Throughout the years, I’ve heard discussions about the difference between happiness and joy. I am not so sure the scripture makes a clear-cut distinction. To me, the two are either totally the same, or very close to the same. But some people have said, “You can be joyful, but not happy about something.” I getContinue reading “Four unhealthy approaches to the “chains” in our lives – Advent Joy, Part 3″
Tag Archives: ruth
How to recover from regrettable decisions – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 3
Years ago my son and his friend hung a swing in our backyard from a high tree branch. My grandson loves riding that swing. Recently we were swinging, my grandson sitting on my lap. As we were swinging, we started spinning. My grandson thought it was fun, and he started laughing. I love it whenContinue reading “How to recover from regrettable decisions – 1st Samuel 21 & 22, Part 3”
What to do when your faith feels stale – Jeremiah 48
The other day I pulled a bag of potato chips out of our pantry, looking forward to a snack. I dug around the chips, pulled out a handful and started munching. Ugh! They were stale. Soft, bland, tasteless chips. It’s the rare person that enjoys stale anything. What about your practice of faith, your discipleshipContinue reading “What to do when your faith feels stale – Jeremiah 48”
Do you have crippling fear? – Characters: David & Goliath, Part 1
What seemingly impossible situations are you facing? What is causing you fear? What keeps you up at night? What gives you an upset stomach? Fear is a powerful force that affects so many of us. Fear of losing our health. Fear of losing control. Fear of poverty. Fear of death. In our Characters series, weContinue reading “Do you have crippling fear? – Characters: David & Goliath, Part 1”
A possible key to unlock healing in your broken life – Characters: Ruth, Part 5
In Part 4 of our study through the ancient Hebrew story of Ruth, we watched as Ruth makes a most unusual proposal to Boaz. If you are just jumping into the story here at the end, I urge you to start at the beginning, as the drama has been building. This Part 5 will beContinue reading “A possible key to unlock healing in your broken life – Characters: Ruth, Part 5”
A most unusual marriage proposal – Characters: Ruth, Part 4
Do you remember your marriage proposal? Or if you aren’t married or engaged, do you have a hope or dream for what your proposal will be like? In our culture proposals have become more and more elaborate. Today we learn about a very unusual one! The ancient Hebrew story of Ruth has been unfolding, movingContinue reading “A most unusual marriage proposal – Characters: Ruth, Part 4”
A healthy way to face bitterness and loss – Characters: Ruth, Part 3
Have you ever been bitter and angry about the pain that life has brought your way. If so, you’re not alone. So often we are dealt a horrible hand, and at no fault of our own, we are faced with loss, ruin, or sickness. In those moments, bitterness can take root. Maybe its not you.Continue reading “A healthy way to face bitterness and loss – Characters: Ruth, Part 3”
An amazing response to tragedy – Characters: Ruth, Part 2
Have you experienced tragedy and loss in your life? How have you responded to it? It’s not easy to respond well to the difficult situations in life. As we continue the story of Ruth, we will see an example of an amazing response to tragedy, a response we would do well to follow. In ourContinue reading “An amazing response to tragedy – Characters: Ruth, Part 2”
Do you dread holiday family gatherings? – Characters: Ruth, Part 1
I recently heard a news report about a family fighting their home owners association because the family put up Christmas decorations on November 1st, and the home owners association said it was too early. I don’t know if there is a right or wrong time to put up holiday decorations. Our local Lowes was sellingContinue reading “Do you dread holiday family gatherings? – Characters: Ruth, Part 1”
Engaging Scripture 