Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. -Isaiah 61:7, NIV Cheaters devalue. They will run you down, figuratively speaking. The whole point is to make it seem like … Continue reading “Cheaters devalue.”
Category: Encouragement
Initially ashamed….
I remember when I first started dating, again… My profile didn’t have info about being divorced. I felt ashamed of this. Soon, though, I realized that I was wasting time not having it posted. So, I changed it. People will sort themselves when we show who we are. We do not have to be ashamed … Continue reading “Initially ashamed….”
God is a good bet!
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. -Hebrews 11:6, NIV God is a good bet. I know it does not always feel that way. However, that is what it means to have faith. God … Continue reading “God is a good bet!”
Opening one’s heart takes courage
It takes courage to open up one’s heart. For a while, I have been selective where I work and interact about to whom I have shared the part of my story where my first marriage ended. People sometimes react oddly to such disclosures. And not everyone needs to know. A common response that I have … Continue reading “Opening one’s heart takes courage”
Friendship with God forged through fire
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. -Isaiah 43:2, NLT What makes me so devoted to following Jesus? Like numerous … Continue reading “Friendship with God forged through fire”
Link to Sermon: Bildad or Barnabas?
Yesterday, I was the pulpit supply at a local church I call home, Destiny Church Rochester (MN). The theme of my sermon was how to be an effective encourager. I drew on passages from Job and Acts touching on difficult subjects of grief and forgiveness along the way. A key quote from my sermon: An … Continue reading “Link to Sermon: Bildad or Barnabas?”
Blog Pause: DM at a Summit
I am writing from a room in Redding, California. This year I have the opportunity for a time of spiritual refreshment and connection at the Bethel Leaders Summit. Since I am at this conference for refreshment, I am taking a break from blogging (or at least, not committing to my daily postings). Thank you for … Continue reading “Blog Pause: DM at a Summit”
It DOES get better!
My heart is sick, withered like grass, and I have lost my appetite. -Psalm 102:4, NLT Grief is very heavy in the initial stages of infidelity discovery. I remember having to tell myself to eat. My appetite had left me when I made the awful discovery. If my memory serves me correctly, I dropped about … Continue reading “It DOES get better!”
Happy Easter – No grave can keep Him (or us!)
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” -Matthew 28:6, KJV Happy Easter! May you be encouraged by the truth of God’s victory over the grave. Whatever your circumstances, God is greater. I enjoyed the following song and share it in the spirit … Continue reading “Happy Easter – No grave can keep Him (or us!)”
Holy Saturday Meditation
And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. -John 19:42, NLT How were the Disciples feeling on the day after the execution of Jesus? Holy Saturday. I imagine a great deal of disbelief. The death of more than … Continue reading “Holy Saturday Meditation”