I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. (Matthew 9:13 NIV) I don’t remember if a certain person pointed out my sin or if I realized I was a sinner myself after attending church and my first small group. Either way, I’m sure I went through a period of denial—disbelief that I was…
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV) We all experience seasons in our lives, seasons of joy and resurrection but also of struggle and death. Those latter “winter” seasons are challenging. We draw ourselves inward for protection and warmth. We believe that we possess…
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NIV). I love to watch Hallmark Christmas movies. They’re cheesy, sappy, and unrealistic; they all have unbelievable premises; and the plots are all similar. All problems, even…
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. (Proverbs 12:22 NIV) My family and I recently went on a road trip that took us into Canada. When we were planning our trip from Michigan to Boston and noticed the most direct route sent us not only through Canada but directly through Niagara…
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. (Luke 15:1-2, CSB) My family and I grow some of our own produce in the backyard. My husband has the greener…
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:23–24 NLT) My goal for the winter is to clean out the basement. In this house, our mutual pack-rat-ish tendencies have produced a lower…