Hope-Full Living

Robert L Scott wrote a book that later turned into a 1945 film titled, “God Is My Co-Pilot.” That sounds pretty good at first reading — having God sitting next to you throughout life, assisting you in decision-making. Pretty reasonable thinking. But then I saw a message on a bulletin board sign outside of a church which read, “If God is your co-pilot, change seats!” That hit me. Maybe I am allowin...

After our grown boys left home, my husband and I decided to move to a smaller house. Even though we had sifted through our belongings before moving, we still had too much stuff. Without space for everything we still owned, I felt like I was surrounded by clutter. I faced the task of donating or selling things we didn’t need. Shedding unnecessary items created a more organized home. Our minds can g...

Each Epiphany we read, “Wise men from the east came to Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1). Somehow these men knew the Scriptures. How? Five hundred years earlier, Daniel and other smart, strong, and handsome teenagers were sent 500 miles east and trained to serve King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. It was a new start for them. They kept the faith. Daniel refused to bow to the king, publicly witnessed to his fai...

After 28 years of marriage, my husband and I made a new start! We moved from central USA back to our newlywed state of Arizona for a newly-retired lifestyle. It was just the two of us ... no kids, pets or furniture in tow. We downsized 75% to a 55+ active, gated community with our own golf course. We stood on the precipice of EVERYTHING being new. And what a precipice it was! To some of you, this...

When asked how I’m doing, I often reply: “I’m too blessed to be stressed!” Some think I’m just weird, but many smile and like it. I may not always feel too blessed, but in my heart, I know I am richly blessed. The Lord placed me under loving parents and has allowed me to be a happy husband, a thank- full dad, and a proud grandpa. My family and friends love me, and I love them! My relationships are...

Words, words, words! It’s a matter of words! So, what’s with the word “content”? It’s a simple seven-letter word that can be pronounced two different ways — emphasizing the first or second syllable — conTENT or CONtent. The emphasis indicates the meaning of the word. If my grammar is correct, the word can be a noun, adjective, or verb. As a noun, it is a state of satisfaction, more often “what’s i...

As you read this, water is moving everywhere in your body. It’s in your cells delivering oxygen and nutrients. It’s circulating to clean out waste. It’s in the sweat that cools your skin. Water moves in and out and roundabout, renewing your brain and body. Surrounded by crowds focused on the water ritual of Sukkah at the temple, Jesus calls out that He gives living water — life-giving, renewing wa...

My husband loves Sunday afternoon naps. He takes literally God’s command for a day of rest. My idea of a restorative afternoon usually involves reading a book, working on a project, or visiting with friends. Although we take different approaches to honor the rhythms of work and rest that God established by the third commandment, we’re committed to following the example that He set. Each week we re...

Raise your hand if you know that there is a National Quitter’s Day. This is not the day that celebrates quitting smoking, drinking, or any other bad health habit. No, this is the day that marks the annual end of most New Year’s resolutions. While we may enter the New Year with resolve to make a new start, by the second Friday of January, National Quitter’s Day, our resolve fails. Thankfully, our G...

Oh, the power of the divine Word! From the opening words of Scripture, God speaks, and things happen! Speaking over the chaos, He created all things. From the prophets to the revelation to John, He assures us, “I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5). This same God speaks to you through His Spirit. As Martin Luther says, in our baptismal living, by water and the Word, “a new man should daily...

Recently my husband and I drove cross-country to California, where we both grew up. Over six weeks, we visited many places that were important to us decades ago. As we shared memories, we were reminded of the many ways God led, blessed, and shaped us. That experience made me think about being a steward of my story — taking time to remember and notice how God supported me through the challenges, fo...

When the days are short and the nights are long, it gives hope that each day adds more light. Jesus, the true light of the world, comes to this dark world bringing lasting hope. The Magi followed a bright star and encountered Jesus. Moses’ face became bright with the radiance of God’s glory because of God’s presence on the mountain. At Jesus’ transfiguration, He shines so brightly, revealing His t...

New Year’s resolutions are promises we make to ourselves to do things differently and make positive changes in our lives. Although we usually mean well and intend to keep the resolutions, these annual promises are not always kept. God resolved to establish a covenant with His people but not like the old covenant that Israel had broken. It was a new covenant promise, and God always keeps His promis...

