The 4th of July is celebrated as Independence day in America. So, what does it mean to be independent? 1. Not subject to control by others: self-governing.2. Not requiring or relying on someone or something else. Synonyms for independence are: self-sufficient, self-reliant, self-supported, and self-sustaining . . . the ability to live in freedom. On July…
So you’ve kept every New Year’s resolution perfectly, right? You… lost weight. exercised faithfully. managed your budget. organized your house. perfected your planner. volunteered regularly. faithfully spent time each day in Bible Study and Prayer. spent time with friends and family. Or maybe you didn’t. Maybe you need a mid-year re-resolution party, a do-over ….
Would you say you’re living with enthusiasm? What makes you enthusiastic? The word enthusiasm is made up of two little Greek words . . . en and theos. “En” is the Greek word for within or in, and “theos” is the Greek word for God. So “enthusiasm” literally means to be “full of or in God.” It shouldn’t…
Do you ever feel like everywhere you look, the world is in crisis? You will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many…
When is the last time you took an inventory of your strengths and weaknesses? Do you feel like you’re swimming in jello? Maybe it’s because you are overwhelmed by a routine that is forcing you to get through the day using your weaknesses rather than your strengths. I find that it’s easy for me to…
Sometimes it feels like conflict surrounds us. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” But what does it take to be someone who makes peace? Let’s talk… #Peacemakers #BibleStudy #Relationships #Blessings
The battle against life’s temptation is constant. There is a daily battle between selfishness and love. Today we’re turning to the only One who can help us. #Faith #Forgiveness #Godsgrace #Blessings
Have you ever noticed that we spend Mother’s Day telling moms they’re wonderful? We honor them with love through gifts and attention. The goal is to make moms feel appreciated for all they do and celebrate their role in the lives of their children and their influence on society. And that’s great! But there is…
When is the last time you thanked God for His gift of mercy? In my last post, I shared my favorite definitions for God’s mercy and grace in my life… God’s Grace is – God giving me what I don’t deserve.God’s Mercy is – God not giving me what I do deserve. The American Heritage Dictionary…
People who trust and follow Jesus use the word “grace” often. We’re told that “grace” is an essential part of faith but what exactly is grace? The Dictionary defines grace: Miriam Webster Dictionary – “the unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification.” The Oxford Dictionary – “the free and unmerited favour of…
What is hope? Is it possible to have hope that will last forever or does hope merely ebb and flow? Hope is defined as: 1. The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.2. The feeling that something desired might happen. (Dictionary.com) But for the follower of…
Is your inner voice your friend or foe? Do the majority of your thoughts encourage or discourage you? I ask because the important truth is . . . you and I will believe whatever we tell ourselves most often. There are many voices that will tell you that you need to follow your inner voice but that’s only…
Rev recently shared the following section from the book, Life Support by Robert Whitlow, with me: And the Holy Spirit moved across Alexia Lindale’s heart. It was a divine moment — a delayed response to the faith-filled prayers of an Ohio farm wife who had quietly walked in the upstairs bedroom where her dark-haired granddaughter…
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the way we talk to each other. Maybe it’s because of what I see as I scroll through social media. I’ve received comments like: A belief in god is the antithesis of all that it is to be human. Prefabricated prayers are offensive to God. Religion divides the…
We are connected to more people than at any other time in history and yet, more people say they struggle with feelings of anxiety, stress, loneliness, sadness, and low self-esteem than ever before. So, let me ask… How are you doing in the fight against loneliness? I want you to know today that you are…
We’re remembering those who gave their lives and paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Come and tell us who you are remembering today…
It is especially hard to wait for a much-needed prayer to be answered. Yet, God promises to give strength and hope daily even when the wait is long. #Waiting #BibleStudy #Faith #Prayer #Blessings
I was finishing my regular morning Bible Study and prayer time when I paused to ask God what He wanted me to write . . . what He wanted me to share with you. And my spirit heard Him say… “Tell them how much I love them.” My initial response was… “Lord, don’t they already…
I used to wake our children up by singing – “Rise and shine and give God the glory! Children of the Lord!” They loved it when they were little . . . not so much when they were teens. This morning I awakened with the words of Isaiah 60:1 running through my mind… Arise, shine,…
On a scale of 1 to 10 – if 1 = perfect peace and 10 = all-consuming anxiety… How are you doing? I want to be around 1 or 2 but if I’m being honest . . . I often run somewhere above 5. We live in a hurry—late for everything, behind on payments, racing…
Everyone loves a compliment or a good pat on the back but what if that compliment is just flattery? Flattery is defined as: Excessive or insincere praise. You know I had to turn to God’s Word to learn what He has to say about it. And I found that Jesus’ half-brother Jude wrote: These people…
