It’s Friday …but Sunday’s coming. Years ago, when I first heard these words (and a message built around them), it was powerful and memorable. The truth they represent is powerful and memorable to this day. This year, more than ever. Because this year has been a year like no other. On Friday, all seemed lost. … More Sunday IS Coming
“This isn’t your tomb, it’s your cocoon.” I’m not sure where I first read this quote, but when I saw it again recently, it hit my heart immediately. Here’s to hoping it is true. Things have been weird for a very long time. The pandemic and our corporate lockdown didn’t start any of it—at least … More In the Dark…
Hope lives here. That’s what it says on the wall of the prayer room we recently opened in Redlands. Actually, the walls say a lot of things, but that’s what jumped out at me when I came in today. Hope lives here. Hope lives in this space. Hope lives in this place; in this room. … More Hope Lives Here
This is the third time I’ve posted this particular piece. However, it is the first time I’ve posted it with a new picture of a literal door, leading to a literal space, filled with the presence and promises of God. When I first wrote this back in 2011, I had no idea just how prophetic it … More (Always) Worth the Wait
There is a lot I’ve been pondering in my heart lately. Maybe one day some of it will find its way into words. Maybe not. But right here and now, there are a few things I KNOW that I feel compelled to declare… -He is good -He is faithful -He is not mocked—what is sown, … More The Imminent Harvest
Some things are worth the wait. I have visited Redding, CA many times. During many of those many times, I have desired to visit Burney Falls, about 65 miles northeast. Sometimes, I couldn’t fit the trip into my limited time in the area. Other times the weather didn’t cooperate, and it was either too hot … More Timing, Trust, and Triumph
David was having a bad day. While he and his men were away, his town had been destroyed. All of the women and children—including David’s wives—were captured and carried away. His own men blamed him and wanted to stone him. Ever feel like that? Like everything you care about has slipped through your fingers? Like … More Strengthen Yourself in the Lord
“Walking around these walls I thought by now they’d fall But You have never failed me yet” From the first notes of the song, Jesus had my attention. It had been a strange week–happy and heavy, wonderful and wearisome. I was away on a little “happy birthday to me” trip and I had gone through … More You’ve Never Failed Me Yet
This past week, my heart wasn’t feeling very brave. My faith didn’t seem particularly steadfast. And, honestly, my soul was down and discouraged. But sometimes you just gotta tell your soul what to do. So I did. In fact, that’s what I’ve had to do a lot in recent months. I’ve had to tell my soul exactly what it will and … More Take Courage
One was old. One was young. Both were faithful. One waited so long she felt sure her moment had passed. One was met with a surprising turn of events and didn’t feel ready. Both were called to birth the miraculous. And both fulfilled their call. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Mary, the mother … More In His Timing (a tale of two women)
I’m headed to the airport in just a couple hours. My bags are packed and, as much as possible, all the last minute details have been dealt with. Our little team will land in Bangkok at about 11am Saturday local time, which is still late Friday evening for most in the States. (For more info … More Leavin’ on a jet plane …
Sometimes you just need to step out of the boat … again. It’s not always easy. It doesn’t always feel like the right time. Sometimes it may not even seem like it’s the right thing to do. But when you see Him — when you see the delight and expectation in His eyes — when … More Stepping Out (Again)
It’s the most wonderful time of year! Right? For some it is, but for others … Well, not so much. For some people the holidays are hard–sometimes really hard. The reasons are varied, but people without strong ties to a supportive community (whether family, friends or both) that they actually “do life” with are especially vulnerable. Although we … More Getting Through It: Tips for Surviving the “Most Wonderful” Time of the Year
Originally posted on Deeper Waters:
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”…
Nevertheless not my will, but yours be done. Probably the most famous–and significant–moment of surrender ever recorded. A model for all of us. Not my will, but yours, Lord, be done. I mean those words when I say them. I’m sure you do too. I don’t want anything in my life that God doesn’t want for me. I want … More Not My Timing … But Yours
I wrote this about a year and a half ago, but it is even more meaningful to me now. And, if possible, even more so after these last couple of weeks in Israel.Time to come out leaning! Therefore I am now going to allure her. The invitation was unmistakable. The call to come away with him. … More Out of the Wilderness
A few lines was all it took. It was a “random” preview of an upcoming book written by a young man with a passionate hunger for the presence of God. I don’t know what the book is about as a whole. And I have no idea of its merit as a whole (although I suspect … More The Disconnect
Walk with me, beloved. I took his hand and we began walking down a brightly lit corridor. Almost immediately, I saw a large red door. This must be it! The door he promised to open for me! I stood waiting with anticipation. I just knew that door would open any minute … It didn’t. … More Worth the Wait (Still)
Words. They can be so simple. And they can be so complex. They can give life, hope, and inspiration. They can also bring death, discouragement, and destruction. James says the power of life and death is in the tongue. I believe it! (And not just because it’s in the Bible.) I believe it because I’ve lived on both sides … More Words
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” –Romans 8:29 I love Romans 8:28. I mean, I really love Romans 8:28. Sometimes I need to open my Bible just to reassure myself that it is still there. It has to be one of the most encouraging promises in all of Scripture. “And … More Monday Morning Musings: Conformed to His Image
Cindy Powell 