Meat for the Hungry

Many moons ago, when I was a freshman in high school, smoking was about the worst thing kids would do. By the time I was a senior, it was “going all the way,” if you catch my drift. Perhaps that’s when sin began to be erased, or at least the idea of sin .   Since then, humans have worked tirelessly to accept, normalize, and even protect sinful actions. What we once knew as sin —because the Bible said so and because our consciences made us feel it—no longer has that label.   Think about it. What thing, considered wrong and sinful when you were young, is fully accepted today?   The big one I mentioned earlier hits a bit closer to home:  sex outside of marriage, aka sexual immorality, or fornication, as some Bible translations call it. [1] Not only was it wrong, but we knew it was wrong and tried to hide it. (I didn’t come to Christ until I was married with two children, so that should explain a lot. And I take full responsibility for my part in the dissolving sin —wh...

    I love it when I find the Gospel in the Old Testament. To me, it confirms the Scriptural Truth that God does not change— He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. [1] And for some reason, I need this understanding settled within my heart to function in my daily life.   Lately, Job has been sort of my go-to book when I was feeling down. No matter how bad things got, it wasn’t as bad as it was for Job. Amid the horrific disasters God allowed Satan to perpetrate on Job’s life, even killing his children, Job did not charge God with wrong. In fact, he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” [2]   I find that fascinating—and so unlike me.   It’s possible in my rantings this past year, I did charge God with wrong. I pray I didn’t, but if I didn’t, I think I came very close. And I wasn’t really suffering.   Only God could ha...

“ The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell; it goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell. The wand’ring child is reconciled by God’s beloved Son. The aching soul again made whole, and priceless pardon won.” [1]   A few weeks ago, we sang The Love of God in worship, and it stuck with me. Kim Knowles led worship that Sunday and as always, the Holy Spirit flowed through her and she effortlessly ushered us into the presence of God. Thanks, Kim! 💗   Since I’ve been singing this song all month, I did some research. The lyrics are beautiful, especially the refrain: “ O love of God , how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure—the saints’ and angels’ song.” [2] (Are you singing yet??)   Verse two seems to speak about the times in which we live—human thrones, kingdoms falling, and people refusing to pray. But confirms God’s love is sure, it shall endure, and His grace will resound. Glory t...

  This morning, sunshine streamed through my windows. Compelled to see this first-hand and soak up some much-needed vitamin D, I rushed out the back door without my coat. The brightness in the sky made me think of warmth. But frigid air jolted my senses. Everything within view was covered with snow or white frost.   Standing on my back stoop, I gazed toward the sun. Its early morning brilliance, hindered by the frosty sky, appeared to be shining through a translucent disk. Light hit the trees casting shadows and creating beautiful contrasts to darkness. I took a moment to pray, thanking God for His creation—that He quickly confirmed was passing away. [1]   I lasted about a minute outside and then scooted back in. Checking my phone for the outdoor temperature shocked me. TEN degrees! Brrr!   I thank God for the cold because I know it kills many germs that would seek to harm us come spring. Still, peering out my window and seeing that beautiful sun fooled...

  DAY SEVENTEEN   Most High God, how glorious and majestic is Your name above all the earth. As the snow-covered mountains seem to touch the sky, I stand at the base feeling very small. I am so grateful You are my Rock, for You are the One who speaks, and the earth shakes. You alone are worthy of praise. You created all things, and in You, Jesus, all things hold together. [1] So…   “Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, as raindrops on the tender herb, and as showers on the grass. For I proclaim the name of the Lord: Ascribe greatness to our God . He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He.” [2]   O Lord our God, we fall to our knees before You. We have now for these seventeen days humbled ourselves, prayed without ceasing, sought Your face, and with Your help,...