forgiveness

New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions Many of us make New Year’s resolutions every year. We resolve to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise more, keep our house and office clean, and be kinder to family and friends. People make all different types of resolutions, intending to keep them. How often do you keep your resolutions? How often doContinue reading “New Year’s Resolutions”

Mired in Muck

Mired in Muck After an extremely dry fall and winter, it finally rained. All day the water poured from the heavens in a steady stream. Water ample enough to soak the earth and fill the streams refreshed the dried landscape. I waited for a couple of days after the rainfall to venture out to theContinue reading “Mired in Muck”

Cleaning the Stove

Cleaning the Stove This morning I cleaned my stove. You know, took out the burners and the drip pans and cleaned all the accumulated gunk. Most of it wiped up easily, but a few spots took a little elbow grease and some steel wool pads. Before long, the stove looked shiny and (nearly) new. AsContinue reading “Cleaning the Stove”

Like Sheep

How unworthy are we of receiving our redemption? Lord, we have strayed from your love and your law. Forgive us. Thank you for the gift of your son’s sacrifice and your amazing grace.

Faithfulness

The Old Testament book of Jeremiah uses metaphors to compare Israel to an unfaithful wife. She was unfaithful to God by worshipping idols and forsaking Him. And “…her treacherous sister Judah [had] not turned to [God] with her whole heart, but in pretense” (3:10 NKJ). This book of Jeremiah is surely only Jewish history andContinue reading “Faithfulness”

The Ice Storm

A few years ago, the worst ice storm in decades hit my town. Over three quarters of an inch of ice coated the area, downing power lines and plunging more than 60,000 homes and businesses into darkness. The icy outdoors created a surreal fantasy world, with homes, grass, trees, streets, and mailboxes painted with aContinue reading “The Ice Storm”

Here’s another commandment. He has forgiven all who accept him. Sounds to me like we are to do the same.

God Loves You

Such a wonderful verse and such a great reminder that God loves all his children, even when we appear unlovable to others. Lord, help me to remember that You love ALL Your children, even ones who don’t appear so nice. Help me to see them through Your eyes and to offer them Your grace, love,Continue reading “God Loves You”

Dropping the Stones

Dropping the Stones Caught in the act, they dragged her into the temple courts. Head down, hands trembling, she avoided the eyes of the angry men surrounding her. The men couldn’t wait to pass judgment on her. Their faces turned hard as the stones they longed to throw. After all, that was God’s law. ButContinue reading “Dropping the Stones”

First Kiss

First Kiss Frost has kissed the forest. Leaves and grasses have succumbed to its deadly touch. Yellow and brown leaves flutter from the trees. The stream is littered with autumn’s golden snowfall. As I wander off the soft, sandy trail, my feet crunch noisily through the leafy debris. Looking up, I see trees lifting dark,Continue reading “First Kiss”