No Sugar-Coatings

Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.Continue reading “No Sugar-Coatings”

Salsa and Life

“Lord, do You not care…?” Luke 10:40 ESV (38-42 for entire story) “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”  Job 13:15 NKJV This year, our daughter’s small backyard garden produced a bumper tomato crop, so with great anticipation, we set aside an entire day for me to show her the finer points ofContinue reading “Salsa and Life”

A Testimony of “Through”

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as weContinue reading “A Testimony of “Through””

Strength for the Weary One

Encourage the exhausted, strengthen the weary, say to those with an anxious heart, “Take courage. Fear not.” He gives strength to the weary and to him who lacks might (strength), He increases power. God is our Refuge and Strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Isaiah 35:3-4a   Isaiah 40:29   Psalm 46:1   NASB It’s been said that most of us can endureContinue reading “Strength for the Weary One”

What’s the Goal?

Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Isaiah 43:7 ESV 1,  Corinthians 10:31 While serving and chatting with friends, my raspy, and newly baritone voice, gave evidenceContinue reading “What’s the Goal?”

He Notices You

As He (Jesus) passed along He noticed a man blind from his birth. John 9:1 AMPC Jesus noticed a man. A lonely beggar described as “blind from his birth,” is noticed by the Creator as He walked along the dusty roads of His world. I’m immediately struck by two points in this short verse of Scripture.Continue reading “He Notices You”

Leverage your Pain

I will proclaim Your faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1b …So that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9b AMPC As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—toContinue reading “Leverage your Pain”

Dealt Cards

I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord, I said You are my God, my times are in Your hands. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy and the God of all comfort,  Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction),Continue reading “Dealt Cards”