Drunk, disruptive, and disrespectful.

His heart was cheered and his courage was high in the ways of the Lord… – 2 Chronicles 17:6, Amplified Bible (AMP) I was educated in the public school system. I attended middle school and high school during the 1980s, and by that time God’s ways had been under attack for decades in our culture.… Continue reading Drunk, disruptive, and disrespectful.

God’s ways are indeed higher than ours.

And all Israel shall mourn for him and bury him; for he only of Jeroboam’s family shall come to the grave, because in him there is found something good and pleasing to the Lord, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam. – 1 Kings 14:13, Amplified Bible (AMP) Some years ago my wife… Continue reading God’s ways are indeed higher than ours.

Sing a new song.  

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. – Psalm 95:1, KJV Some of the most moving songs ever written have been born from the depths of trial and trouble. Many of the psalms (songs) David wrote are prime examples, for many of… Continue reading Sing a new song.  

What kind of impact do you have on others when you walk into a room?

The light in the eyes [of him whose heart is joyful] rejoices the hearts of others, and good news nourishes the bones. – Proverbs 15:30, Amplified Bible (AMP) What kind of impact do you have on others when you walk into a room? Do you find people smiling at the sight of you? Or, do… Continue reading What kind of impact do you have on others when you walk into a room?

Even the events that seem accidental are ordered by God.

The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly of the Lord [even the events that seem accidental are really ordered by Him]. – Proverbs 16:33, Amplified Bible (AMP) We were at a friend’s house when we received the shocking news: a mutual friend’s brother-in-law had been shot, execution style, in front… Continue reading Even the events that seem accidental are ordered by God.

When God throws you a curveball, keep on swinging.

A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. – Proverbs 16:9, Amplified Bible (AMP) The Stroups* had a plan: Leave the United States of America behind, Settle in Cambodia, Build an orphanage, and Take over the administration of an existing Christian school. Having spent close to two… Continue reading When God throws you a curveball, keep on swinging.

The sweet promise of Proverbs 3.

When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet. – Proverbs 3:24, Amplified Bible (AMP) In a world filled with things to fear, every Christian has the chance to escape the anxieties and terrors of life by doing the one thing that Proverbs 3:21-26… Continue reading The sweet promise of Proverbs 3.

Ever tried painting with your teeth?

Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. – Jeremiah 1:5, Amplified Bible (AMP) The following is from www.joniandfriends.org Joni Eareckson Tada, the… Continue reading Ever tried painting with your teeth?

One person CAN make a difference.

It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law. – Psalm 119:126, KJV There will be times in your life when you will look at the world around you, and you will remark to yourself, “This world is so messed up, and there is nothing I can do about… Continue reading One person CAN make a difference.

Our parents were smarter than we once thought.

I will praise and give thanks to You with uprightness of heart when I learn [by sanctified experiences] Your righteous judgments [Your decisions against and punishments for particular lines of thought and conduct]. – Psalm 119:7, Amplified Bible (AMP) For thousands of years, young people all over the world have awakened one day to discover… Continue reading Our parents were smarter than we once thought.