Sometimes, a path of righteousness leads directly into the shadow of death. This is a shock to most of us, but our childhood Psalm outlines this very outcome clearly. “He guides me in the paths of righteousness…I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:3-4). Without any blatant “wrong-doing” on our part, without a misstep, we will …
“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 …
“Take for yourself spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum, spices with pure frankincense…And with it you shall make incense…salted, pure and holy” (Exodus 30:34-35 NASB). Take a peek with me into God’s recipe file. Instead of the categories of mains, sides, and desserts, His recipe box includes sections for faith, hope and prayer. Let’s return again to the ingredient …
Sometimes, we are presented by needs that are far beyond our understanding of just how to pray. A debilitating accident, a robust friend discovering cancer, a teenager who survived heart surgery with flying colors, but within days had to have a brain mass removed. As I struggle through prayer, maybe my ramblings could be used as your own template for how …
My dear child, Things before you are not as they seem. From outward appearance, the situation appears as overwhelming and ghastly. You see it as a great, immovable fortresses which are against My Kingdom purpose. Come here, my love. Let me remove the blinders that are blocking your sight (2 Corinthians 3:16). I’ve allowed these situations to awaken you from …
I’m super excited about today’s post. Carrie Vipperman has guest posted for us before, but something about today’s post spoke specifically to you. Pretty sure it will grant you fresh insight as well. Thanks, Carrie, for sharing from your heart. These aren’t just words, this are what E.M. Bounds calls “spiritual unction!” ——————- “I don’t remember the exact …
The Apostle Peter missed the crucifixion. Doesn’t that seem rather odd? Peter had walked on water (Matthew 14:29), saw Jesus transfigured (Matthew 17:1-4) and testified Jesus to be the Son of God (Matthew 16:16). Simon Peter had paid Jesus’ temple tax (Matthew 17:27) and stood nearby when Jesus raised a little girl from the dead (Luke 8:51). In fact, Peter’s name …
Holy Father, I’ve noticed something about the stoney spiritual path. The proper trail may lead to an intensive trial. You led Abram onto a bridleway of blessing (Genesis 12:1-2). Yet, upon arrival, a famine occurred, and he was forced to escape into the Egypt. There was a trial along the trail (Genesis 12:10). You chose Moses …
“(And the father said) ‘If You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!’ And Jesus said to him, ‘’If You can?!?’ All things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, ‘I do believe; help my unbelief.’” Mark 9:23-24 His Word makes all the difference. A heart cry …
One particular Thanksgiving in Taiwan, I somehow got the idea to invite everyone that I knew for the holiday meal. Over a month prior, we ordered five large turkeys from a wholesale meat market, borrowed 15 folding tables and began stockpiling mounds of stale cornbread in the freezer. Our apartment was too small to contain …
