Wow, Hebrews is intense! I am becoming more and more aware of that since I’ve been sauntering through its pages. I see that even God’s man Moses, at the base of Mount Sinai (12:21) said, “I am trembling with fear”.
All in Faith/Trust
Owl Eyes
What a lovely May day it was. As I gazed out my back window, mesmerized by the deep blues of the hydrangeas and the emerging pinks and reds of the roses, a couple of horn-rimmed eyeballs caught my attention. What in the world was an owl doing in my pecan?
Sauntering
As I longed to be out on the mountain trails this summer, the following quote by John Muir, writer and naturalist, caught my eye:
“People ought to saunter in the mountains, not hike! …people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going, they would reply, ‘A la sainte terre, to the Holy Land.’ And so they became known as sainte-terre-ers or saunterers.”
God's Enabling Call
God called Jeremiah to be a prophet, a voice of truth to a nation who desperately needed to listen to God. God’s call to Jeremiah was clear. Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5).
Created with Purpose
The hot pan holders I made serve the purpose of keeping hands from burning when picking up something hot. Ephesians 2:10 tells us God made us for a purpose. Every human being has a God-given purpose. He made us with meaning and a reason to be here.
So, what are we to do with this information?
Laughter
Sarah laughed but it was laughter of doubt, as if to say… “Ha, that is not happening!”
Has God ever told you something that seemed laughable?
Searching for Joy
Are you searching for joy?
Me too.
The Gift of Memory
The scent of Pine stirred childhood memories of visiting my father’s “office,” a portable building beside the railroad tracks. Mondays through Fridays he loaded freshly cut Pine timber for shipping to a paper mill miles away. The scents and sounds of that busy spot returned as I watched a storm-damaged Pine tree transform into piles of sawdust and debris.
When Plans Change
Conversations with high school classmates, fifty years later, covered the myriad of changes we had each experienced. Laughter at long-ago antics peppered the conversation mixed with the sobering realities of what we had all endured.
Hope, a Complex Emotion
It is almost a universal tradition. It seems that we all feel compelled to make a wish before blowing out the candles on our birthday cake. This birthday wishing is a lot like some of my hoping--like hoping for a sunny day for a picnic or a soccer game win for my grandchild
In, But Not Of
The most miserable people at a lake are those who are half in the water and half out. You’ve been there, right? You’ve slowly inched into the water, dreading the moment the water hits your tummy!
Shoe on the Other Foot
The front door slammed and there in the entryway stood my little brother, tear-streaks lining his muddy face. He was holding one tennis shoe, standing in saggy tube socks.
Standing Alone
I checked the mirror one more time. Veil in place, dress smoothed, no lingering candy in my teeth from the last-minute snack attack with my bridesmaids.
Prayers like Incense
Flower children, hippies, and the unmistakable aroma of incense filled the streets and shops along “The Drag,” the street beside the university where I studied during the early 70’s.
The Resurrection and Life
However, death is not the end of Jesus’ story. If not for the resurrection of Jesus, our faith would be in vain. Paul stated this best, “…if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).
At the Savior’s Feet
She listened to Jesus’ words, believed them, and embraced them. It was Mary who later acted in belief of Jesus’ words that He would be killed in Jerusalem and raised to life.
Believe Up
When I heard those words from a friend, I felt no compassion. I certainly did not encourage her. The only emotion I could muster was anger.
Our Go To
The crowds followed Jesus—some out of curiosity, others anticipating physical healing. Did their anticipation lead them to understand the spiritual benefits they would also receive?
All Things Together
Consider a string of yarn. It may be a pretty color and seem strong. Yet, one strand by itself does not serve much purpose.
Strong Confidence
There is no confidence apart from trust. Confidence is assurance, certainty, and boldness. Trusting God is a part of what fearing God looks like. But what does it practically mean to trust God?