Lord, I know you are with me. I have your promise…in how many ways? “Emmanuel, God with us…” “I am with you always….” In faith I cannot doubt you are with me, but in fact it is too easy to ignore your gentle and quiet presence! You are with me when I awake, and when … Read more
The situation was serious. One of those where, if the Lord didn’t do what only He could do, the enemy would win. I couldn’t stand that thought, and so I was hunkered down, praying as hard as I could. I pleaded with the Lord for what I believed needed to happen. I reminded Him of … Read more
As I prayed this morning for someone I love, the Spirit reminded me of a phrase in Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:18: “the hope to which you are called.” I understood the Spirit was pointing to the specific plans He has for this person (and for each of His children) — plans I prayed would … Read more
It’s 6 a.m., and I have settled into a chair near the wide open back door where I can feel the coastal breezes waft in, and hear the first bird songs of the morning. As usual, I have my creamy tea in hand. After greeting the Lord with “Good morning,” I ask, “What do you … Read more
The longer I live the Christian life, the more certain I am that knowing God personally is the key to everything we ever hoped would come of a decision to follow Christ. Experience tells me the enduring joy, strength, wisdom, abundant life, and peace Jesus promised cannot be produced by human effort. At least, I … Read more
Based on what we see and hear at our counseling table, it seems that many Bible-reading, church-going people do not really live by faith. Yes, they clearly believe IN Christ; but their habitual behavior reveals that they do not live by faith in Emmanuel, the Christ who is present with them. One who genuinely believes … Read more
Lord, increase our faith! Luke 17:5 When the disciples cried out to the Lord in this way, was it because they hadn’t been able to heal someone or drive out a tormenting spirit? No…. it was because he had just told them that forgiveness should be continually extended to those who ask, even if you’ve … Read more
