Philippians; 1 Timothy I had a fantastic time with family over the past two days.  We celebrated an early Christmas with my side of the family — I wish I could fit all the love in a jar and open it up to just breathe in whenever I want.  To me, it smells like cookies and warm kids and coffee and peppermint all swirled together.  I gave my grandma extra hugs because I’m so thankful the Lord healed her of colon cancer.  I hugged my aunt extra because I’m so thankful the Lord healed her of leukemia.  He is faithful…and … Continue reading Unfinished and content

Colossians; Philemon; Ephesians From Colossians I picture a beautiful tree, rich with thick, shiny green leaves that provides a respite from the searing heat of a Texas August summer day: 6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. From Philemon I picture a gentle reconciliation as Paul writes to his friend Philemon and pleads with him to … Continue reading The Source of Inner Strength

Acts 24-28 The concept of patience is what stands out to me through these chapters.  Paul becomes a prisoner and appeals his case to Caesar himself…but there was no such thing as a speedy trial back then.  He waited in prison for two years before he was cleared to go to Rome.  That trip was itself an exercise in patience as the journey was hindered by bad weather and a shipwreck that led to another three month delay.  When he finally walked the streets of Rome, he still didn’t get an immediate audience with Caesar.  In fact, the book of … Continue reading Can’t wait…like Paul

Acts 20:4 – 23 What a wild ride Paul had spreading the news about Jesus!  God was with him every step of the way, though, just as He’s been with me.  Even when I feel far away from Him, he is near to me. There’s a great deal of history in today’s reading.  Paul was nearly killed by the Jews…rescued by a Roman commander, ordered flogged, and then, when the commander learned of Paul’s Roman citizenship, the flogging order was rescinded.  A plot arose among some of the Jews to kill Paul; in fact, 40 of them vowed a hunger … Continue reading Taking in the wonder

How beautiful it is to know that the Lord planned for me, a Gentile, to be included in His family through Jesus.  Paul, in his letter to the Romans, reminded me of just how far-reaching, how wide, and how detailed the Lord is in accomplishing His purposes. 9 He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote: “For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name.”[c] 10 And in another place it is written, “Rejoice with … Continue reading My King and My Hope