In late August the hot sun scorches the earth. The brittle grass browns and breaks. Moisture-starved leaves yellow and flutter to the ground. The baked earth, cracked in every direction, cries for rain. Insects buzz in erratic dances—nothing else moves. The stifling heat rises in nearly invisible waves. Safe in her thicket, the deer stirs. Continue reading “As the Deer Pants for Water”
Category Archives: short devotional
Rivers of Peace
In a world torn by conflicts and war, people seek peace. They question why war exists; hasn’t God has promised peace? When you listen to the news, it seems peace doesn’t exist. Even in our homes, it can be elusive. Couples bicker and divorce, siblings argue and fight. The book of Isaiah sheds light onContinue reading “Rivers of Peace”
Hunger and Thirst
How often do you get hungry or thirsty? My guess is you get hungry and thirsty several times a day, every day. Jesus said, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matt. 5:6). We long for food and water, but Jesus speaks of hungering and thirsting for righteousness! Continue reading “Hunger and Thirst”
A Matter of Focus
A Matter of Focus The lazy waters take a right angled turn. Branches of white ash bend gracefully toward the water. A flash of brilliant red—a male cardinal flies, lighting on branches across the water. He perches 15 feet above the water, secure on his leafy bench, trilling to attract his mate. I sit onContinue reading “A Matter of Focus”
The Banquet
The Banquet You enter a banquet hall; before you is a long, beautifully carved wooden table set with fine china, crystal goblets, polished silverware, and linen napkins. You may eat whatever you desire. Perhaps your first choice is a juicy steak, cooked to perfection. With it you may desire a baked potato, loaded with butterContinue reading “The Banquet”
Blood of Christ
Blood of Christ Blood of Christ course through my heart, That I may love like thee, Blood of Christ course through my brain, That I may think like thee. Blood of Christ, nourish my tongue, That it may speak for you, Blood of Christ nourish my eyes, Let them see as you do. Blood ofContinue reading “Blood of Christ”
The Eyes Have It
The Eyes Have It As I taught the simple rhythm game, dozens of pairs of dark brown eyes danced with glee. Huge smiles covered the faces of the beautiful children sitting on the floor with me in this church in the poorest section of Matamoros, Mexico. In spite of the language barriers—the children spokeContinue reading “The Eyes Have It”
On the Beach
One summer Scott and I flew to San Diego to visit our cousin Zelda. While there, we spent time at the Pacific Ocean’s shore. Just standing at a very small edge of this huge body of water was awe-inspiring. Looking outward from my vantage point on the sand, I could not imagine the immensity ofContinue reading “On the Beach”
A Child’s First Steps
Do you remember watching a baby learn to walk? First, she holds Mom’s hand tightly, walking with the reassurance of that grip. Soon she lets go, taking tentative steps on her chubby legs. Back and forth she walks, from Mom to Dad and back to Mom. She has complete confidence; her parents will protect her. Continue reading “A Child’s First Steps”
Inheriting the Treasure
When my parents died, they left my brothers and me all their worldly treasures. Fortunately for us, they had planned well. They left a will, named an executor, and had their investments and savings earmarked as payable on death to us. Even though they planned carefully, we have waded through rivers of red tape toContinue reading “Inheriting the Treasure”
Growing Our Faith Together 