jesus

Unpacking Spiritual Baggage

Scripture Focus: Exodus 20:5–6 “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me,…
In All Thy Ways

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 3:6 “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” This verse is short enough to memorize in an afternoon, but deep enough to guide an entire lifetime. It doesn’t say, “In the big decisions acknowledge Him,” or, “In the obviously spiritual things acknowledge Him,” but, “In all thy…
When Ignorance Isn’t Innocent Anymore

Scripture Focus: 2 Peter 3:5 “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water.” Most of us don’t enjoy being called ignorant. It sounds harsh, almost insulting. But Peter is not talking about people…
When God Invites Us to Call

Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 33:3 “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” There’s something tender about the way God speaks in this verse. He doesn’t say, “If you figure everything out, then I’ll respond,” or, “When you’ve cleaned up your life, come see Me.”…
Trusting God Through Life’s Storms

Scripture Focus:James 1:2–3 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” We love the idea of “dancing in the rain,” but real storms are rarely that graceful. They soak your socks, rearrange your plans, unsettle your sleep, and sometimes leave you…
Strength for Weak Hands, Hope for Fearful Hearts

A Walk Through Isaiah 35:3–4 When I read Isaiah 35, it feels like stepping into a promise so bright it almost hurts your eyes. Deserts blossom, the parched ground sings, the ransomed of the Lord come home “with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads” (Isaiah 35:10). It’s a chapter soaked in hope—especially for people…
The Season That Gives Back

Not in the shimmer of wrapping,nor in the weight of the tree,but in gentle, quiet offeringsthe season speaks to me. A hand reached out in kindness,a prayer breathed soft and low,a place at the table widenedso one more heart may glow. Joy does not come wrapped in ribbons—it walks in on tender feet,found in the…
Cedar Walls and Nail-Scarred Hands

I built my walls of cedar pride,Convinced His temple could abide“Another day, another year,”While I chased dreams I held too dear. I called it wisdom, patient, wise—To keep my comforts, guard my skies.But underneath my careful schemes,My altar gathered dust and dreams. Then in the quiet, whispers came,A holy grief, a gentle flame:“If not now,…
Engraved, Not Forgotten

Also inspired by Isaiah 49:16 “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands..” Lord,I cannot fathom it—that Thou wouldst carry menot as a fleeting thought,not as a name to be spoken and forgotten,but as an engravingcut into the very palms of Thy hands. When I doubt my worth,when I fear I have…
Graven on Your Hands

Inspired by Isaiah 49:16 “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands…” Before the dawn first brushed the skies,Before You called the light to rise,You knew my name, You formed my frame,And traced my days with holy flame. No passing thought, no fragile line,But love’s deep mark, forever mine.Upon Your hands my…