Category Archives: Uncategorized

“May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38) Luke 1:26–38 is an announcement of redemption. Mary is to name her son Jesus, which in Hebrew means God rescues, delivers or saves. Mary knows her son will rule an eternal … Continue reading →

Interesting that John is filled with the Holy Spirit before his birth. Angels. What in the world about angels. I don’t think I have space in my brain that understands the encounter that muted Zechariah and that announced to Mary. … Continue reading →

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. – Psalm 127:1 Let all the ministries of the church be undergirded with prayer and humility that as we’re doing what we’re doing, it’s with the sanction–the … Continue reading →

“Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks” Psalm 137:9).  Old Testament scholars have identified as many as 20 imprecatory Psalms, or Psalms of cursing. They express desires for vengeance, infanticide, and other cruelties. … Continue reading →

Then I called on the name of the Lord:   “Lord, save me!” (Psalm 116:4) The Psalms can sound like a combination of praise and personal testimony. The psalmist recounts an experience that created great anguish. He was near death, and he was … Continue reading →

I will be careful to lead a blameless life (Psalm 101:2). When shall I attain it? Then this list of all the ways I’ll be perfect and all the ways I’ll mistreat people who aren’t up to snuff. Spiritual pride … Continue reading →

Psalm 94 is reassurance that God is going to make it all ok.  There was lots to despair then, and we could be tempted to despair now.  But remember! And notice when you do despair what you’re looking at.  Then … Continue reading →

Happy are those whose strength is in you (Psalm 84:5). Yesterday was a day for me of feeling blah. The meditation at pickleball–i couldn’t even do it. I asked everyone just to be still and quiet for a minute with … Continue reading →

Then we will never turn back from you” (Psalm 80:18).  God watches this pattern over and over. People want to do right and mess up and recommit over and over. We get jaded in the world when people disappoint us. … Continue reading →

 “…at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted (Psalm 77:2). Verses 1–9 show desperate prayers in the non-stop reaching out of desperate hands. We find no comfort if we are just waiting for God to grant … Continue reading →