February is here, and our local shops are shrines of red cellophane, oversized teddy bears, and enough chocolate to make a dentist weep. It is the month of love, candlelit dinners, and awkward first dates. However, my focus is on a different kind of “first date”: the moment a visitor walks through our church doors. While ch[...]
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you." Isaiah 41:13(ESV). God established the trustworthiness of His name. He holds our dominant hand like a loving father, reminding us to trust and rely on Him; in this position, we never have to fear. He is our help and s[...]
Lately, I have been frustrated by my inability to cope with stress and migraines. All I want is enough energy to practice good self-care and rest in God. Instead, I find myself lying in the dark, silently fighting another migraine attack and beating myself up for not knowing my limits. As I paused and brought this to God in pray[...]
Obey Him anyway! It was a Saturday evening, and I’d just gotten home, exhausted from a long day and looking forward to relaxing. As I settled in to watch a movie, a WhatsApp notification appeared on my phone screen. I wasn’t particularly excited to receive it, so I tossed my phone to the side of my bed and refocused my att[...]
“Enoch walked with God…” Genesis 5:24 It’s good to start well, but it is even better to continue steadfastly to the end. I read or heard this somewhere, and I remembered it. This is something God wants for us all. Walking with God goes beyond putting one foot in front of another. It implies a steady progressive[...]
"You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will[...]
"Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who has done great things. Who is like you, God?" Psalm 71:19 (NIV). I hum a merry, seasonal tune while decorating the house. Friends and family will come for dinner tomorrow, and I want things to look festive. I make sure there are candles dispersed throughout. There's som[...]
The Lord places us in situations, and at times these are not comfortable. We are delusional if we think grassy meadows and buttercups will surround us as well. Or for this coming season, a hot chocolate, a warm fire and soothing music. As we all know, there are many challenges and stumbling blocks in our path, and one challengin[...]
As we approach the holiday season, many of us take time to reflect on the deeper meaning behind our traditions and celebrations. One of the most profound Bible verses that resonates with me during this time is from Isaiah, which speaks of the birth of a child who will bring hope and peace to the world. "For to us a child is bor[...]
Two weeks ago, after being away from Heartstrong for some time, I camped out in the Book of Isaiah, and God met me there. He is so compassionate. I know because all too often He provides the "right word" for my "right now" circumstances. During that week, He highlighted the following words: comfort, peace, and Cornerstone.[...]