There are prayers I keep praying constantly. Can you relate? It seems the prayers are sometimes going unanswered. Don’t lose heart. The story of Anna and Simeon gives comfort. They prayed until almost the end of their lives to come near the Savior. Their prayers were answered in the most glorious way. Baby Jesus was held by them and revealed as Savior. Their lifelong prayers were answered. Take he...

Stepping into a new beginning proves bittersweet. First comes a goodbye, and its form takes many shapes: the loss of a loved one through death or disconnection, the move away from a beloved neighborhood to a new home, maybe the transition of one work routine into another, or moving on to the rhythm of retirement. Whether filled with grief or joy, leaving the familiar for the unknown takes courage....

The new year is a good time for personal challenges that grow our character. This is the one I’m doing in 2026: Every time I grumble or complain, I will count at least one blessing. Grumbling is a tempting part of aging. It seems that each day brings a new ache, pain, or loss. Our losses are valid to the Lord, and He wants us to cast all our cares on Him. Yet we can grow more Christlike as we coun...

God’s sense of humor was on overdrive. Hours a!er slitting open an invitation to the “Half-Century Club” college reunion, an email announced the theme of this devotional booklet: God is making all things new. Old and new together. Once again, God’s timing is incredible. Yet, isn’t that an accurate snapshot of these years? I get out of a chair stiffly but dash to hug waiting grandchildren. I wake s...

Once again, we come to the end of another year. Our text is the story of the fig tree. It was not productive. The owner told the gardener, "Cut it down … Why bother with it any longer?" The gardener answered, "Give it one more chance." At times, we are like the fig tree, unproductive, bearing little, if any fruit. Yet, the Lord gives us another chance. Like the fig tree, you and I won't be cut dow...

Another year is winding down. The passing of time and the aging of our own bodies and minds may make us feel like "the day is now far spent." Yet that phrase wasn't said out of regret. It was spoken by two disciples who didn't recognize Jesus after His resurrection. But His words had stirred their hearts, and they wanted Him to stay. What a comfort to know that Jesus still stays. "And behold, I am...

Here's a song you likely know: Zacchaeus was a wee little man; a wee little man was he! Zacchaeus was not just small in stature, but also had a small understanding of Jesus. He was also infamous because he was a tax collector. When Jesus and His disciples were walking through Jericho on their pilgrimage from Galilee to Jerusalem, he figured out how to get a glance of Him. So, "he climbed up in a s...

Not every day is memorable. We have stretches of time that drag. There are times when I have to talk myself out of self-pity by thinking of what I have to be thankful for — simple things like a card or message, an unexpected phone call, an ice-cream treat, or opening the Bible. God is present. The same things that give me a lift can do the same for someone else. Turn around and be the giver! More...

God promised a ruler, a savior, to be present with us. Then God sent His Son, in human flesh, born as a baby in Bethlehem. Doesn't that demonstrate true compassion for us? Centuries before Jesus was born, God communicated pieces of His plan to certain individuals. He wanted us to know of His empathy for us. Micah prophesied that God would send a ruler from Bethlehem. Isaiah foretold that the virgi...

During our Christmas worship, we love to hear these familiar words about our Savior's birth: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Jesus, the Son of God, was born in Bethlehem, bringing to the world His grace and truth. He proclaimed the truth of the kingdom of God. By God's grace through faith in Jesus, we have been brought into that kingdom. Baptized into Christ, we are His bod...

It's Christmas. As a somewhat manipulative youngest child, I realized that asking my parents for a gift they could not give me might make another wish seem doable. I never got the horse I requested, but that wish may have paved the way for other gifts. Our heavenly Father is not manipulated in this way. He looks beyond our wants to our core need: a relationship with Him. Only one way could this be...

A most wonderful message was declared by an angel one night to shepherds in the Judean fields; a baby had been born in the nearby town, and He would be their savior. The angel stated that the baby was the long-awaited Messiah and Lord; promised in Scripture. Many angels joined the first angel with jubilant celebration of this one-time happening. The story of Jesus' birth has been told millions of...