In Isaiah, chapters 36 and 37, we read the story of the Assyrian King, Sennacherib, sending his Chief of Staff, and a huge army, to confront King Hezekiah in Jerusalem. They brag about all the nations they have conquered and how the Hebrew God is no match for them. This messenger even uses Hezekiah's own Hebrew language to say t[...]
“Even 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 NLT How often have we read or heard these powerful words shared in Psalm 23? Impactful. Strengthening. Life-altering. Yet, even as we hold these words fir[...]
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me, and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me, and you’l[...]
I remember as a young child shopping with my mother. I always held a fear deep inside that I would somehow get separated from her and be lost. I remember one particular day we were shopping, and I got distracted by something in the store. When I reached over and tapped her on the leg, I looked up, and to my embarrassment, it[...]
As the Household of Heartstrong, we've brought each other to our first Christmas and New Year together, and I anticipate that there will be others as we continue on our pilgrimage through the Bible. As much as our focus has been the subjects and concepts of bible discussion, the relational dynamics have evolved between us such t[...]
Having lost my mom at an early age, I benefited greatly from the generosity of my father and siblings. As the youngest, I got used to and enjoyed being protected and cared for. I somehow developed a sense of entitlement. Getting married and having kids did not change these expectations. In so being, I demonstrated selfishness.[...]
It’s January, and I have no desire to put away my Christmas decorations. However, my tree seems to have different ideas. The strands of lights on this 5-year-old, pre-lit beauty have been blowing one by one (beginning on Christmas Eve!) like candles on a birthday cake. There’s only one working set left—the set I bought on[...]
“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. How great are your works, L[...]
"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[...]
Somehow, the beginning of every year always brings up the topic of New Year Resolutions. When I was younger, it was literally expected of you to have them. If you didn't have any to offer up when asked, you were often looked upon as some sort of loafer without ambition or direction in your life! Times have changed, but I still[...]