"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-9 (NIV)There once was a man who discovered a mine of ancient legend. The riches that were to be found inside of … [Read more...] about The Cost of the Crown
perspective
Easter’s Victory Over Misjudgment
"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."Isaiah 53:3-4 (NIV)What's worse--misjudging someone or being … [Read more...] about Easter’s Victory Over Misjudgment
Easter’s Victory Over Rejection
Well, girlfriends, it is Easter week. I have always gotten excited about Christmas, but Easter has only become special in the years since my own resurrection experience. I thought this week that I would share what the Lord has showed me through a chapter in Isaiah written centuries before the countdown to the cross. I believe that in the death of these verses, Jesus offers you and me hope for life … [Read more...] about Easter’s Victory Over Rejection
Too Late
"I'm homesick—longing for your salvation; I'm waiting for your word of hope. My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise; how long must I wait for your comfort?" Psalm 119:81-82 (The Message)This last Monday night, I wished I could be two people at once. My daughter had her first softball game and my son had his spring concert. The ball field was thirty-five minutes … [Read more...] about Too Late
When Our Need For Security Holds Us Back
I stood there looking at the ground fifteen feet below me with a sinking feeling. I would have to climb down again and admit defeat. My heart fell. Our family lived 420 miles outside of the capital city of Kinshasa when we were growing up in Congo. We loved to visit because there were other children to play with and wonderful food to eat at the American Club. We called … [Read more...] about When Our Need For Security Holds Us Back
The Cost of Roots
"He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."Jeremiah 17:8 (NIV)A farmer planted two trees by a stream one beautiful spring day. The man envisioned a swing on the steady branch of one of the trees and could hear his unborn … [Read more...] about The Cost of Roots