Monthly Archive

Making a home is an individual act. As children, homes are made for a child. Later as young adults and adults, opportunities are presented to begin to create home. Whether one is a married or single, creating home becomes part of one’s life and part of one’s need for a place and space that is a personal haven for strength and memory making.

The Lord dwells inside of every believer who calls on Him as Lord. Jesus Himself creates stability, warmth, and purpose to make a shelter. Even if a home as a child or as an adult is not a place of peace or hope, Jesus has the power—He has the love—to override what has been to make home what you and He would have it to be. His supernatural shield is around His own, and because of that, whatever home is, one can be certain they are sheltered in Christ Himself

Lord Jesus, You know that people desire to have a place of peace and comfort for restoration, safety, and joy. We thank You for Your very presence with every believer to create places of hope and calm because of Your strong and loving presence in the heart. Lord, You make home what it is by Your love. May Your love fill the heart. In Thee, Lord Christ, Amen.

Relationships begin in different ways. They can form by planning and by happenstance. For the believer in Jesus Christ, every contact and bond is known before a connection even begins. When Jesus is in the center of relationships, all is exceedingly well.

When you and I have the privilege of forming new relationships with special people, the active work of the Holy Spirit is present. When relationships morph, He remains active – whether or not we see Him. Intimacy with God in prayer and the reading of His Word activate power so that whatever becomes of relationships they remain becoming to Christ.

Lord Jesus, Thank You for every encounter Your brand with Your Spirit and keep in Your heart for all time and place. In Thee, Lord Christ, Amen.

Wisdom is a treasure. It imparts counsel and insight that help one to make decisions that are profitable for oneself and for others as well. While wisdom is valuable, it can seem as though grief has nothing to offer that adds to wisdom. On the contrary. Losses in life increase one’s measure of wisdom beyond expectations, and beyond time.

Grief often seems as though it will go on forever. It will not. It does wane. As it does, it allows a person an opportunity to look at a loss and an experience of grief from a perspective that reveals new wisdom. When that is gained, there is a marvelous opportunity to share that wisdom with others. God speaks frequently about wisdom in His Word. Because losses in life are real and will shape our lives, we are certain that the loving Lord will give us something of benefit from times of sorrow; times that He does turn to joy—if we let Him.

Lord, because of Your love for people, You make the difference between grief being an empty experience and one that eventually fills us with something new and meaningful. Lord God, may we be sensitive to Your love for us so that each one who grieves can trust Your heart to place in ours a new measure of wisdom from a season of grief. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Endings come in different ways in our lives . Some conclusions are planned and, therefore, there is emotional preparation for them. Other endings are abrupt and as a result emotions are challenging. Changes expected or unexpected mean that life must be adjusted to anew. Often when conclusions are unwanted, it can be difficult to face adjustments. Jesus helps us.

Jesus knows our limitations. He knows our strengths and weaknesses, and what each person needs to carry on. While each of us requires something different from Jesus to carry on in life and face transitions, Jesus possesses everything necessary to meet these needs—whatever they are. Even one feeling very weak can simply call out “Jesus” and He will help. Jesus loves you more than anyone ever can and ever will. He wants to be with you in your hour of need and in your season of transition. Let Him be with you. Let Him walk with you. He has the strength and the compassion to see you through.

Lord Jesus, You promised to be with Your people no matter what life brings. You always keep Your promises. Help those who are particularly needful of Your strength to feel Your support and come to trust Your promises more deeply. In Thee, our Saviour, Amen.

When fireworks light up the sky on a summer night, their glow is expansive against a black night sky. Were fireworks to meet the sky in daylight, the sparkle would be lost. The brilliance could not be seen. Often that is the way with the brilliance of Christ’s light; it often is best seen in dark times.

Seasons of grief, melancholy, loneliness, and emptiness, are times when the brilliance of Christ is more evident than in times when we do not think we need Him. We always need Jesus. But when our hearts sink due to life’s sorrows and challenges, it is Jesus who holds us up. It is Jesus who shines through our tears and beyond them. Jesus keeps hope alive, even when hope is not seen or felt. Jesus is the brilliance we need. Trusting His presence when we cannot see or feel it is faith. Trust that faith—today.

Lord Jesus, You know what it is for believers to go through dark seasons. These times seem pointless and endless. You know it hurts. But You, Jesus, are hope. You are the One to carry us through. Jesus, thank You for Your strength and Your promise to be with us always. Thank you for being our hope. Amen