“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) I have always thought quietness could speak louder than noise. Perhaps it is because the things that have touched my heart most deeply rarely demanded my attention. A hand resting gently on my shoulder. Someone listening without rushing
When Quietness Speaks Louder Read Post »
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” — John 7:37 NIV Louder and louder, the rain poured down on the old tin roof, and I stopped what I was doing to listen. The grass had turned brown after weeks without rain. The familiar sound of the creek in the distance had grown
Rain for a Thirsty Soul Read Post »
“When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” — Psalm 61:2 (KJV) You can love God with all your heart and still have days when life feels like more than you can carry. You can believe in His promises and still cry over circumstances you don’t understand. You
You Can Love God and Still Feel Overwhelmed Read Post »
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 (NIV) I used to think of getting older in terms of birthdays. Lately, I notice it in doctor’s appointments, in the things my body can no longer do easily, and in the quiet thought
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” — Psalm 19:1 NIV The other night, I looked up at a perfectly clear sky. There were no clouds hiding the view, no moon bright enough to wash everything else away—just darkness stretched farther than my eyes could see, filled
When the Darkness Is This Beautiful – Christian Devotional Read Post »
“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” —Matthew 13:8 NIV There are seasons when we blame ourselves for the emptiness of a field. We look at the bare ground before us and wonder whether we worked hard enough. Perhaps we should have
When the Soil Cannot Hold the Seed Read Post »
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” —Proverbs 12:10 NIV Animals are woven throughout the story of Scripture. They appear in the garden, where Adam was entrusted with naming them. They entered the ark under God’s protection. They rested on the Sabbath, received consideration under God’s law, and were included in His covenant
Caring for What God Calls His Own Read Post »
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NIV Yesterday, a storm came rolling over the mountains. Rain poured against the tin roof so loudly that it filled the whole house with its drumming. Thunder rumbled through the sky. Lightning struck around us, and the wind twisted through the trees,
Where the Tree Fell Read Post »
Today was extremely hot, but the weeds had gotten so tall that I finally gave in and climbed onto the riding mower. The blazing sun beat down on everything around me, and by the time I reached the last section of the yard, I was more than ready to be finished. As I mowed, birds
When God Sets the Water Right in Front of Us Read Post »
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11 NIV There have been days when I felt like I was walking down a dark path without knowing what was waiting around the next bend. Fear whispered that I wasn’t strong enough. Worry tried to
