Under the Shadow
Psalm 91:1 “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” To come under a person’s shadow suggests a proximity, an intimate closeness. Here, we read that the Most High, the Almighty, beckons us to…
How Land Banks Could Harm Chariton County: A Closer Look at SB 388
Land banks, often hailed as a solution for revitalizing communities by managing tax-delinquent and vacant properties, may seem like a promising tool. However, for rural areas like Chariton County, Missouri, their implementation could introduce significant challenges that outweigh their potential benefits. Senate Bill 388, sponsored…
What Did God Say?
Genesis 3:1-3 “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, ‘Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?’ And the woman said to…
Will You Finish
Psalm 31:15 “My times are in Your hand….” Silly playground taunts are hard to forget. How about this one, “The last one in is a rotten egg!” Hearing that challenge always prompted us kids to get moving. Spiritually speaking, the lack of movement won’t make…
Heaven’s Wisdom
Proverbs 1:2 “To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding.”The bright prospect of new beginnings is one of the joys of the New Year. On the cusp of this coming year, what hopes, dreams, or concerns will you be bringing into it?…
Glory to God
Luke 2:13-14 “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” When an angel announced the birth of Christ to shepherds tending their sheep,…
Crown the Year!
Psalm 65:11 “You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.” Wherever the Lord journeys and thus leads, He enriches—His paths drip with abundance. The whole of this psalm reflects God’s grace and providence, and in it, we read of His…
Fearless
1 Peter 3:14-15 “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled’. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…” Walking with Christ is not for the faint of heart. It…
More Please!
Exodus 33:18 “…Please, show me Your glory.” The burning bush, the parting of the Red Sea, and the drowning Pharaoh’s army were not enough. Nor the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night or water supernaturally flowing from a rock. Not even God…
A Generous Helping of Thanks
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Discerning God’s will can be challenging sometimes, but the verse before us makes it easy to say, “Give thanks.” The writer doesn’t mean for us to…