1Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be …
Out of the Chaos
Inspiration for living outside of the chaos.
I am that grandma. If I see things my grandchildren would like, I buy them and hide them in the drawer. At just the right time, I bring them out. My oldest granddaughter has learned to ask about the surprises. Her birthday also happens to be on December 21. Recently, when she asked for a …
8I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 9No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. Psalm 16:8-9 I am grateful for the continual presence of God by my side. He is always with me, teaching me, protecting me, changing …
16Always be joyful. 17Never stop praying. 18Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 This week, in America, we celebrate Thanksgiving. In elementary school, I learned it is a time to remember the blessings of the new land; when the pilgrims and Native Americans sat …
13Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15What you …
6Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 Many familiar translations use the word “follow” in place of “pursue.” The Hebrew word translated here is stronger than follow. When I follow someone, I proceed behind him …
5You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalm 23:5 Our best worst year was 2016. The months leading up to it were filled with some really great moments, but some really tough dynamics as well. Then …
4Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4 The translation of this verse is particulary comforting to me. Years ago, my sister and I housesat for a friend while she was on vacation. …
3He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalm 23:3 Recently, I find my strength depleted. Not so much my physical strength; but my emotional charge. A pandemic is exhausting, political unrest is wearisome, always wondering what is coming next drains me. I need help on a daily …
Last week I invited you to reset your mind by reciting/reading Psalm 23 five times throughout the day for seven days. Did anyone try it? How did it change your outlook? I did pause throughout my day to focus on the psalm. I didn’t count how often nor did I pause at regular intervals. I …
Out of the Chaos 