As I knelt in the garden planting squash, it began to snow tiny white blossoms, dotting the black fabric like confetti. Those tender flecks fell for hours, sometimes riding in on bursts of wind and skimming the fabric like shiny pebbles across a dark pond and other times softly sneaking up on me, kissing my …
Tag: God
Extend Grace
Some people are easily offended. Whatever you say or do, they will find a flaw and take it personally. Suddenly, everything about YOU is about THEM and how you failed or hurt them. You may find it hard to breathe around people like this while balancing on tippy toes as you navigate a minefield of …
Battling Anxiety
Jesus warned us that we're going to have trouble in this world, but He also explained that He's overcome the world. (See John 16:33.) So, we know we should cling to our Savior and keep our eyes fixed on Him, especially when trouble shows up. Yet, our minds latch on to things that, in turn, …
God Is Faithful
In a world that is becoming increasingly confusing and dark... When money becomes scarce and what you've counted on for financial stability decreases or vanishes altogether... As people continue to manipulate situations for their own agendas and plans, and the truth seems lost in the mud... Grab onto your focus and aim it here: "For …
When God Paints the Grass Purple
I had the day mapped out before me, a neverending to-do list. But I felt God leading me to go for a walk. "Oh, Lord. I have so much to do." I debated. Do I risk slipping further behind and go for a walk or plunge into my list and start treading water? "Maybe just …
Turning the Lens Around
It's no secret we're living in the end times, and things are getting dark. Take a minute to read what Paul wrote to Timothy: "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without …
Rest for the Battle
Jesus slept in a boat BEFORE He rebuked the wind and the waves, and BEFORE He healed and freed a demon-possessed man. (Mark 4:35-41, 5:1-20.) Exhausted, Elijah fell asleep AFTER a mighty victory against the prophets of Baal, AFTER "the power of the Lord came upon him," and he ran ahead of Ahab, who rode …
God Is a Jealous God
When you're consumed with social media and dive into that foreign land searching for your worth or the approval of others... When you become obsessed with pleasing others, your spouse, children, or even your church... When you allow the world to steer your course and you get in line to fill your plate with a …
In His Presence
"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11 NIV. You may be washing dishes or folding laundry today. Maybe you're going to drive someone to their appointment or pick the kids up from school. You …
Don’t Wait
"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:13-14 …
Joey Rudder 