I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guardpost. There I will wait to see what the LORD says and how he will answer my complaint. —Habakkuk 2:1 NLT Our beautiful yellow rose bush did not fare well this year. The troubles started in January with some terrific ice and snow storms. The rose bush stands near a big pine tree, and branches rained down on it relentlessly, crushing some stems and breaking others off altogether. Spring came, and with it, the hope that our bush would recover, but life did not improve. The rains were constant and equally relentless even into summer, when we had the rainiest summer in New Hampshire’s recorded history. Our little bush needed some sunshine as well […] Read more »

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” —1 Chronicles 16:34 What if God never heals your sick child? What if God never mends that broken relationship? What if God never opens up that job opportunity you so desperately need? What if God never allows your wounded marriage to be restored or never fulfills that heart cry for a husband or wife to share your life with, and you remain single? What if that crop your family depends on for survival is flattened? What if God lets you go through life, having to count every single penny and having to pull those needed essentials back out of your cart and put them back on the shelf? What if […] Read more »

“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” —Acts 20:24 ESV Paul was a masterful communicator and loved God passionately. In Acts 20, Paul affirmed that he “ … did not shrink from declaring … anything that was profitable and teaching in public and from house to house” (vs. 20 ESV). Then, knowing he did not have long to live, Paul confessed his only reason for existing was “ … to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (vs. 24b ESV). Paul was harassed, beaten, and imprisoned for the […] Read more »

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful .... –2 Timothy 3:1-2a NLT (emphasis mine) Reading Paul’s description of attitudes in the last days is not for the faint of heart. He spares no one in his letter to Timothy, as he gives a straightforward, horrific list of the character traits of those who claim to be religious but act in ways contrary to all Christ taught us. He warns Timothy to stay away from those who are not sincere in their faith. You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days […] Read more »