nancyhamiltonsturm

If My People

Last night I woke up around 4:30. I spent some time in prayer before curling up, ready to fall back asleep. But God had other plans. He kept bringing II Chronicles 7:14 to my mind. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turnContinue reading “If My People”

His Darkest Hours

After Judas had collected his jingling 30 pieces of silver, a period of darkness and pain descended on Jesus. When he tried to pray in the garden with his closest friends, they all fell asleep, leaving him to struggle alone. The darkness continued, one thing after another. With Judas leading the way, a mob ofContinue reading “His Darkest Hours”

Judas

Judas You may have heard of me: my name is Judas. Yes, I attended the “last supper.” But my mind was elsewhere. Three years before I’d been drawn to Jesus because of politics. I had been so weary of the Roman rule I was ready to do anything to foster rebellion against them. How desperatelyContinue reading “Judas”

Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet

It was a job reserved for servants. Not just any servants, either. Only the lowliest of servants washed the guests’ feet. Any man wealthy enough to have servants could expect to have one wash the dust from his feet on a daily basis. Imagine this: You come home after a hard day’s work and collapseContinue reading “Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet”

Palm Sunday Meditation

One sleepless night not too long ago, I lay awake, imagining what it must have been like to watch a king enter the ancient city of Jerusalem. I can still see it vividly in my mind’s eye. Before I can even glimpse the king, trumpets herald his arrival. Soon 40 soldiers enter the crowded city,Continue reading “Palm Sunday Meditation”

Sunday’s Sermon Snippet

From today’s sermon: You can choose to view life from a lens of fear or a lens of trust. Which will you choose today? How are you choosing trust over fear?

Choices

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” –Colossians 3:12 (NIV) Every morning as I prepare for my day, I decide what to wear. Looking in my closet, I have choices. Do I wear a skirt today? Slacks? Jeans? What top coordinates with theContinue reading “Choices”

Forgiveness

“Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” Mark Twain

An Encouraging Word…especially for those who grieve

“Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Even though He knew Lazarus had died and was buried, Jesus wept. He knew he would raise Lazarus from the dead, yet He wept. When he saw Mary weeping, He wept. Like the tip of an iceberg, these two simple words give us a glimpse of the depth of Jesus’ loveContinue reading “An Encouraging Word…especially for those who grieve”

Sunday’s Sermon Snippet

Here’s a take-away from a sermon by my pastor: “Shame can never produce that which only grace was designed to produce. What would it look like for you to draw near to God with a sincere heart?” Feel free to share your own Sunday sermon snippet.