He handed me the colorful gift bag with a mischievous smile on his face. "I think you will like this." I picked up the heavy bag and placed it on the table. "Should I open it now?" I asked. "Yes. Go ahead," he said with a smile. His excitement made me chuckle. When I removed the tissue paper, I saw a beautiful box inside. I lifted it and read it aloud: "Life Application Study Bible." The puzzled look on my face said it all. "You haven't seen one of these, have you?" he Continue Reading
Countless Blessings From a Generous God {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
“Blessings!” Lately, I’ve formed a word-habit in my online replies. I throw out the word over and over again. Blessings! Thanks and blessings! I pray blessings over your ministry. Blessings to you and your family! Happy Birthday and blessings! See what I mean? I quite overuse the word. But do I realize what’s behind the well wishes? And do I give thanksgiving for my blessings? Count Your Blessings Google tells us blessings are "God's favor and protection." Dictionary.com Continue Reading
Making Silver: the Heat of our Trials {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
The accurate date is unknown, but scholars believe that Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament, wrote his book at approximately 430 B.C. Along with Haggai and Zechariah, Malachi is one of the postexilic prophets to the kingdom of Judah (Israel's southern kingdom after the country split circa 930 B.C.). At around 538 B.C., the Jews started returning from Babylon after 70 years of captivity. As God's chosen people returned from exile, it was clear that the insidious, pagan practices of Continue Reading
The Lion Is On Your Side! {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Hezekiah, king of Judah, is listed as one of the few kings from Israel’s pre-Babylonian captivity days who is described as having had a close relationship with God. This zealous king became keenly aware of the disobedience in Judah, and therefore made the decision to “clean house.” He ordered the destruction of altars that had been built for idol worship, shattered statues, and did not even spare Nehushtan - the bronze snake used by Moses in the wilderness - because the people stopped looking Continue Reading
Why Should I Forgive? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
“Will you help me control my thinking?” The airport shuttle driver’s question surprised me. He’d obviously overheard my conversation with the woman leaving the shuttle. His landlady, who called herself a Christian, had wronged him. Hurt and anger showed in his eyes. How could I help this man see that to be freed from his pain he needed to forgive the woman who’d caused it? Continue Reading
When We Are Compelled to Start Over {The Atlanta Journal Constitution}
Timanthes of Cythnus was a prolific 4th century B.C. Greek artist. His famous painting “The Sacrifice of Iphigenia” was discovered amidst the ruins of the city of Pompeii and is now displayed in a museum at Naples. I read a story about Timanthes that made me reflect on the importance of not settling for the status quo. According to the account, Timanthes studied the art of painting under the direction of a respected tutor. After many years of study, the teacher’s efforts paid off when Continue Reading
