For the most part, Jesus’ prayers were short and to the point when he healed, forgave or delivered someone. His most prolonged prayers were heard only by his closest companions. (John 13-17) Perhaps I should write a book, “Caveman Prayers” by Katherine Walden. “Heart, be at peace!” “Arm, be healed!” “Forgive me, Jesus.” “Jesus, Iowa […]
Lord, Help Me Be Kind When I Don’t Want To!
Years ago, while helping to lead a children’s outreach with Youth With a Mission, I learned a children’s chorus based on Ephesians 4:31-32 (KJV). “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, […]
Last Man Standing? Is It Time to Bow Before the King?
On July 31 2022, the usual 10:30 am church service at Bethel Church in Redding, California, was invaded by the holiness of the presence of the Lord. No one preached a sermon. There was very little interaction beyond the worship, and it was powerful. It was spontaneous, and yet the Lord had a plan. For […]
There Can Only Be One Perfect Shepherd
A gentle reminder that those who lead us are also human, beloved by God, and strengthened by our prayers. I am fiercely protective of those I love. God is even more so. He promises to defend all His children, including those who serve in leadership. It is easy to forget that pastors are just as […]
Restitution! God will Restore What was Taken
I have been the unfortunate victim of three burglaries. Each event left me shaken. The first incident occurred when I shared a house with a single mom and her young daughter. I was the first to arrive home after a mid-week church service. I heard the back door slam shut as I opened the front […]
Being Raised in a Christian Culture Won’t Save You
A cautionary and sober word to my followers: You may have been fortunate enough to be born in and raised in a Christian culture, but you must be born again by deliberately choosing to surrender your past, present and future to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. You must confess and repent by turning away from […]
Not ANOTHER Alarm, Yawn!
Joel 2:1 – “Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; it is near.” The Little Christian Who Cried “Wolf!” For thirty years, I’ve lived near a busy fire station. Day and night, firefighters and […]
God of All Comfort
One morning, I was Zooming with a group of friends about the rare gift of a friend who knows how to just ‘be’ with you as you process through grief. That friend who sits with you without offering platitudes. That friend who quietly listens and gives hugs when needed, and stays with you in your […]
Uncertain Times? Partner with God – Bonus Soup Recipe
In 2022, we are facing uncertain times. Fuel costs, shortages, and worldwide instability could cause a person to fret and worry, especially if that person hasn’t learned to place their trust in God. It’s easy to spot Christ-followers who struggle with trust. A consistently stressed Christian has not learned to navigate through stressful experiences by […]