Prayer for Today

IMG 5733 001jiv300x420

Lord, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. I pray for the members of your church. Give them discernment in selecting which church to attend. Keep them alert to leadership transparency. Protect them from the spiritually abusive leaders and don’t allow them to sit under the teaching of such. Give them your … Read more

Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20220421

440water

Today is a beautiful day, because “When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, ‘Because,’ she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.’” (Exodus 2:10 ESV) Water #joyinverse #blessedthisdayandeveryday

Are Gimmicks Necessary to Make the Point?

Speech class taught me to make my first sentence captivating for my audience. The wow factor gets their attention, and the skill of the presenter keeps it focused until the end of the message. I’ve listened to some sermons that were hard to sit through because of bad public speaking skills. I wonder, though, how … Read more

Prayer for Today

IMG 9545jiv500x410

Almighty and Holy God, you are El Roi, the God who sees me. You know my frailties and my tendency to forget. Thank you that Paul reminds me of the gospel as he writes his salutation. He puts the most important message first in his letters. I need that repetition, Father. Thank you for your … Read more

Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20220420

073water560x420

Today is a beautiful day, because what men intend for evil, God can turn for good, “So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water … Read more

Shouldn’t the Congregation be Allowed to Know?

A View from the Pews

Churches have staff come and go like any organization, but when does it become excessive and a red flag for an unhealthy church? Doesn’t the congregation merit an honest explanation? What is the role of the elders in allowing the workplace environment that precipitates employee loss? Do you see similar circumstances at your church? “Two … Read more

Prayer for Today

IMG 9545jiv500x410

Lord Jesus, it is good that I remind myself that you are with me. As Psalm 139 says, there is nowhere I can go that you are not with me. You are constant in my waking and sleeping. Your grace gives me peace and assurance. It eases my spirit and calms my anxiety. You are … Read more

Joy in Verse Encouragement for 20220419

589water560x420

Today is a beautiful day, because Abraham showed hospitality to the three visitors who came to tell him that Sarah would have a son, “‘Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that … Read more

A Time for Thanks

A View from the Pews

It’s time for me to express my sincere thanks to all of you who support this project. The amount I will be able to transfer to Safe Connections approaches  $1,000 in royalties to be paid next month. This is for the victims. God continues to do great things through this project. Many have contacted me … Read more

Prayer for Today

IMG 9582jiv420x420

Father God, this verse is thought provoking. Paul wrote to Timothy from prison, knowing his earthly life was coming to an end. You rescued him from prison before, from shipwreck, and from stoning. Paul knew what it was to be pulled from the pit of evil physically. He also understood that you would rescue him … Read more