The Lord watches over those who trust in his love. —Psalm 33:18 Caseworkers reported that Debbie had been molested. She was placed in a rehabilitation facility for abused children while CPS sought answers. Debbie was lonely and angry—she felt abandoned. Parental contact was limited to once-a-month supervised visits. Her father disappeared; …
I have tattooed your name upon my palm. —Isaiah 49:16 In Hindu traditions, married women display a sindoor (a red dot) at the parting line of their hair to declare their wedded commitment. In our part of the world, the symbol is …
Each one of you must love his wife . . . and a wife must respect her husband. —Ephesians 5:33 These two things torpedo happiness: 1) wanting something you can’t have; 2) having something you wanted and no longer wanting it. The coed who came to my office …
He has gone to be the guest of a sinner. —Luke 19:7 When Jesus invited himself to Zacchaeus’ home, he was “welcomed with great joy” (Lk 19:6). The mood on the street didn’t match the joy in the house. The …
If you belong to a generation predating Gen X, Audrey Hepburn (1929–1993) swept you off your feet in Roman Holiday, Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, or My Fair Lady. You know Audrey. What you may not know is the backstory that seems the polar opposite of her on-screen charm. That story was what prompted her …
Always give thanks to God the Father for everything. —Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks is grace focused, expressing gratitude for blessings received, though undeserved. When we verbalize our gratitude to God, worry diminishes, trouble dwindles, courage develops, and peace dawns. In Ephesians 5, Paul specifies giving thanks as an ingredient …
Honor the Lord with your wealth. —Proverbs 3:9 Bob and Nell were frivolously spending their rapidly-diminishing retirement savings. Their financial advisor repeatedly counseled them to be more cautious. They kept spending. He suggested that they bring one of their three grown children to their …
The Lord is thinking about me right now! —Psalm 40:17 At some point, each of us has received a message from someone who hit the pause button in their busy life and reached out to let us know they …
Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up. —Acts 3:7 Jack Carter was an expert skier. For a beginner—that was me—falling down is inevitable, getting back up almost impossible. (Great sport if you’re into being cold and hurt.) Jack looked out for me. When I’d fall, he’d be there, extending his …
You did not choose me, but I chose you. —John 15:16 Zechariah and Elizabeth had said their “I-dos” many years ago. But Elizabeth was barren, and in their culture, that was considered a sign of God’s displeasure—so this godly woman was …
