Personal journal entry, June 26, 2023: “Even after all these years of growing up in Christ, I still have knotholes of doubt that God will speak clearly to me.” Both the Old and New Testaments emphasize Jehovah as the God Who speaks. I’ve read, heard, and memorized it, but in some situations, I don’t expect to hear from God. Why is …
There’s a dimension where all things are possible. A realm where the tangled becomes loose, and the unfeasible becomes achievable. Images of the place appear in our dreams, but we seldom access the sphere during daylight hours. We’re vaguely aware of its presence, yet we rarely enter. This place is very close, yet not in our immediate element. Whether located …
“When you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret” (Matthew 6:6). How often do I really “shut the door” in private prayer? Multiple device media has retrained our minds to expect distractions. Giving God full attention seems near impossible in our day. If we could only turn back the clock to when life proved simpler. …
Sometimes the noisiest place I can be is in the silence of my own thoughts. With so much changing information around us, it is no wonder that it’s difficult to settle my mind. Prayer, a promised source of solace and relief, becomes especially scattered when I am distracted by so many conflicting opinions. I desperately need a reset button within …
Holy Father, This time of shaking has been good for me (Hebrews 12:26-27). While every structure of support crumbles away, this world shift has forced me to analyze better how I’ve built upon the Foundation. I have all sorts of building materials available: the wood of activity, the hay of busyness, and the stubble of good deeds. You’ve rocked all …
By Kandy Persall Old Man Winter has his place. He brings us holidays, vacations and our anniversary. Blankets of snow and crystals of ice are beautiful, but after a while, we are ready for spring. There is a larger purpose for winter. It’s necessary for growth. Winter is an ugly time for most trees. They shed their leaves and reveal …
“A gentleman was asked by an artist friend of some note to come to his home, and see a painting just finished. He went at the time appointed, was shown by the attendant into a room which was quite dark, and left there. He was much surprised, but quietly waited developments. After perhaps fifteen minutes his friend came into the …
Holy Father, How little I rest in You. My soul is like a hummingbird, flitting from flower to flower, Truth to Truth – expending most of the spiritual energy I derive by just skimming over Your Word, rather than drinking deeply. Yet, You still hold out the Sabbath rest before me, saying “This is the day to rest” …
When I, a young Christian, stood still before Him, I stood in a tremble, awaiting His call. I wanted His favor. I sought it with earnest. My youth and my passion —I gave Him my all. “A wonderful plan” said the book set before me. A wonderful plan, oh my soul, could it be? “You’ve freedom from fear. …
My child, You seem to expect my walks with You to be like a picnic in the woods. From the minute you hear Me call, “Come follow”, you energetically begin the prattle about the destination and the buzz about the basket. You have dreams of rolling apple-green meadows and envision stream-side knolls where I am to unfold a patchwork …
