“Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe.” –John 11:14-15 NLT Funny how a particular passage of scripture can speak to you deeply through the years, but then one day you hear it as if you’ve never heard it before. You see it like you’ve … More When Lazarus is Dead …
Hope. That sometimes elusive, always essential, element of human life. I’ve heard it said that we can live for weeks without food, days without water, and minutes without air—but we can’t live a second without hope. Yet life is unpredictable. It is filled with situations that we simply cannot control. Hardships of every shape and … More Resurrected Hope
I recently ran across this devotion that I wrote several years ago. Since the Lord used it just recently to speak to my heart, I thought I would tweak it just a bit and post it here … “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name … More Waiting at the Gate Called Beautiful
“During those days, everyone was gripped with messianic expectations, believing the Messiah could come at any moment …” –Luke 3:15 tPt Perhaps some of them had been around long enough to remember the stir some thirty years back. The rumors. The rumblings that Messiah had been born in Bethlehem. Sure, it had been quiet since … More Expectancy
This Christmas I wish you … Wonder. May your heart be captured again by the wonder of it all. By the wonder of the incarnation–the astounding and unimaginable reality that God became a man and dwelt among us.The reality of Emmanuel–God with us. May you be awestruck again by the wonder of a God who … More Christmas Wishes
I used to think I prayed big prayers~ …wild prayers …outlandish prayers …audacious prayers …even scary prayers But then I realized~ …the biggest …wildest …most outlandish and audacious …and definitely the scariest prayer I ever prayed is simply this: Teach me to love The way You love It will take a lifetime It will cost … More Praying Big Prayers
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)
Originally posted on Deeper Waters:
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” —John 7:38 (NASB) My sweet persistent child, I love your enthusiasm! I love that You want to please Me and always want to do what is right in My eyes. You…
You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes. —Song of Solomon 4:9 How I long for you, beloved one—how My heart aches for you. You (yes, you!) are the desire of My heart and the object of My affections. Each and every time … More From His Heart to Yours: 11/1/2013
A bruised reed he will not break; a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness, he will bring justice. —Isaiah 42:3 I see you, little one, I see you. I know your heartache. I’ve felt your pain. I know the injustices you’ve suffered at the hands of others. As you’ve wept, I’ve wept with … More From His Heart to Yours: 8/2/013
“But Jesus often slipped away to be alone so he could pray.” —Luke 5:16 (NCV) My heart is calling out to you, beloved. Take a deep breath–right here, right now, right where you are–and tell your racing thoughts to settle down for just a moment. Quiet your soul and come to Me. Place your ear on My … More From His Heart to Yours: 5/3/13
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings…” –Phil. 3:10 (NKJV) When Jesus was in Gethsemane he asked Peter, John, and James, his three closest disciples–and friends–to watch and wait with him. His soul was “overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matt. 26:38) and … More Monday Morning Musings: The Power of the Resurrection
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. — Psalm 42:2 I’ve been carrying an ache in my heart that has been an almost constant companion in recent days. It’s often confusing. It’s rarely convenient. And it’s incredibly difficult to communicate. But I can never escape it for long. When I quiet my soul — when … More Monday Morning Musings: Aching for Him
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” — Rev. 2:7 Jesus said these words–or something similar–a lot. In fact, in the book of Revelation, he repeated this phrase at some point in each of his messages to the seven churches. The obvious conclusion is that not everyone has ears to hear … More Monday Morning Musings: Ears to Hear
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. –Phil.4:12 Are you content? Right here. Right now. Exactly where you are. Doing what you are doing. Thinking what you are thinking. Feeling what you are feeling. Today … Are you content? Are you at peace? Are you thankful? Are you hopeful? Are … More Monday Morning Musings: Learning the Secret
You have searched me , Lord, and you know me. —Psalm 139:1 I have the blessed privilege of spending my life on earth–and throughout eternity–getting to know the heart of God. But as amazing as that is, sometimes it is good to remember … He already knows me. He knows when I sit and He knows when … More Monday Morning Musings: He Knows Me
“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
I’ve been writing poems and songs most of my life, but I didn’t really take the responsibility of stewarding the gift of “words” seriously until about ten years ago. I’ve been much more consistent about writing in an intentional way (as opposed to just when the mood strikes) since then. One of the first things … More Can You Hear the City Cry?
Love is patient, love is kind. –1 Cor. 13:4 This little verse is loud in my heart and mind today. It’s what I wanted to write about this week. But when I sat down to write, I remembered I had written on this same verse just a couple of years ago. When I reread it, I realized … More Monday Morning Musings: Love is Patient, Love is Kind
“But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” –Luke 10:42 I think about Mary of Bethany a lot. I think about her a lot, because I need to think about her a lot. I need to think about her, because I need to remember the one … More Monday Morning Musings: The One Needful Thing
Cindy Powell 