Categories
Crossing Cultures Devotional Making Disciples

Daily abiding

Only one thing teaches me God’s will.

And gets me out of my own preconceived ideas. About what I can and cannot do. Or who I am. Where I need to be. 

Only one practice. One way of living and breathing. Teaching me His greater purpose and meaningful plan.

Daily abiding in the Vine, Christ Jesus. 

Learning this necessary truth takes time and effort. Surrender. 

But sooner or later, I clearly see. 

Only He is the root and sustainer. The source of true life and fruitfulness. 

Abiding in the vine. Image by Amos Bar Zeev, on Unsplash.
Categories
Crossing Cultures Devotional Making Disciples

Unexpected

Pigs rush en masse down the steep bank. To their demise. Leaving one madman behind.

Now clothed. Calm. Coherent. And in his right mind.

The news spreads. People come from town and countryside to see for themselves. Hear eyewitness accounts.

But their response is unexpected. 

They don’t want Jesus to stay. In fact, they can’t get Him out of there fast enough.

From spiritual chains to unexpected freedom. Image by Aida L on Unsplash.
Categories
Memoir

empty skies

Empty skies. In the days following 9/11/2001. The flight pattern over our home in Virginia—suddenly silent.  

My husband was traveling in West Africa at the time. He called and I wept. We felt the distance in the midst of uncertainty. 

Our world changed that day, but we drew near to the One who never changes. Held on to His Word. And Joshua 1:9 became our family verse during that season.

“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Remembering 9/11. Image by Matteo Catanese on Unsplash.