“Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much.” Luke 7:47a It is not obedience that our Lord ultimately desires. It is love. Obedience flows from that love, so there is expectation of that as well (1 John 5:3), but it is not the core. Love is at the center. […]
“What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like the morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away.” Hosea 6:4 Lately, I’ve sensed such distraction in my times with the Lord. Without being able to solidly pinpoint why. Discouragement in one area, waiting […]
“You shall not offer anything that has a blemish, for it will not be acceptable for you.” Leviticus 22:20 This morning I’m reminded that we are to bring our best before God. He is great and mighty and glorious. He reigns on high, above all the wonders this universe holds. He humbled Himself and went […]
“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.” Titus 1:7-8 In this list of qualifications, one phrase stood out to me this morning: “a lover of […]
“For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good and evil.” Hebrews 5:13-14 As I read these words this morning, it struck me that […]
“Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings. For the moth will eat them up like a garment… but my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations.” Isaiah 51:7-8 “The people in whose […]
“And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work that the LORD had done for Israel…And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know […]
“Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 I want to choose the good portion. To sit at my Lord’s feet and learn from Him. To quiet my heart and listen. To draw near, seeking to simply be in His presence. To delight in Him above all […]
“Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!” Psalm 65:4 “But as for me, it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge; that I may tell of […]
“Peter said to him, ‘Even though they all fall away, I will not.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.’” Mark 14:29-30 Peter was so emphatic about his love for and commitment to Jesus. He was convinced that no […]
In Pleasant Places 