“O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You…” — Psalm 63:1b NKJV I grew up with the idea of morning devotions, of quiet moments spent seeking the presence and the peace of God. It’s in these moments without anyone else involved that we find strength to face each morning and the litany …
Sometimes the day begins to weigh upon us early on, or we discover that there are things we simply cannot accomplish without help. Sometimes it feels like no one is willing to help, no matter how much they love us. We ask for help and don’t receive it. We ask for help and get someone’s …
There are days when I feel useless, and that my value is in what I can accomplish. This is a natural feeling, in a way. We live and work in a world where if you don’t work, you may not have the things you need to live on, or you’re a leech on your friends …
There are promises we all cling to, sometimes the ones we usually hear in sermons or media, and sometimes the promises that resonate with us personally and answer the needs in our hearts. There are so many beautiful promises from our Lord: “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the …
“So he answered and said, ” ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ” — Luke 10:27 NKJV It’s one of those things that’s easy to say, but is it really all that …
“Happy New Year,” Cassie said softly, staring at morning sunrise from the front porch swing, a warm mug of tea cradled in her hands. It wasn’t said to anyone in particular, or so one would think if they saw her keeping this annual tradition once taught her by her mother. Even if her mother wasn’t …
“I love you!” “Mom,” Chaz protested halfheartedly. She kissed his cheek, despite masculine teenage views on minimizing displays of sentiment. “Mom!” “Have a good day at school!” She tucked the younger children’s hands in his and sent them on their way. Chaz sighed but walked his siblings to the elementary and double-checked their lunches before …
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 NKJV Chaz was already sitting on the front porch steps when Tren arrived, a cool morning breeze nipping at his face and arms. He pushed up his glasses to better see his friend. Chaz’s shoulders were hunched and his gaze trained …
The sky was feeling blue one day, and the earth said to the sky, “Don’t be sad! See, the sun is coming back!” Then the sky blushed pink. We who love the Son of God are like that night sky. But fear not, for morning will surely come. “But to you who fear My name …
“in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” — I Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV Why does God ask us to focus on giving thanks? I’ve heard it said that God shouldn’t need our praise or our thanksgiving and why does He want all this attention on Himself? But …