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Sunday, May 26, 2019

It’s true, I could do nothing. Now my job in life is to bear fruit. His words abide in me.

John 15:5-7
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 
If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Are you a skeptic? So was I, but when I hit bottom, he heard me, he saved me from myself. So why wouldn’t I call on him as long as I live?

Psalm 116:1-2
  I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. 
  Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

Thursday, May 16, 2019

As a retired journalist I’ve watched many politicians over the years. I can’t think of very many who were not afraid of bad news.

Psalm 112:6-7
For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

I love to work, but salvation is not a salary, it is a gift, and the proper response to a gift is thank you.

John 6:28-29
Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

She was heartbroken! Then God gave this long barren woman the son she prayed for. She then gave God her son Samuel, who would go on to change the world. Heartbreak, sacrifice, fulfillment, God at work.

1 Samuel 1:11
And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”

Monday, May 6, 2019

Are you a manipulator? Ah, aren’t we all? Don’t be surprised to see God use our human weaknesses to get us where he needs us to be. Ruth ended up married to Boaz, their offspring was King David’s grandfather Obed. Jesus, of course, is the “Son of David,” born in Bethlehem as was Boaz.

Stained glass window: Naomi and Boaz
Temple Emanuel, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Ruth 3:3-4
(Naomi speaking to Ruth of Boaz:) 
Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.”

Friday, May 3, 2019

“Born again Christian” in our current culture is often looked down upon by the educated, haughty elite. In a personal storm, I was born again. Everything changed for the better. Don’t look down, look up!

John 3:3-5

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
 - Bible Gateway link: John 3:3-5 ESV