This week I was reminded that apart from God everything is vanity. I can achieve intellectual pursuits, gain the world’s riches, and obtain fame and notoriety but in the end they all lead to emptiness and vanity. Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, knew this all too well and said the ultimate purpose in life is to fear God and obey his commandments. Paul challenged the…
Each year I hear people bemoaning Valentine’s Day (aka Single Awareness Day). Some feel jipped because they don’t have anyone special with whom to celebrate. Others are grieving the loss of their Valentine to either death or to break up. The sad truth is that for millions of people, Valentine’s Day is a day of great sadness and disappointment. My question is “Why?” How did…
I asked the Lord to show me a verse to pray over my family for 2017 and I want to share it with you. I believe He led me to Isaiah 26:3 which says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Father, I pray that you would help us to keep our minds set on…
Panic. Dread. Unprecedented Fear. These emotions describe the turmoil in our car just moments before Jorjanne’s first driving lesson.After a quick prayer, I gently instructed her on keeping it between the lines, knowing when to brake and when to speed up. As I did these feelings slowly began to dissipate. Peace and calm gradually filled the space once filled with anxiety and worry. As I’ve…
I have resolved to start 2016 without sugar — no sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and minimal carbohydrates. The first few days were rough, I won’t lie. The withdrawal symptoms included headaches, aches and pains, and even an upset stomach. I pushed through and finally, I am beginning to feel myself again. Why would I do this? One word — my health. Last year I spent…
Several years ago, I was working in campus ministry when a group of students decided to sing “Give Tanks with a Grapeful Heart.” At the time we thought this was a great idea. As if the song wasn’t enough, we dressed up as grapes with purple and green balloons and handed out toy tanks to everyone. Now looking back, I think how silly we were,…