Author Archives: heartcalm7
The Good Shepherd
Do you feel lost sometimes? At times vulnerable and confused? That is the way Jesus saw the multitudes around him, “distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36) He knows that some of the trouble we find … Continue reading
Evangelism
In Acts 17, Paul’s usual strategy is repeated three times – that of starting his ministry to the population of a town at the Jewish synagogue (2, 10, 17). This may have been a calculated decision to begin with the … Continue reading
But I am a clumsy speaker!
In Exodus 6, Moses repeats his complaint that God has chosen the wrong man for the job of leading His people out of Egypt. He is clumsy of speech, Moses says. Neither Pharaoh nor his own people will listen to … Continue reading
Legalism
In Acts 15, the legalists came from Jerusalem with their unsolicited and unendorsed opinion that Gentile converts must be circumcised and follow the other laws of Moses to be forgiven and to have eternal life. This doctrinal challenge spurred the … Continue reading
“They had been with Jesus.”
After healing a man lame from birth in Acts 3-4, Peter and John are arrested by Jewish priests and Sadducees and challenged as to what authority guided this action and their teachings. They were forbidden to preach Jesus any longer. … Continue reading
Wait’ll they see this!
As I walk into the room in the Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport, LA, that is dedicated largely to the paintings of Peter Ellenshaw, I stop in my tracks, catching my breath. I stop, stunned speechless in wonder at the … Continue reading
Misusing God’s Good Gifts
In Genesis 3, Eve is tempted by the Serpent to doubt God’s word and to doubt His character (vv 1, 4-5). Likewise, we tend to think that God is a kill-joy, keeping us from enjoying things that seem attractive … Continue reading
First Responders
As God’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:18-20), we have the undeserved privilege, joy, and responsibility of addressing the many needs around us in this broken, dangerous world. We all live in a battlefield of sorts, in harm’s way, bullets whizzing by … Continue reading
New beginnings
As we begin the new year, we have the pleasure of leaving behind us previous hurts and mistakes (hopefully learning from them) and looking ahead to what sort of new life God has in store for us. “Do not call … Continue reading
“Those who sit in darkness . . .”
Our painful circumstances feel more acute this time of year, when others seem to be so happy and light-hearted. Our present and future seem dreadful. Job, who suffered (he thought) so senselessly, felt his pain more acutely, not knowing the … Continue reading
GRATEFUL 