…and he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. ~Psalm 1:3 (KJV)
This image of the flourishing tree describes a person who thinks and lives according to God’s Word. I’ve been thinking about this [...]
When I was younger, I thought prayers were like wishes and God was a little like Santa Claus: You close your eyes and hope you’ll get what you want, but somewhere inside you know it’s just a matter of chance.
But then I discovered this verse:
James 5:16b … the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man [...]
A bit of properly-placed venting has a lot to recommend it:
Casting all your care up on him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
Casting means to throw upon or place upon. Care is the Greek word merimna. It’s not a good word. (Well, I suppose the word is just fine, but the anxious, [...]
Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. – Proverbs 31:30 (KJV)
And the Amplified Version:
Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!
The Strong’s definition of vain [...]
There is a permanence to the written word, and it can potentially reach a wide audience, so when I’m writing I try to keep in mind the effect my words will have.
It isn’t always possible to predict their impact, of course, and I know I don’t always succeed in perfectly expressing my meaning, but it is important to [...]