Refreshing Faith
Everyone knows what it’s like to worry. Have you ever been fearful over what might happen—to you, your child, your spouse, your country, or your future? Many of my concerns fall into the “what if” category. Maybe you can relate to some I’ve felt or heard others mention.
What if I lose my job?
What if this is cancer?Continue Reading
Are you using your discernment? When I was seven, my uncle brought his fiancé to meet the family. She was striking in appearance and wore a big smile. But something about her made me uneasy. “I don’t like her,” I confided to my mother.
After my uncle married, this woman’s cruel nature came out. My mother remembered my words and wondered if children pick up clues adults miss. I’ve thought about that when I’ve tried to talk myself out of uneasy feelings. Trusting feels loving. Believing the best seems kind. Yet, over the years, my instincts have often proven true.
How do you handle wary feelings? How do you respond when your child doesn’t like someone? Sometimes, well-intentioned parents tell their children, “Now, we’re supposed to love everyone,” incorrectly equating love with trust (Jn. 2:24).Continue Reading
Do you value gentleness or view it as weakness? Some people think noise and coarseness show strength. The Bible teaches the opposite. Gentleness is powerful.
How do you treat your weaknesses? Do you castigate yourself when you fall short of your standards or impose stringent disciplines to overcome your weaknesses? Or, do you treat yourself with compassion?
How do you treat those who disappoint you, are caught in sin, or don’t share your views? Do you raise your voice and pound the table to hold their attention? Do you hope to win them through quarreling?
Using gentleness to combat sin and weakness may seem counterintuitive. Yet, it can change a king’s heart and break a bone. It may not be your natural response, but this supernatural choice carries divine power.Continue Reading
I washed my dogs’ food and water bowls one morning and thought about how they never worry about whether they’ll have fresh food and clean water for the day. They don’t even know I wash their bowls. Our animals know where their food and water bowls are, and that is enough.
If Strider needs something, like the door opened so he can chase a squirrel, he gently lays his head on my lap. If Max wants something from me, he paws the cabinet until I jump to attention.
Psalm 104 recalls God’s care of His creatures. Note verses 27 and 28 (NIV),
All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.”
Seeing my fur boys’ wagging tails and happy prances makes me smile. Genesis says we are created in God’s image so that we can take care of the animals (Gen. 1:26). As an image bearer, caring for my dogs brings me joy. I think the Lord also smiles when I enjoy the sweet fragrance of jasmine and honeysuckle in the spring and show appreciation for His provisions.Continue Reading