Author Archives: Don Schmidt

Ruth 1:20, 21 “Don’t call me Naomi, “she told them.” Call me Mara, (bitter) because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. 21 I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? … Continue reading →

Proverbs 9:10b  and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding Why is this happening?  Why did that happen?  How could that happen?  I don’t understand! How often are these expressions in our minds, on our lips and evidence of a … Continue reading →

Ephesians 5:10  and find out what pleases the Lord. There are 7 words in this verse and they present a thought and a command that is important beyond measure.  I’m embarrassed by the number of times I’ve read the book … Continue reading →

Matthew 6:1 “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. President Reagan had this wonderful plaque on his desk: … Continue reading →

Proverbs 20:12  Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both. Opportunities – they surround us each and every day.  How many righteous opportunities do we miss because we don’t perceive them?  How many unrighteous ones … Continue reading →

Psalm 130:6  My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. About 23 years ago, in our Sunday service, a song based on this verse was being sung.  The … Continue reading →

Psalm 42:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and 6 my God. Have you noticed that difficult situations can have a strong … Continue reading →

Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. These verses make me think of a pastoral picture.  Think of a large flower … Continue reading →

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. This verse really underscores the importance of the Scriptures and the critical role they play in our lives.  Their absence is debilitating while their presence is empowering.  … Continue reading →

Romans 12:20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” There are probably people in our lives that … Continue reading →