Challenges

Roaring Like a Mouse

On a clear summer day, my family and I walked an abandoned railroad track through the countryside. Sulfur yellow butterflies flickered over the tall weeds. Red-winged blackbird sentinels called out to one another as we passed from one bird’s territory to the next.

Panting, her liver-colored tongue hanging low, our old dog simply tried to keep up. But the children explored everywhere, collecting lavish bouquets of wildflowers, and picking up rocks and rusty artifacts left behind by the iron horse that once rumbled through the farmlands.

Joel, my 11-year-old, stooped to pick up an old plank but was stopped by a frightened squeak. Beneath the board was a mouse nest. Mama mouse was lying on her side nursing several babies.

Roaring Like a Mouse Read More »

Revelation: Don’t be Aftraid

Many people shy away from the Book of Revelation thinking it is too frightening or not applicable to the daily life of a Christian; certainly not to someone in recovery. No so! Revelation has many themes running through it. In this Book great evil is given full reign over the earth. Horrible and terrifying images are presented. There seems to be no way to overcome this terrible evil.

But if you read to the end of this book we learn that God is sovereign. He is greater than any power in the universe. Satan and his minions are defeated. In the end, a new heaven and a new earth are created where we, as believers, live in peace and security for eternity.

Revelation: Don’t be Aftraid Read More »

Footprints


    One night a man had a dream, and in his dream he reviewed the footsteps he had taken in his life. He looked and noticed that all over the mountains and difficult places that he had traveled, there was one set of footprints… but over the plains and down the hills, there were two sets of footprints, as if someone had walked by his side.

    He turned to Christ and said, “There is something I don’t understand. Why is it that down the hills and over the smooth and easy places you have walked by my side; but, here over the tough and difficult places, I have walked alone; for I see in those areas there is just one set of footprints.”

Footprints Read More »

How can I find peace and hope in the midst of desperate circumstances?

How does one find peace and hope in the midst of desperate circumstances?

John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Ephesians 2:14: For he himself is our peace.”

Philippians 4:7: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

How can I find peace and hope in the midst of desperate circumstances? Read More »

How Should I Pray?

People describe prayer as speaking with God. How does one do this?

Many denominations ascribe a formula or method to prayer or even offer pre-written prayers to recite. Jesus did give an example of how to pray when He recited what is commonly referred to as the Lord’s Prayer. In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus said, “This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come; Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

How Should I Pray? Read More »