Worry

“The Lord always keeps his promises . . . The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it . . . You satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.” Psalm 145:13b,15,16b (NLT) Sometimes God provides for us in unusual ways. I shouldn’t have been surprised because I knew this story about Elijah. The Lord had told him to camp near a brook. His food supply was the unusual part—God told birds to bring him food! “The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank […]

“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 (NIV) Those of us who have experienced cold Canadian winters know how important it is to dress warm. I recently bought a parka and was eager to try it out on one of the coldest days. It was minus 43 degrees C, with a 50 km/h north wind. I called a friend of mine who also enjoys going for walks on cold days. After bundling up, […]

“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV) Julie Redwing wants to attend the party after her school’s North City High Eagles team finally prevailed over their principal rival, East County Pythons. “I must say no, Julie,” says Rita, her mother, as she places their dinner plates on the table. “You know how those parties turn out—drinking, drugs, and all kinds of other things.” “Please, Mama. I’ll be the only one in our senior class stuck at home! Just because you’re a grownup doesn’t mean you know everything!” “My answer […]

“But God, who is rich in mercy . . . made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” Ephesians 2:4a,5b (NKJV) I knew better when I bought the coat. I got stuck in it while trying it on, but my sisters convinced me it was quite stylish. Surely I’d figure out the tricky belt clasp. The trouble came the first day I wore it. I stepped out of the car and couldn’t move. The belt was caught in the closed door, and I was pinned to the car! No problem. I would just undo the belt. […]

“He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.” Psalm 18:16 (NKJV) Growing up, I always had a fear of water, especially if I had to swim a long distance. Access to a swimming pool in my northern community was not an option, so our swimming was in dugouts, rivers and lakes. One day, while swimming in a dugout, I was trying to make it from one end to the other. Fear overtook me, and I thought I wasn’t going to make it. However, I had a friend there who kept telling me, “You’re gonna […]

“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14b (NLT) Whenever I read the Book of Esther, I am always so impressed with the courage that Esther showed in many ways. I especially notice it when she requested to appear before King Xerxes uninvited. In that culture, to do so could mean death. Yet she did as requested by her cousin, Mordecai. He thought that maybe there was a reason that Esther had been made queen for this very time—to help her people. She had courage, and went before the king uninvited, […]

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5,6 (NIV) I recently saw a cartoon drawing of Jesus kneeling down in front of a small girl who is holding a little teddy bear. His hand is outstretched as if asking for her bear. She’s sad and is saying, “But I love it, God.” Little does she know that behind His back He is holding a larger, more beautiful teddy bear and He is saying, “Just trust me.” How […]