See, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves, so be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves.Matthew 10:16 I decided a long time ago to believe the best of people. It is a matter of innocence, So it is difficult to defend. Even in Our Lord's advice quoted above, the innocence … Continue reading Believe the Best
Faith
From Mary to Martha
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.John 11:5 This poem was inspired by my mother, who has taught me to appreciate Martha in the Gospel stories. Being a "Mary" myself, I was tempted to read Christ's speech to Martha as a rebuke. In the Bible, however, the Lord only speaks a name twice … Continue reading From Mary to Martha
The Storm
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. Matthew 14:24 In praying for peace yesterday, this scene from the Gospel of Matthew came to mind. A storm is chaos. It signifies helplessness. We struggle to control the situation, but spending all our … Continue reading The Storm
Hope
I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. 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.Jeremiah 29:10-11 God speaks these words to His people exiled in Babylon. He promises … Continue reading Hope
Spiritual Warfare II: Warlike Strengths
If we are aware of Spiritual Warfare raging around us, we need the best training. The Lord himself trains us for war. All the Children of God have the opportunity to develop warlike strengths--virtues to aid us in battle.
Amazing Faith
A centurion approached Him and appealed to Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I … Continue reading Amazing Faith
The Wisdom of Faith
Though I said to myself, “See, I have greatly increased my wisdom beyond all who were before me in Jerusalem, and my mind has broad experience of wisdom and knowledge,” yet when I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and folly, I learned that this also is a chase after wind. For … Continue reading The Wisdom of Faith
A Fool to the World
We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, and we grow weary from the work of … Continue reading A Fool to the World
Faith and Miracles
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 8:48 So often in the Gospels, Jesus says that the faith of a sick person (or the faith of their friends) caused the miracle of healing. What is the connection between miracles and faith? Faith and Miracles What troubles you and … Continue reading Faith and Miracles
Restless Hearts
You have made us for Yourself, [O Lord,] and our heart is restless, until it rests in You. Confessions, St. Augustine of Hippo St. Augustine lived in the 4th century in North Africa. This quote from the beginning of his spiritual autobiography makes two bold statements: "You have made us for Yourself" and "our heart is … Continue reading Restless Hearts
A Grain of Salt 