Faith

July 28, 2026

A Wonderful Invitation

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” Matthew 11:28 (NLT) My husband and I enjoy hiking in northern Idaho, which has many trails to choose from in beautiful mountainous parks. A lot of times, especially if I am walking up an incline carrying a backpack, it becomes tiring, and I need to rest. When I do rest, then I am able to finish walking up the trail and finish the hike with enjoyment. Rest helps us to be strengthened to keep going. A lot of […]
July 27, 2026

Facing Your Fears

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) Growing up I knew what fear was — I lived with it through a lot of my childhood. I was afraid of the dark. I was afraid of the alcohol related situations in my community and my home. I was afraid of what people thought of me. And I was generally afraid of the unfamiliar and unknown. Things began to change when Jesus came into our home. I began to understand that I was now able to let […]
July 26, 2026

Be at Peace

“Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Romans 12:17-19 (ESV) A good word about revenge: the message here is, “Do not seek retribution.” That is the way of the world. How many of the world’s wars would cease if people forgave each other? No forgiveness — no peace. In every […]
July 25, 2026

He Remembers It No More

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm103:11,12 (NKJV) One Sunday our former pastor, Bill Jackson, was the guest speaker at Kikino Bible Church. It was Thanksgiving Sunday and he shared a good message. One thing he said especially caused me to think. It was something that we as Christians know, but I wasn’t aware that I needed to be reminded of it. God, in His abundant love, sent Pastor […]
July 23, 2026

Worrying Which Way to Go?

“Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink: nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25 (NKJV) You know that feeling, when you are worried about different things in life, and they are just too heavy? Well, this one day I had a major decision to make, and needed to get away and ponder what to do. I jumped in my car and just drove, not knowing where I was going. Stopping at […]
July 22, 2026

Persuasion That Leads to Salvation

“Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?’ Paul replied, ‘Short time or long — I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.’” Acts 26: 28-29 (NIV) King Agrippa asks this probing question to the Apostle Paul that is common to all mankind: Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian? Paul was standing before the king, who was very knowledgeable […]
July 21, 2026

Just an Imitator

“Don’t copy the behavior or customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT) I grew up in a family who, over the years, raised several hundred tropical birds. In our area, we became known as the “bird people.” So, when a baby magpie was brought to us, we took it in and nursed it back to health. We affectionately called him “Oscar,” and he was like no other. He […]
July 20, 2026

The Jigger

“And He (Jesus) said unto them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’” Matthew 4:19 (NKJV) Among the many things used for fishing — such as rod and reel, dip net, gill net, fishhook, etc. — not much is said about a device called a “jigger,” which is a very important tool for winter net fishing. Jiggers are usually about 6 feet long, made from a plank 8 to 10 inches wide. It has a swivel arm attached to a spring to which a line is fastened. Once a jigger is let down through a hole in […]
July 19, 2026

Honor Your Parents

“Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long upon the land.” Exodus 20:12 (NKJV) Rita dials. The telephone rings . . . and rings. She is about to hang up when Sandy, her sister, answers. “Rita, if it’s about Mama, I’m on my way to the mall.” “I have a doctor’s appointment,” replies Rita, “and I can’t leave Mama by herself that long.” “Then, get a sitter,” says Sandy. “I couldn’t find anybody. She’s our mama, Sandy!” “And was never a good one,” Sandy replies. “Remember all those peas and rice dinners we were raised on? […]