The happy sequence culminating in fellowship with God is penitence, pardon, and peace–the first we offer, the second we accept, and the third we inherit.
From Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”
Charles Brent (1862-1929) was the Episcopal Church’s first Missionary Bishop of the Philippine Islands. Canadian-born, he served as Chaplain General of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I.
The world says that the more you take, the more you have. Christ says, the more you give, the more you are.
From Matthew 23:11-12: “The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Frederick Buechner (1926-2022) was an American pastor, Christian theologian, and author. His writings were published in 39 books, which included several different genres.
Do anything that might make the world a better place.
We are stronger together than we are alone.
Walter Payton (1953-1999) was an American professional football player. During his Hall of Fame career of 13 seasons, he played running back for the Chicago Bears. The annual National Football League’s Man of the Year award bears his name, due largely to his legacy of giving back to humanity.
At times God puts us through the discipline of darkness to teach us to heed him. Song birds are taught to sing in the dark, and we are put into the shadow of God’s hand until we learn to hear Him.
From Matthew 10:27: “What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.“
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.
It is true that we may desire much more. But let us use what we have, and God will give us more.
From 1 Peter 4:10: “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”
Adoniram Judson (1788-1850) was an American pastor and missionary. He was one of the first Protestant missionaries in Burma, where he would serve for nearly 40 years.
Of course I talk to myself. I like a good speaker, and I appreciate an intelligent audience.
The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant, and let the air out of the tires.
Dorothy Parker (1893-1967) was an American poet and writer. Much of her writing features a satirist’s view of the world. Based in New York City, her wit found a home in her writing.
There is something wonderfully exciting about reaching into the future with excited anticipation, and those who pursue new adventures through life stay younger, think better, and laugh louder.
From Jeremiah 29:11: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.“