Read Matthew 16:21-28. Peter had just made a great confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Wow, that’s powerful stuff, and truth at that. Jesus recognized it as something that Peter could only have declared by the power of God, and blessed him for it. At this point, Peter must have … More What if I can’t deny myself?
Quiet Christmas, Noisy Christmas — Christmas all the same. Grief Christmas, Happy Christmas — Both in one great day. Single Christmas, Family Christmas — No matter who’s around. The day is special, not because of what we get or give; It’s not about size of the crowd, or food or trees or music. It’s meaning … More Christmas
It’s easy to get into a slump during the holidays. So many things bring it on — a death of a loved one, another anniversary of that loss, a child marrying and beginning their own traditions, a move, a…well, you fill in the blank. My list could go on forever it seems. Why do holidays … More Remembering the Reason for the Season
My week started with a glimpse of heaven. I attended a worship service where all the ethnic churches of the Tennessee Baptist Convention were gathered. I listened to the beautiful Korean choir, enjoyed the sways of the Sudanese singers and gloried in my Lord, as we sang “How Great is our God” in multiple languages. … More Unnatural Disasters
Read Matthew 5:43-48 “I love everyone.” Easy to say, hard to live. “I love everyone, but I don’t have to like them all.” It may be technically true, but is not very biblical. “I love those who are like-minded in Christ.” Now, you’re just falling off the path. What did Jesus say on the mountain? Love … More What if my enemy walks in?
Read Matthew 5:38-42 He was referring to the Law. Justice is pretty clear-cut. Lose an eye, take an eye. A tooth for a tooth. It’s easy to follow the logic of the law. I’m sure Jesus wondered why his people couldn’t follow it better. After all, it was easy to understand. But Jesus wasn’t just … More What if I get smacked?
Read Matthew 5:21-26 He was preaching to thousands. It’s hard to imagine that he would specifically intend this lesson for me, right? Yet, like his parable about the sower, I suppose he was spreading seeds here, and it’s for me to decide what kind of soil I will be. I can’t exactly pick and chose … More What if your brother’s mad at you?
I’ve been going back to my childhood recently watching “Family Affair”, an old 70s TV show that depicted Brian Keith as an uncle who took in his late brother’s three children. One of my favorite characters is Mr. French, the English butler. He is very distinguished, but can be a wonderful, loving friend to the … More What sets you apart?
I have loved being the mother of boys. My sister had three girls, and I spent my high school and college years babysitting them and watching them grow. Boys are easier…just have to say. After we had our second son, friends all over the Middle East encouraged us to go for a third, so we’d … More The Other Woman
They were strangers in a strange land. They had left their home and family to follow the call of God. Famine and trials had forced them to flee even further, but now they were back in the land of promise. God’s blessing was apparent, as they returned with an increase of flocks, herds, and tents. … More Let’s not have any quarreling