How do you ask for strength and stamina each day? Pastor Chris explains how it may surprise us how Jesus said to ask for our needs to be met. "Give us today our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11) I’m presently preaching through a sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer that so many of us prayer week in week in our worship gatherings more like robotic drones than disciples of the one the one who taught us how to pray. I’m presently at week four. Right in the middle of the Lord’s Prayer Jesus gives us a statement in prayer that I have long struggled with. “Give us this day our daily bread.” (ESV) This statement in prayer has always been puzzling to me. The statement seems to be too demanding to me. When my children … [Read more...]

If you feel like your illness is taking away parts of your life rather than building new experiences onto it, Fiona Burrows will encourage you on this walk as you confine strong. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26) Last Christmas I gave my Dad Billy Graham’s book Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well. I had a bit of a laugh about it as I considered if it was appropriate--or rude--since my Dad was nearing 83 and had recently had some serious health problems needing time in hospital! I felt Dad would understand--and not be offended. While the book talks a lot about preparing for retirement and the senior years--which I haven’t quite reached yet--it … [Read more...]

We become so used to the pain in our lives from our disease, sometimes we miss the daily signs of Jesus here in our world, the blessings He is giving us. Bronlynn shares. “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory. . . Since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 3:18-4:1). On my more difficult days I sometimes yearn for a personal sign from God. Some days He speaks through a song, a particular Scripture passage, or through beauty in nature. Other times He shows Himself through the encouragement of believers. As children of God we are all instruments of His love and presence to others. I have … [Read more...]

Can a simple typo change your average message into something eternal? It sure can! “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” (Psalm 119:50) It was a typo; I was texting my son and missed a key. As I looked at the greeting, it took on extra meaning. I woke up that morning with level 8 pain, unusual for me these days. My general pain level was under control, 3 or 4 unless I overdid it. This was what I called a freight train morning, slammed head on right off the bat with pain. Now my typo makes me reconsider the phrase--"it is still a God morning." He is still here, He is still on the throne, and He has proved to me many a time that He is ready, able, and willing to walk me through a high pain … [Read more...]

Our pain may prevent us from noticing some of the ways God works through it, but take a moment to reflect on what you may have missed. Elizabeth shares her morning thoughts on this. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! “ (Romans 11:33) My delight was high as I swept the layer of fluffy snow off the car. Aside from the joy of being ableto clear off a car, I had another joy in mind. My girlfriend was out of town and loaned me her vehicle so I could go to my aquatic therapy. I do not get to go regularly because we have only one car and my husband needs that for his 45-minute commute to work. However, this week I had an extra freedom, I … [Read more...]