May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him… But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be…… Read more “God’s Business: Changing Hearts”
To Diagnose or Draw Close
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love -1 John 4:8/NIV Social media is a fascinating tool. But it can be an odd…… Read more “To Diagnose or Draw Close”
The Miracle of Forgiveness
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! –Luke 23:34/AMP We seek to know a love that holds no record of wrong.…… Read more “The Miracle of Forgiveness”
Salvation is Confirmed in Nature
…By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our Salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas……… Read more “Salvation is Confirmed in Nature”
The Witness of the Innocent
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,and see that they get…… Read more “The Witness of the Innocent”
Seasons of Jobs
What do you do when you are in a Job-like season, and it seems your loved ones are also? I am not sure, except to study this…… Read more “Seasons of Jobs”
Jesus took our Stripes
A tiger cannot change its stripes, an old saying goes. Or can he? The saying implies we cannot change our character or personality and are “boxed in”…… Read more “Jesus took our Stripes”
Overconnected – Connected – Disconnected
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. –Matthew 7:12/NIV There seem…… Read more “Overconnected – Connected – Disconnected”
Servanthood
I once was a part of a church that had a ministry that nurtured those who were in spiritual bondage having been in a cult or semi-cult…… Read more “Servanthood”
Reviving Sweet Dreams
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. –Psalm 37:4 To be in Christ is more than wearing a name. It is…… Read more “Reviving Sweet Dreams”
I Hear Voices
I don’t know much about sheep or shepherds, but I have observed some in while traveling in Israel, Jordan and New Zealand and I have read about…… Read more “I Hear Voices”
Daily Restoration
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. –Romans 12:18/NIV Who has not grown in Christ without personal restoration…… Read more “Daily Restoration”
Patience Shapes The Heart To Love More
But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. –Isaish 64:8/ESV…… Read more “Patience Shapes The Heart To Love More”
The Magnificent Sprawl of God’s Kingdom on Earth
This week I learned about Charles Carroll, a lover of God and follower of Christ. Among this man’s great earthly resume I learned that he was the…… Read more “The Magnificent Sprawl of God’s Kingdom on Earth”
Once Upon a Time, God Cried
Sometimes mourning has been equated with selfishness. But once upon a time, “Jesus wept.” When my brother was taken to Heaven some years ago, it felt like…… Read more “Once Upon a Time, God Cried”
The Ties That Bind Us
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;good news makes for good health. –Proverbs 15:30 Recently I was in a Bible class on the book of Daniel.…… Read more “The Ties That Bind Us”
Hearing But Not Seeing
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priestand asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus,…… Read more “Hearing But Not Seeing”
And Christ Stood
We stand for our children to cheer them on at events. We stand and give a round of applause to a great performance. We stand on the…… Read more “And Christ Stood”
Passion swallows Pride
Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly –John 7:24/NIV Have you ever misunderstood someone one season only to watch them blossom the next? I recall…… Read more “Passion swallows Pride”
Quantum healing through Reconciliation
The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does…… Read more “Quantum healing through Reconciliation”
The Goodness of the Lord
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord ; be strong, and let…… Read more “The Goodness of the Lord”
THE DEATH OF HEROES
— Howard W. Norton God’s word says, “Pay to all what is owed to them: . . . respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom…… Read more “THE DEATH OF HEROES”
“SOMEONE JUST LIKE YOU”
— Howard W. Norton Many believe that being a disciple of Christ requires a complete stoppage or interruption of their normal routine. Sometimes being “the light of…… Read more ““SOMEONE JUST LIKE YOU””
A Higher Ambassador-ship
Melting pots may be under our roofs or in the world at large. They will be found at work, church and the marketplace. They are found in…… Read more “A Higher Ambassador-ship”
Lovely words
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. –Proverbs 25:11/ESV Our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, so I…… Read more “Lovely words”
Love In Skin
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God,…… Read more “Love In Skin”
God Loves His Little Children
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety – Proverbs 29:25/NIV It is one thing to not want to disappoint someone we love…… Read more “God Loves His Little Children”
Lord of the Butterflies
Metamorphosis is a process, sometimes a day, year, season or lifetime. We see both beauty and brutality. When life is beautiful, faith is “easy,” but when it…… Read more “Lord of the Butterflies”
ENEMY NUMBER ONE
— Howard W. Norton (June 8, 2020) I am saddened by the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. No human being should suffer a death like…… Read more “ENEMY NUMBER ONE”
Judgmentalism or Good Judgment?
Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment –John 7:24/ESV “Jesus didn’t care who he hurt.” It was a comment that came out in a…… Read more “Judgmentalism or Good Judgment?”
Jesus is All That and More!
You are beautiful my sweet, sweet song. –Third Day How can Jesus compare to the beauties of this world? Cindy Crawford, Audrey Hepburn… How can Jesus compare…… Read more “Jesus is All That and More!”
I AM tells me who I Am
You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you – Song of Solomon 4:7/NIV Picture the Bride of Christ whole and happy, like an…… Read more “I AM tells me who I Am”
God’s Economy At Work
I enjoyed growing up with a rich spiritual heritage. I learned after observation and study that not only is there the spiritual economy of worship in congregational…… Read more “God’s Economy At Work”
Gotcha! Or Got Ya…
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. -Psalm 91:1-6 I don’t know about you, but there have…… Read more “Gotcha! Or Got Ya…”
Master, The Tempest is Raging!
–By Howard W. Norton “Master, the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high!” Mary A. Baker’s lyrics speak for Americans today. Coronavirus, economic shutdown, unemployment, trillions…… Read more “Master, The Tempest is Raging!”
The Fortune of Forgiveness
An objective definition I find for “fortune” simply states, a great amount of money and possessions. Money and possessions indicate wealth. Wealth in family, friends and funding…… Read more “The Fortune of Forgiveness”
OF ANTS AND MEN
— Howard W. Norton Ants are small and relatively unimportant; yet, Solomon said, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having…… Read more “OF ANTS AND MEN”
Focusing on Forever
Give thanks to the God of heaven, For His lovingkindness (graciousness, mercy, compassion) endures forever. –Psalm 136:26 A few years ago I read Ted Dekker’s The Forgotten…… Read more “Focusing on Forever”
Everyone is Redeemable
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to…… Read more “Everyone is Redeemable”
Coffee with Christ
You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. -John 14:13 Coffee and…… Read more “Coffee with Christ”
When Panic Strikes Jesus is There!
Have you ever noticed that fear can turn to panic in zero to one second? Fear can help one steer clear of trouble, or miss a calculated…… Read more “When Panic Strikes Jesus is There!”
To mask or not to mask
— By David Duncan / Minister-Memorial church of Christ That is just one of the questions people are thinking about as many venture out of isolation. If…… Read more “To mask or not to mask”
Abba Father
Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” – Galatians 4:6 I met…… Read more “Abba Father”
A Turtle Tale turned Teachable Moment (Part 2)
David Hume, the Scottish philosopher had a great mind. Living in the 1700s, he argued against miracles. While not a Hume scholar, my lay understanding of his…… Read more “A Turtle Tale turned Teachable Moment (Part 2)”
ON TAKING THINGS FOR GRANTED
— Howard W. Norton (May 11, 2020) When our grandchildren’s grandchildren read about the coronavirus-economic shutdown of 2020, and ask what America learned from the experience, a…… Read more “ON TAKING THINGS FOR GRANTED”
Artistic Expression and the Jesus Lover
Yesterday I was listening to one of my favorite popular bands from the era of 8-track players, ABBA. A couple of lines caught my attention in the…… Read more “Artistic Expression and the Jesus Lover”
A Turtle Tale turned Teachable Moment (Part 1)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you…… Read more “A Turtle Tale turned Teachable Moment (Part 1)”
At Tale Of Two Tales
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. – 1…… Read more “At Tale Of Two Tales”
ON SPEAKING EVIL OF A RULER
— By Dr. Howard W. Norton (May 4, 2020) Politics has always been a rough and tumble sport. Political leaders suffer close scrutiny, harsh criticism, and constant…… Read more “ON SPEAKING EVIL OF A RULER”
Part Of Our DNA
–By Dr. Howard W. Norton Americans are protesting, even demanding that businesses reopen so they can go back to work. Most are workers who need a salary…… Read more “Part Of Our DNA”
