Hope

“And the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you little by little; you will be unable to destroy them at once, lest the beasts of the field become too numerous for you.” Deuteronomy 7:22 (NKJV) As we walk with Christ, many times we can be discouraged with our lack of progress and spiritual growth. We tend to remember most often our seasons of growth with great joy. Most precious to each follower of Christ is reflecting on when we became born again. What a blissful time indeed. Recently, I met someone who was discouraged by their lack […]

“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 […]

“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 […]

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV) When my dad passed away, it was a hard time for my whole family, but especially my mom. She lost her life partner, and they say that losing your partner is like losing part of who you are. When two become one in marriage, and when those two have Christ in their relationship, they are extra blessed. A Christian couple has that extra bond, building their lives together. But death is inevitable, and when it comes, how do we […]

“Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard . . . Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fi sh three days and three nights.” Jonah 1:15-17 (NIV) When I was young, along with fishing, my dad took me out hunting and trapping. I especially remember one time when I was 12. It began with someone giving us a boat ride, but then a lot of walking. We had two big packing dogs with us to help carry things. We walked by a pond and saw two mallard ducks […]