"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:1,4-5, NIV). Clouds obscured the sun and marred the late spring daylight…
Expenses mount. Windows of opportunity seem nailed shut. Physical pain and emotional lows weigh us down. Ordinary tasks of laundry and housework grow overwhelming. The pits of life can feel impossibly dark and leave us certain of defeat. I've been there. The pit tempts me to return often, even daily in…
Has anything in your life gripped hold of your shoulders and held you down? Pressed its weight on your chest until you're straining for each breath? Darkness attacks when we're most vulnerable. Seizing us in its terrifying hold, the enemy crushes our strength in an effort to cripple us. Shadows zoom…
Ashen clouds rumbled warnings overhead as its audience of street traffic and pedestrians dwindled. Laina squinted against a damp gust tainted with smog. A man bumped against her shoulder as he brushed past her on the sidewalk. She glanced back, patting her purse and pockets--everything still in place. His trench coat…
"With bitterness archers attacked him . . . But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel . . . because of the Almighty, who blesses you" (Genesis 49:23-25). A chill brushes…
"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:16). As we visited Busch Gardens' one day, I observed a toddler patting the glass of a wildlife enclosure. A lioness sprang toward him from the other side. Massive…
"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:14-15). Ever find a pair of kicks you couldn't live without? If you love to indulge your…
"Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. . . Because of the increase of wickedness, the love…