Do Not Despair
Mary Magdalene: Witness to the Crucifixion
The next mention we have of Mary Magdalene after Jesus heals her, is of her presence at the crucifixion. Luke 23:49 says, “”women who had followed him from Galilee” standing at a distance”, but does not mentioned these women by name. However, the other three gospels do mention these women and among them is Mary Magdalene. Matthew 27:56, says, “Among them […]
Read moreGod Has a Plan
I recently overheard a conversation in which the person said, “I’m ready to die. I want to see Jesus.” My heart broke for this individual, but as I listened I discovered the individual was in so much physical pain that she was willing herself to give up. Thankfully, she was talking with a […]
Read moreHall of Faith: Gideon, He Lead for God
Gideon was the son of Joash, from the Abiezrite clan in the tribe of Manasseh and lived in Ephra. As a leader of the Israelites, he won a decisive victory over a Midianite army despite a vast numerical disadvantage, leading a troop of 300 ‘valiant’ men. The name Gideon means “feller” or “hewer” in Hebrew. A hewer is a person […]
Read moreListening to our Intuition
In the early days of my relationship, when circumstances began to spin out of control, my gut began to knot up. I knew that something was wrong and this was not how it should be. I had a day when my insides felt as if they were all twisted in knots and I felt as if a battle was raging […]
Read moreBehind the Hymn: Are you washed in the Blood
Are you washed in the Blood was written by Elisha Hoffman. Elisha Hoffman was born on May 7, 1839 in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. He was a Presbyterian minister and composer of over 2,000 hymns and 50 song books during his 90 years. Music historian Jacob Hall described Elisha Hoffman’s musical ability in the following manner, “When a melody is born in […]
Read moreMary Magdalene: Healed by Jesus
In thinking about the story of Easter, there are only a select handful of people mentioned as having a first hand view of the crucifixion and resurrection. Mary, the Mother of Jesus is one of those mentioned at these events and with her is Mary of Magda or as we refer to her today, Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene is mentioned at […]
Read moreShowing Kindness
My heart broke for my boss. She’d worked hard to plan a very special gathering. Then only half of those that promised to come actually showed up. She’d worked for days planning, shopping and preparing everything for the gathering. I could see the pain and disappointment on her face. Too often people RSVP for something and then think it’s […]
Read moreShowing Kindness and Thankfulness
As a performer, who has appeared at numerous nursing home facilities, I know how important it is to hear thank you. I make every effort to write a thank you note to those that help us with various events and to take use small tokens to show my thanks. Besides, as I write the thank you note this is a […]
Read moreHall of Faith: Rahab, She Changed
Rahab was in the promised land when the Israelite’s took possession of the land. She and her family are the only people saved during the invasion. The story of Rahab is found in the book of Joshua. The name Rahab means spacious. Rahab’s story is found in that of the Israelite’s. The chosen people of God are searching out the […]
Read moreDancing Through the Pain
Recently, I was watching a movie where the young woman, who was a professional dancer, experienced a traumatic loss. However, she wasn’t allowed to dance in the coveted part immediately following that loss. She didn’t want to just dance the part, but NEEDED to dance the part in order to work through her pain. She turned her back on dance […]
Read moreBehind the Hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross is a great song to concentrate on as we near Easter and remember the true meaning of the season. Jesus death on the cross is the greatest gift God could give to us and is a gift we can continue to accept today as we accept his salvation. However, the song was not originally […]
Read moreThe Three Reasons Jesus Came
Armour of God: Prayer and supplication
Last week, we discussed the Sword of the Spirit. This week we wrap up our series on the Armour of God by discu ssing prayer and supplication. Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary says, “Prayer must fasten all the other parts of our Christian armour.” Prayer is the best weapon God equips us with. He is never too busy to listen […]
Read moreNeed for control
A well known reality TV star was recently discussing the need for control. This individual needs control over every part of her life. This made me think about how often I’ve needed to control a situation. As I shared recently, letting go is not always easy. Yet, God doesn’t want us to control everything. Ouch! That’s much easier for me […]
Read moreHall of Faith: Joshua, was Encouraged
When Moses died, he handed his duties over to Joshua, who had been with him for a long time. Joshua was mentored by Moses. He could not have asked for any better training than under Moses. Joshua means “God {Yahweh} is my salvation”. We are told that Joshua is the son of Nun. Moses charged Joshua with selecting and commanding […]
Read morePray for the Hurting
When I was hurting, I was lost in myself. Later, I discovered that numerous friends and family were praying for me. When a loved one is hurting, often it is difficult to know what to do. I was too stubborn and hard headed to listen to advice that was given. Sadly, I had to learn the hard way and on […]
Read moreBehind The Doxology: Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
The Doxology is a short hymn many of us that grew up in church sung during the offering. Today some churches have moved away from this tradition while others continue to maintain this tradition. So, where did the Doxology originate? Doxology is a Greek word that is described as a “short hymn of praise to God”. Today the Doxology […]
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