"Who is among you who [reverently] fears the Lord, who obeys the voice of His Servant, yet who walks in darkness and deep trouble and has no shining splendor [in his heart]? Let him rely on, trust in, and be confident in the name of the Lord, and let him lean upon and be supported by his God."Isaiah 50:10 (Amplified Bible)My friend, Holly, had our Bible study group do a very simple, but profoundly … [Read more...] about Pieces of the Puzzle
Archives for October 2008
My Daddy’s Gift
(Yours truly at age seven--you gotta love the "Little House on the Prairie" dresses that Nicol and I were wearing!)"For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift—not from works, so that no one can boast."Ephesians 2:8-9 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)My parents, Jim and Nancy Smith, have been in full-time ministry together since their wedding day on … [Read more...] about My Daddy’s Gift
That Incredible Book
Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.Matthew 22:29 (NIV)It was Sunday morning again and I was chiding myself for doing what I had told myself the last Sunday would not happen. I had gone the entire week without opening my Bible even once. When the pastor said to turn in my Bible to one of the books of prophecy tucked between Isaiah and … [Read more...] about That Incredible Book
Growing Pains
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)We have a very special … [Read more...] about Growing Pains
The Worry Pit
"As a dream comes when there are many cares..." Ecclesiastes 5:3I had a horrible nightmare last night. It's a recurring one that I have had many times over the years. I dreamed that I was standing before a less than enthusiastic crowd and couldn't find my notes. As I went through my notebook laying on the podium, I tried to stall for time. The room was only a third full when I started my … [Read more...] about The Worry Pit
Call Back
I first posted this entry in June. I have had a very busy day and my children are home with me on fall break. But some things bear repeating. This is one of those.Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)God has blessed me tremendously in the area of friendship. I … [Read more...] about Call Back