Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 AMP) Read full chapter REFLECTION  There are degrees of delight and enjoyment. I enjoy all forms of beauty.… Continue reading Rejoice Always

Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from… Continue reading Glorious Gratitude

There is one body [of believers] and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when called [to salvation]— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all who is [sovereign] over all and [working] through all and [living] in all. Yet grace [God’s undeserved favor] was given to each one… Continue reading True Faith Is Not Passive

God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breathand send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my… Continue reading The Good Shepherd

Why are you cast down, O my soul,and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. (Psalm 42:11 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition) Read full chapter REFLECTION  There are certain disappointments that one can deal with and dismiss relatively quickly. And then… Continue reading Inextinguishable Light

Discipline in a Long-Distance Race Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race… Continue reading Follow Through

Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again [that is, to be reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from… Continue reading Hold On

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content… Continue reading Inner Peace

“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things… Continue reading Perpetual Praise

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Proverbs 16:24 ESV) REFLECTION  There have been many times when I’ve been on the receiving end of gracious words and felt the nourishing effect of heartfelt kindness. And there have been other times when I’ve felt the sting of careless… Continue reading Glorious Gifts