Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do His just commands. Zephaniah 2:3 Sheep are not known for their intelligence. In fact, as far as animals go, they are probably among the least smart. Without the shepherd, they’d never survive. The Psalmist wrote, “we are the sheep of Your pasture” and “The Lord is my shepherd.” Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd.” It’s easy to think we’ve got it under control and make our plans for the life we want. We can so quickly forget how much we need ... [Read More]

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the product of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. Habbakuk 3:17-18 Ever wonder where the path is leading you in life? I confess I do.  So often I wish I could see the future and know how it all ends. Oh, I know the story ultimately ends with eternity in Christ. But I ... [Read More]

The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him. Nahum 1:7 Scott and I have been honored to know many senior adults. Much of his ministry has been devoted to encouraging and investing in these older members of the church.  One of our favorite couples when we lived in Georgia was Mr. Jack and Mrs. Louise. Mr. Jack was full of life and loved Scott like a son. And Mrs. Louise was a gracious and wise mentor in my life. They traveled with us on a ... [Read More]

He has told you, O man, what is good: And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, and to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 Micah 6:8 is my husband’s life verse. In his office at the church is a plaque reminding of these divine requirements. In the almost 19 years we’ve been married, I can testify to his deep resolve to live by the guidelines in this verse. And because of his leadership, our home is guided by these three principles as well. What are ... [Read More]

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 Such a familiar verse. In fact, there’s a pretty good chance you either have this verse memorized or you have it on a plaque, mug, or print in your home, or both. But Scripture requires context and this verse is no exception. For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill my promise and ... [Read More]

But now thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1 Oh that we could grasp this truth! He has called each of us by name … and we are HIS. Even greater than the sweetness of belonging to each other is belonging to the God of all. But when we know this, when the depth of His love for us is embedded into our hearts, it should change us.  Jesus said, By this all ... [Read More]