The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Isaiah 35:1 (I rarely post my sermons on the Better Off Read website. But today is an exception. The following are excerpts taken from Blossoms of Life, a sermon given at Life in Christ Center, The Dalles, Oregon for their Women’s … Continue reading Blossoms of Life→
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Matthew 28:6 The story is told about a store manager who overheard his clerk tell a customer, “No, ma’am, we haven’t had any for a while, and it doesn’t look as if we’ll be getting any soon.” Horrified, the manager came running over to the customer and … Continue reading Just As He Said→
But the time is coming—and is here!—when true worshippers will worship in spirit and truth. The Father looks for those who worship him this way. John 4:23 CEB Our church has been doing a sermon series entitled, Body Language: Sitting—Not the Only Way to Worship! Yesterday’s topic, dancing, was one of those topics that has … Continue reading A Dance of the Heart→
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10 I have recently come to the undeniable and somewhat painful conclusion that there is a positive correlation between one’s age and the amount of time spent looking for lost objects. Today, this was absolutely confirmed when I was looking in every pocket and crevice of … Continue reading LOST AND FOUND→
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13-14 NLT If you have been on the Better Off Read website before, you may have noticed the BURNING BUSH SIGHTINGS CATEGORY. These are posts on particular topics … Continue reading Freedom Purchased!→
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘freedom’? For some it might be the lyrics in our national anthem—“Land of the free” or the … Continue reading FREEDOM, FREEDOM, FREEDOM!→
Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10:8b I have a confession to make. I have been more influenced by the sitcom, Seinfeld, then one should probably admit in public. For example, recently my husband and I were driving home from out of town and the gas tank was on empty. Crazily, the thought crossed … Continue reading Regifters→
There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just … Continue reading Joy To The World→
Rejoice in our confident hope. Romans 12:12 NLT In light of the recent tragedy in Connecticut, it is hard to press on with our Christmas celebratory traditions. Apparently, those in Newtown felt similarly and have purged the town from its Christmas decorations out of respect for those who are mourning. Weepily, I worshipped during our Sunday morning worship … Continue reading Shepherds,Why This Jubilee?→
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)