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”
The Great I AM Loves All That Are
A friend of ours who studied film writing mentioned a formula he learned. Tell the audience the gist of the story at minute 10, begin a turnaround…… Read more “The Great I AM Loves All That Are”
Waiting Thomas
–By Dr. Steven Bishop, PhD / Austin, TX My husband and I were married by Steve Bishop and have many fond memories of being with his family…… Read more “Waiting Thomas”
Be Still…
Be still and know that I am God -Psalm 46:10/ NIV I write to myself first, but my prayer is you may glean something for yourself. Please…… Read more “Be Still…”
Survival Tips: How to Survive Your Marriage During A Pandemic
— By Dr. Terry S. Smith/President & Founder, Coaching: Life Matters I first met Terry when I moved to the Boston area in the late 80s. The…… Read more “Survival Tips: How to Survive Your Marriage During A Pandemic”
I Have Called You Friends
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from…… Read more “I Have Called You Friends”
OCTOBER OF OUR DISCONTENT
— By Dr. Howard W. Norton Our ship docked in Santos, Brazil, on June 17, 1961. Passengers included thirteen missionary families with nineteen little ones. Jane was…… Read more “OCTOBER OF OUR DISCONTENT”
MAKING THE MOST OF THE UNEXPECTED
I am pleased to share some timely posts from Howard W. Norton. May they bless and uplift you! —By Howard W. Norton We learn as we age…… Read more “MAKING THE MOST OF THE UNEXPECTED”
Craving God
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – 1 Corinthians 2:10/ESV You…… Read more “Craving God”
Some Thoughts On Wars
In reading through II Samuel again, I am struck at all of the revenge going on. David was a man after God’s own heart, but for some…… Read more “Some Thoughts On Wars”
The Flowers Along The Path
For when I am weak, then I am strong – II Corinthians 12:10b A story circulated on the internet several years ago. Titled “Cracked Pots,” it told…… Read more “The Flowers Along The Path”
Raised Between Two Songs
GodReflection: Songs That Sustain My lungs were still tainted with Delivery Room air when my parents carried me into the white stucco building of our local church…… Read more “Raised Between Two Songs”
Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me
There is a church hymn based on Psalm 23 that states “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days, all the days of my life…”…… Read more “Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me”
Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Conclusion
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! (Philippians 4:4/NLT) What a wonderful world we live in. Today I am believing and doing…… Read more “Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Conclusion”
Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Revival
https://youtu.be/QctoD57aYqw Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace, to a place where we’ll be safe -Carol Baker Sager and David Foster A prayer of…… Read more “Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Revival”
Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Rekindling
Hence I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us…… Read more “Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Rekindling”
Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Restoration
When you forgive someone, you slice away the wrong from the person who did it. You disengage that person from his hurtful act. You recreate him. –Lewis…… Read more “Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Restoration”
Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Renewal
A few years ago I read Stormie Omartian’s book “The Power of a Praying Wife.” As I read this book, I am making a new friend. I…… Read more “Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Renewal”
Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Rededication
Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” (Genesis…… Read more “Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Rededication”
Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Reconciliation
Merriam-Webster.com… The act of causing two people or groups to become friendly again after an argument or disagreement. The process of finding a way to make two…… Read more “Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Reconciliation”
Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Redemption
Good, beautiful and uplifting music is connected to relaxation. In an article entitled “Music and your unborn child” from babycenter.com written in September 2013, there was inconclusive…… Read more “Seven Reasons to Rejoice: Redemption”
Seven Reasons to Rejoice
Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! – Psalm 34:8 Have you ever tasted something new…… Read more “Seven Reasons to Rejoice”
Speak for your Servant is Listening
God called again, “Samuel!”—the third time! Yet again Samuel got up and went to Eli, “Yes? I heard you call me. Here I am.” That’s when it…… Read more “Speak for your Servant is Listening”
It Takes A Family to Raise a Village
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily…… Read more “It Takes A Family to Raise a Village”
The Only Ideal Worth Worshiping is Jesus
But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain…… Read more “The Only Ideal Worth Worshiping is Jesus”
Naturally Letting Out What the Spirit of God has Infused
Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory – the glory of the one and only, full of grace and…… Read more “Naturally Letting Out What the Spirit of God has Infused”
Carroll and Bonhoeffer
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the…… Read more “Carroll and Bonhoeffer”
Crash Courses Creating Competencies
Ever had a crash course that created more competence on some level? Maybe you are in a crash course now… Maybe a physical one where an illness…… Read more “Crash Courses Creating Competencies”
I Keep Falling In Love With Him Over And Over
I recall the song at camp devos, “I Keep Falling In Love With Him.” I still do. Jesus always tells the truth about Himself and only makes…… Read more “I Keep Falling In Love With Him Over And Over”
The Avalanche of God’s Love That Swallows Human Engineering
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of…… Read more “The Avalanche of God’s Love That Swallows Human Engineering”
Is it Business or is it Personal?
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27 (NIV) One…… Read more “Is it Business or is it Personal?”
For Unto Us A Child is Born
https://youtu.be/bPhqMJpQsYQ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and…… Read more “For Unto Us A Child is Born”
Jesus didn’t just die for me – He came to life for me
In a romantic comedy, one of the two commits a selfless act so grand that the object of their affection returns the love, and the two waltz…… Read more “Jesus didn’t just die for me – He came to life for me”
