…and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless …
Some say we are what we eat. Probably true! I propose that we are what we attach to. Remember the scripture from yesterday… 9“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and …
When Dave and I were first married, we volunteered helping with the youth group in our church. One Wednesday evening, we were late for Bible study. Dave attempted to make up for our tardiness by practicing his Indy 500 driving skills. At my best, that would not have amused me. This particular evening, I was …
6Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8And God will generously …
This week I chose to focus on our faces and the impact a cheerful look or a scornful look can impart. My daughter, Emily, has two daughters. When Emily was less than a year old she learned to scowl. We thought it was hilarious and often asked her to do it for others. Now Emily …
There was a woman who loved auctions and estate sales. One day she found herself wandering among the furniture at an auction when she looked to the side and saw another woman wandering the items as well. She looked away and thought to herself, “My! She was really grumpy!” Turning back to see if she …
It is a guarantee that our bodies will experience weakness and exhaustion. It is the signal our bodies give that we need to slow down and rest. Sleep is one of the five elements needed to survive. Our spirits also become weak, tired and exhausted. I remember one time meeting with my pastor to discuss …
Monday evening I went outside to look at the stars. I chose the front yard because there are fewer lights there than in the back. Opening the door, I snapped off the porch light and was immediately surrounded by deep darkness. So dark, in fact, that I couldn’t see the sidewalk. I did not let …
What did you learn by noticing the stars? Were you able to calculate how many there are, even counting them? Naming them? Yeah — me neither. But the immensity of the galaxies is certainly amazing, isn’t it? In Isaiah 40, God invites the reader to consider the stars. Then he asks two questions: 27O Jacob, …