The book of Proverbs always intrigues and challenges me. Proverbs are, by definition, short pithy statements that pack a punch. They are principles at work (if this, then that) rather than promises (provision based on God’s character). Let me illustrate. 3But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who …
Out of the Chaos
Inspiration for living outside of the chaos.
Blamelessness – faultless, innocent, unblemished, without blame. In a world filled with shame, blame and pointing fingers, I long to be seen through the eyes of grace. I am not perfect — not by a long shot — but the word of God tells me that I am chosen to be blameless. My heart skips, …
Blamelessness. A quality of Noah, mentioned in Genesis 6, that gives me pause. The same quality is attributed to Job in Job 1:1 and the prophet Ezekiel affirms it described both Noah and Job (Ezekiel 14:14). Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in …
It happened again. Listening to the account of the flood, God told Noah to build an ark. An ark – that’s a really big boat! And it’s going to rain. It had never rained so this was a totally new concept — water falling from the sky. I might have had a few clarifying questions. …
This year the church I attend is undertaking the community task of reading through the Bible in a year. It sounds a lot like a resolution to me and if there is anything I avoid with a vengeance, it is resolutions. I even told my friend I was not planning to participate. Not that it’s …
Perhaps the assignment today will be the most difficult thing you will do all year. 13You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. Psalm 139:13-14 Today I want you …
As I review the year, I acknowledge God’s presence. He was with me every step of the way, even when I didn’t feel it. Secondly, I ask God to show me ways that he showed up, blessed me, made his presence known. It might be helpful to take time and write down what he shows …
In the first step of the year in review, I acknowledge God’s presence with me, even when I didn’t feel it. The second step is to look for consolations. Consolations are simply those times in the year when God showed up, times you know now were his hand of blessing. It might have been a …
Reviewing this year may seem like an insurmountable task; one I might just as soon forget. After all, there is something to be said about leaving the past in the past. There is also something to be said for reviewing the past and making peace with it. I know I don’t want to allow 2020 …
It is at this time of the year, these days on the calendar, I begin to ponder the end of one thing and the beginning of something else: the end of one year and the beginning of a new year. While nothing really happens except turning to a fresh page on the visuals we call …
Out of the Chaos 