair. As I ponder over the past year, emotions spill out with a loud cacophony, jumbled and disjointed, none of which seem to fit together. The pieces are me, and I am the pieces. …
It’s said that the best sermons are the ones lived. I can agree as I have lived my share. One of these, in fact, involved a Mother Hen and me. As a preschooler, I spent my days roaming the grounds of our family farm. Maybe “grounds” is not the best word, as it makes the land sound well-manicured like an …
