1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. The word hospitality in the Bible literally means “love of strangers.” It is a challenge and an encouragement from God to treat people with dignity and respect through kindness, care, time, and attention. …continue reading
1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. When someone thanks you, what kinds of thoughts and emotions come over you? I’m sure you are like most people, where you feel seen, noticed, appreciated for something you did …continue reading
Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. When Kristi and I were just married, we did not have very much. I was still interning at our church, going to school, and working at a pool supply …continue reading
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. There is an assumption that encompasses all humanity. It is an expectation and something we are born with. God also encourages this behavior and desires it of us. …continue reading
Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. For much of my life I have made the choice not to like coffee. I did like coffee ice cream with lots of chocolate sauce and whipped cream. Oh yes and ‘Mudpie!’ You know that tall dome …continue reading
Proverbs 3:13-18 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in …continue reading
1 Peter 2:21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps. Those who we follow, those who we let influence us, matters. We can either enjoy the blessings and benefits of letting good …continue reading
It was this weekend many years ago I ran the Long Beach Marathon. I am not a runner! I was a swimmer from elementary school, competing in the Junior Olympics, and swam on a swim team through high school. I really do love to swim. I only ran when I …continue reading
I went out for a quick lunch a while back. Being by myself, I noticed the interactions of a few couples. One couple was having some intense discussions in the parking lot near their car. She said to the guy she was with, I assume her boyfriend or husband, with …continue reading
Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. What are some of the questions on your mind these days? What are some of the issues or subjects you are seeking answers for in life …continue reading
James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Sometime back, I was watching a coach …continue reading
1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek His presence continually! A while back we were at a park for one of our grandkid’s birthdays. The kids where all enjoying the cool play-structures. It was a joy to observe their imaginations ignite as spontaneous games and fun erupted. …continue reading
Proverbs 11:25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. I was at my dentist office awhile back getting my teeth cleaned. Yes, I know, not the most joyful time. But this was different. The hygienist was very excited about something going on in …continue reading