“The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name … Continue reading “Swarming Locusts Do Not Win”
Category: Encouragement
“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted”
Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, “He won’t call me to account”? But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the … Continue reading ““But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted””
Gratitude As Fortitude
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1, ESV As a hospice chaplain, I see many different sorts of people on a daily basis. … Continue reading “Gratitude As Fortitude”
Your Suffering Matters To God
For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom … Continue reading “Your Suffering Matters To God”
DM Love Story
Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. -Isaiah 61:7, ESV When my divorce went through, I was in shock. The miracle did not happen. God did not save … Continue reading “DM Love Story”
The Lord of Hosts Is With Us
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. -Psalm 46:6-7, NRSV Fear seems to be a constant companion after discovering infidelity. The “What ifs” easily can drive one insane with fear over what … Continue reading “The Lord of Hosts Is With Us”
Appealing To God
In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will every be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. -Psalm 25:1-3, NIVUK When I was struggling with … Continue reading “Appealing To God”
Ministering Music
When I was in the darkest valley of sorrow and pain, I found songs of truth to soothe my hurting soul. Some were contemporary songs. But many were old hymns filled with rich lyrics written by people who shared with the world the truth of Scripture hardened like a diamond by their own personal suffering. … Continue reading “Ministering Music”
God Will Not Reject You
“Failures are events, not persons.” -Anonymous psychologist (emphasis mine) “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.” -Psalm 27:10, NLT These two quotes ministered greatly to my ravaged soul during the aftermath of discovering adultery and getting divorced. The power of the statements are tied to the lies they address. When … Continue reading “God Will Not Reject You”
The Glorious Backfire
…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame,and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:2-3, NIV Jews demand … Continue reading “The Glorious Backfire”