My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. (Proverbs 3:1-12 NIV) Have you ever had a hard time rejoicing with those who rejoice? Felt disheartened when you heard someone else receive a compliment? Suffered dejection … Continue reading Resented Rebukes→
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV Today’s post is part 2 of the Israel Chronicles which is a series … Continue reading Streams in the Desert (Israel Chronicles–Part 2)→
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Psalm 23:6 KJV I have read the story of Joseph hundreds of times, but recently, for the first time, this verse stuck out to me: And Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let … Continue reading Great Expectations (Israel Chronicles–Part 1)→
Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” Matthew 4:4 MSG It’s New Year’s day, the time of year to make some changes to improve ourselves. After some prayer and consideration I decided I’m going to eat more! Every year … Continue reading Eat More!→
As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion.” Romans 11:26 Yesterday, my old friend and college roommate, Sandee Lee lost her battle with cancer—or did she win it? While everyone who knew this joyful, vivacious, encouraging, amazingly gifted sanguine is grieving her absence, we know that this is not the end but the … Continue reading The Deliverer→
And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain. Hebrews 12:27 ASV Today I am writing to you on the 3rd Birthday of Better Off Read Ministries. I had intended to celebrate by … Continue reading Shaken→
Lord, You are my portion and my cup of blessing. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:5-6 NIV When we were kids, my brothers and I used to fight in the back seat of the car. To my recollection, it didn’t matter if it was a … Continue reading The Boundary Lines Have Fallen For Me In Pleasant Places→
Yours is the mighty power and glory and victory and majesty. Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. 1 Chronicles 29:11 TLB Recently, I went out on a limb and revealed something personal on Facebook. Don’t worry. It … Continue reading OUT OF CONTROL→
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 A loud cry came from downstairs, “Mommmmmm!”. My heart nearly stopped but my body took flight as I raced down two stairs at a time and into the living room from where the scream had come. Expecting to … Continue reading Indecent Exposure→
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 After twenty-seven-and-a-half years of marriage, my husband knows just what to say. When asked the most consequential question that wives have been asking their unsuspecting husbands … Continue reading One Step Ahead Of You→
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 MSG)