The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. — Psalm 34:18, NLT He wasn’t the strongest kid in the pack that night. Quiet and shy, the other boys held no reservation when it came to approaching the clown and asking for the...

“For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.” — Isaiah 65:17 The difference between ‘new’ and ‘brand new’ confuses me. Is new just a bit old, like fresh baked bread that has been out on...

It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. — Hebrews 11:27 “Vision isn’t in the eyes,” says one blind man. “It’s in the mind.” A blind...

  I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel. — Luke 2:30-31 NLT I grew up believing in Santa Claus. I didn’t know how much I believed...

  Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never...

    I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. —Isaiah 61:10, NLT I hope Cody, today’s groom, has been called handsome many times in his life—and will be called handsome many more...

  Remember, the LORD is coming soon. —Philippians 4:5b Paul shares this apocalyptic zinger just after having shared this verse for those who love to cheer for God: “Always be full of joy in the Lord.  I say it again—rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)” Some wonder why Paul stands firm in the...

  His sons used to take turns hosting parties in their homes, always inviting their three sisters to join them in their merrymaking. When the parties were over, Job would get up early in the morning and sacrifice a burnt offering for each of his children, thinking, “Maybe one of...

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. —Ephesians 2:10 NKJV   I was once told that worship with me as pastor was like a pep rally. This comment came to me indirectly. It was not...

    One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up to the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them. —Matthew 5:1 Jesus was popular at this point, the talk of the town. But here, as I read this, Jesus...