The story is familiar. On the night Judas betrayed Jesus, an armed crowd came at night to arrest him. To protect his master, Peter “reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear” (Matthew 26: 26:51). The loyal disciple attempted to save Jesus with violence.Continue reading “Swinging the Sword”
Author Archives: nancyhamiltonsturm
Faith
Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Walk in the Light
Spiritual Wrestling
Spiritual Wrestling The once gray skies have cleared, and the dome above me is bright blue. I look away from the mirror-like lake, up at the trees. The thin white branches dotted with their remaining yellow leaves highlight the brightness of the blue autumn sky: a 65 degree treat on a fall day. Lying onContinue reading “Spiritual Wrestling”
Friday Friends’ Favorites
Psalm71: 19-21 “Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God? Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfortContinue reading “Friday Friends’ Favorites”
He Carries Our Burdens
Lord, sometimes I foolishly try to carry the weight of my burdens on my shoulders. Forgive me for not trusting you to carry them for me. Help me to set them down and relinquish those burdens to your strength and wisdom.
Walking the Nature Trails (Audio Version)
Walking the Nature Trails
Walking the Nature Trails The path opens to a clearing larger than a football field. Waist high brome grasses sway slightly in a gentle waltz with the faint breeze. Nearby branches merely watch, too heavily laden with yellow-green hedge apples to dance. On the far side of the field lies a painter’s palette of treesContinue reading “Walking the Nature Trails”
Weakness
I’ve discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weaknesses. He can’t resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need Him.― Jim Cymbala
Living a godly life
Father, forgive us. You have given us all we need to live godly lives, yet we frequently botch it. Forgive us, Lord. Keep our hearts focused on you and help us rely on your wisdom and strength so that we may live godly lives.