Today my personal devotions led me to those familiar words: 'Those who wait [hope, trust] on the LORD will renew their strength...' (Isaiah 40:31). Yes, I completed my reading for the weekend, but I never want that to be part of my busywork. This weekend is full of church activities...really good things...but I don't want that to be busywork. Everything I do, I pray that it comes out of my relatio...  Read More

I love the humility and surrender of the leper who came to Jesus (Luke 5:12-14). His life was wretched. Not only was he dealing with a debilitating, ultimately life-threatening, disease that left him disfigured and reeking of dying flesh, he was also a social outcast. Everywhere he went he had to warn everyone to stay away, crying out loudly, "Unclean! Unclean!" Imagine living with the vision of p...  Read More

Jesus, in the affirmation and power of the Holy Spirit, is led by the Spirit (Luke 3:22; 4:1, 14). Jesus' instruction at the end of Luke's Gospel (Luke 24:49) and the beginning of Acts (1:8) is a reminder that we must live as He lived, in the power of the Spirit, led by the Spirit (in essence, this is the principle of abiding/remaining in Him - John 15:5, 7). Fascinating, isn't it, that Jesus in t...  Read More

"...but they did not seek the LORD's decision" (Joshua 9:14)There will always be cunning people whose primary interest is self-preservation and self-promotion. They will prey on good-hearted and compassionate people. When the Gibeonites showed up, they looked a sorry sight. No doubt, the people of Israel and their leader, Joshua, felt sorry for them. Out of their own pity, they assumed the deceive...  Read More

The Quiet in the LandThough it has been adopted through history by varying groups, during the days of the presentation of Jesus, there was a group of people who were known by this title. In the midst of the Roman occupation with all the control and abuses that come from foreign invasion; in the midst of the turmoil within the Jewish religious-political machine; in the midst of the resignation of m...  Read More

Day of days, advent of advents, miracle of miracles, grace of graces, love beyond all measure. In Jesus Christ, God Himself came into our world and everything changed...forever. He came. He is here. He will come. This truth, experienced in real life and time, is everything and all to you and me. Today, be like Mary. Treasure all these things in your heart and ponder them (Luke 2:19). ...  Read More