You Deserve Happiness

As I took my usual morning walks with the dogs, I noticed my neighbor’s yard sign — “You Deserve Happiness.” The sign provides some positivity to the neighborhood at a time when most would agree positivity is needed. The Declaration of Independence declares that we have the right to the pursuit of happiness. Most people … Continue reading You Deserve Happiness →

Unjust Scales

My dog Max is very food driven. When I have food, his eyes are glued on me. It is his desire that I share whatever food I have available. When I am getting Max and Marci their breakfast and dinner, Max watches me closely. It’s as if he is watching to make sure that I … Continue reading Unjust Scales →

Away From Illusions

We live in a different time. I remember when I was younger, I would go to the library and search through the card catalog to find books for research so that I could seek out truth. I would watch the local news and feel confident that the journalists were doing deep dives to get the … Continue reading Away From Illusions →

They Rejoiced With Her

I love the picture of Luke 1:58. Imagine this woman who desired a child for so long. Imagine what she went through for so many years as a barren woman. She likely gave up on having a child. From reading Luke 1, we can see that Zechariah and Elizabeth were praying for a child. Perhaps … Continue reading They Rejoiced With Her →

May It Be

Yesterday, we looked at how Zechariah questioned an angel’s declaration of a promised child. He questioned the possibility because of the ages of both him and his wife. Today, we look to Mary and her interaction with the angel announcing the promise of Jesus. The possibility again is questioned, but this time it’s different. For … Continue reading May It Be →

How Can I Know This?

My favorite Synoptic Gospel is Luke. We read Zechariah asking the angel this question: “How can I know this?” Basically, Zechariah is saying, “Hey, how can I be sure of this? How can I know that this is true?” Certainly the angel was delivering some big news that seemed highly unlikely. Zechariah and his wife … Continue reading How Can I Know This? →

In Your Heart

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23 NIV). Your heart determines your steps. Your heart directs your journey through life. Today’s verse says that we should take the words of God and put them in our hearts. With the Word in our hearts, that which is good … Continue reading In Your Heart →

Flawless, Faithful, and Fair

Psalm 111:7 says, “All God accomplishes is flawless, faithful, and fair, and His every word proves trustworthy and true” (TPT). The CSB translates it this way: “The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His instructions are trustworthy.” In the world, we encounter a lot of people who let us down, who lie, … Continue reading Flawless, Faithful, and Fair →

Until I Become Prayer

Psalm 109:4 says, “Though I love them, they stand accusing me like Satan for what I’ve never done. I will pray until I become prayer itself (TPT). Our focus for today: “Until I become prayer itself” or “I give myself to prayer.” The Psalmist was in a tough spot. He was trying to love people … Continue reading Until I Become Prayer →

Prisoners To Our Pain

Sometimes I feel like a prisoner to pain. My body often attacks itself. As I try to exercise, doing something as simple as walking, my body turns on itself. When I hope for freedom and for success — it is pain that gets in the way. I am sidelined to rest because the pain is … Continue reading Prisoners To Our Pain →