Charitysosa

I can’t understand why Jesus would choose disciples like Peter, Thomas, or James and John. Peter was rash and reckless and would end up denying Him. Thomas was a doubter, unwilling to believe without seeing. He called James and John the “sons of thunder,” which seems less than ideal. It’s a messy lot. A groupContinue reading

1 Peter 3:12 gives us a promise, that “They eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous.” It seems obvious. God is omniscient. He sees all. But the promise in 1 Peter is more than a promise of seeing, it’s a promise of purposeful attention. As a mother of two young children, I can understandContinue reading

Before Daniel was the man God shut the mouths of the lions for, He was the man who was faithful to His God and prayer in the midst of a nation that worshipped themselves and its idols. Before David was King of Israel, he was the young shepherd boy who served his God and thoseContinue reading

So many people define freedom as an absence of rules, a lack of restrictions, an ability to do anything you want. It makes sense. Human nature craves to be our own god, to be in control of our own life, to live on our own terms. Life that way sounds free of restrictions, but you’llContinue reading

God isn’t looking for someone perfect, impressive, or who has the picture perfect life. He’s looking for a normal person who’s willing to obey. Look at scripture, and you’ll find it to be true over and over. Before He brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, He looked for midwives who would refuse toContinue reading

As Christmas Day comes to an end, I’m dwelling on the redemption provided by my Savior who entered the world as a tiny babe those many years ago. If I had been in charge of the plan of redemption for humanity… for myself… my selfish, short-sighted humanity would have created a plan that involved escapeContinue reading

A King laying in a manger, welcomed by the sheep and their lowly shepherds, carried by a poor, young mother with no bed to lay her head. Mystery of all mysteries that the Mighty Creator of the universe would enter into our world. That He would willingly give up heaven and its angels to wearContinue reading

Jesus was not what the religious expected when He showed up in a manger full of hay in a stable with only Mary and Joseph. They were looking for a king leading conquering armies into battle. They were looking for a ruler to destroy Rome’s oppression. They were so busy looking for the kind ofContinue reading

The crowd around her was thick and excited, buzzing with anticipation of the One they were there to see. Whispers of “Messiah… Nazarene… Jesus… Teacher…” all floated through the air, but the woman barely heard. She was so weak and so weary, barely managing to make her way through the throng. Every step seemed impossible,Continue reading

The Bible is filled with moments of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. There’s praise for the victory after He delivers. Praise for His goodness after He heals. Thanksgiving for the His love and mercy after salvation. There’s praise when the Red Sea parts, when Daniel is delivered from the lion’s den, when the blindContinue reading