“Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.” Psalm 119:161 Our heart should be so captivated by the words of God that even persecution fails to draw it away from Him. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not […]
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” Revelation 21:1, 5 A friend of mine made a comment yesterday that has stuck with me. She said that […]
“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a […]
“Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the […]
“And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns…So Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The LORD will provide’; as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.’” Genesis 22:13-14 “The LORD will […]
“Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.” Psalm 119:73 How amazing it is to know that the hands of God Himself made and fashioned each of us. Every detail. Our personalities, our looks, our strengths, our passions…all chosen by our Creator and all purposed for His […]
“When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies” Psalm 119:59 Reading these words, my heart feels the impact of the intentionality here. The writer is taking a proactive stance, considering his behavior, his words, his life, and determining to turn everything and follow his God. It’s easier to be more […]
“Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” Psalm 119:36-37 I’ve begun reading the book The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In the first chapter, Bonhoeffer is explaining the concept of costly grace, and he writes, […]
“To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is […]
“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 I’ve found myself feeling out of sorts the past couple of days. I’m not entirely sure of the cause…there are several possible explanations, and it could be a combination of all the various stressors. […]
In Pleasant Places 