The Boat Builder

I doubt Mom anticipated the production of a sea-faring vessel when she brought out the craft box for my begging daughters Saturday. Boat building is always on the agenda for my dad. We just didn’t realize the condition was genetic! The girls had moved on to other distractions, while my oldest boy kept toiling away at his sail-equipped canoe, probably inspired by the ship... Read More

Thank Offerings

Mom means more to me than I can express. Below are more life-giving words from her. These aren’t empty words; they’ve been lived, and they’ve formed Mom’s character. I had to tell you girls what I found this morning. In Psalm 50 God is saying that He doesn’t rebuke us for our sacrifices; they are ever before Him. But He doesn’t need them at... Read More

From Mom: Psalm 46 Revisited

Mom sent me this by email, and it was so encouraging that I asked her if I could post it. It’s a helpful meditation when things seem out of control and I’m tempted to scramble frantically. Thanks, Mom! A (Very) Loose Paraphrase of Psalm 46 We can depend on God to be real close when we’re having trouble. Even if the physical earth seems like it’s out of... Read More

October 27 – Hebrews 12:10-11

Hebrews 12:10-11 God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Wow! God wants us to share in His holiness! Amazing, isn’t it?! I do think that in the middle of the discipline we have a... Read More

October 26 – John 4:50

John 4:50 And the man put his trust in what Jesus said and started home. This one almost brings me to tears. Isn’t it a prescription for life? I think of “home” being that place where there’s safety and rest, that place where you are known and loved and appreciated, a place of peace. And the way to get there is to trust Jesus. I think I’m writing... Read More

October 25 – Romans 8:1, 6

Romans 8:1, 6 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Live in the Spirit; live as one under no condemnation; live as a loved, delighted-in child of your Father.  Read More

October 21 – Psalm 37:6

Psalm 37:6 Amp And he will make your uprightness and right standing with God go forth as the light, and your justice and right as [the shining sun of] the noonday. If you have time, read Prov 4: 18, Isaiah 62: 2, and Prov 3: 5, 6. This verse is a continuation of verse 5. All a result of committing your way to being His way, and then trusting in Him. You will end up seeing your... Read More

October 24 – Psalm 37: 11

Psalm 37:11 Amp But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. I don’t want to comment on this one. Think about it yourself, and think about it on more than one level.  Read More

October 23 – Psalm 37:8

Psalm 37:8 Amp Cease from anger and forsake wrath; fret not yourself; it tends only to evil-doing. One time as I was reading this verse, God opened my eyes to more. The “anger” and “wrath” were the deep-seated, heart-killing (your OWN heart) kind, not just the smaller hot spots. It would involve soul-searching forgiveness. It would involve not being easily... Read More

October 22 – Psalm 37:7

Psalm 37:7 Amp Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him, and patiently stay yourself upon Him; fet not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. A concept I’m thinking you can only really learn by doing. There is an incredible amount of peace in this. Trust His timing after you’ve laid it in His hands.... Read More