Not long ago, I had one of those “AHA” moments when I realized that there’s something Christians often get wrong. I know I’ve had times when I’ve gotten it wrong. What is IT? Obedience. James wrote… For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James 2:26…
Last Friday’s prayer post gave us 5 verses to prayerfully start the day with hope and today we’re focusing on our evening prayers… I’ve learned that as thankful as I am for the blessing of a fresh start each morning and hopeful about the day ahead, I’m well aware at the end of the day…
School starts soon in our area and I’ve always believed that these last days of summer break are the perfect time to do a life assessment and determine if some self-improvement changes need to be made. If you need to change your life, improve your routine, get more organized, and enjoy more peace … this…
Manufacturers and advertisers make their money telling us we’re not good enough… Not… Of course, we need their products to change all that and reach whatever culture tells us is the recommended idea of perfection. There’s one thing that’s not on that list. Something the enemy wants us to believe about ourselves. Something he loves…
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up each morning? Some people say their first alert moments are spent talking with the Lord. I wish I could say that but my morning begins with puppy kisses from a furball who urgently needs to go outside. When I’m back inside, I start the coffee…
What do you do when you’re having a hard day? Do you call a friend? Go back to bed? Sit in the pantry? I often return to quotes, verses, and prayers that have blessed me in the past. So today, I’m turning to some quotes from C. S. Lewis, adding well-loved verses, and going to…
God’s love is perfect! The Apostle John put it like this… Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God has God living inside, and that person lives in God. And so we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love. Those who live in love live in…
Where do you go and what do you do when you are lonely? Loneliness is considered a state of mind … a feeling of undesired isolation or insufficient connection, whether alone or in a crowd. New moms, students at a new school, newly diagnosed patients, new widows and widowers, recently divorced, and empty nesters are…
Self-love can be defined as anything from the proper regard for and attention to one’s own well-being to inflated love or pride a.k.a. narcissism. Wikipedia says it can be considered a basic human necessity or a moral flaw. Psych Central focuses on the positive saying… “Self-love means that you accept yourself fully, treat yourself with…
Whenever I see something about this on social media, I wonder how many people know the truth about submission. I’d like you to imagine for a minute that you’ve arranged everything so you can be away from your family overnight. You drive to the retreat center, check in, and greet your friends when you find…
When was the last time your senses made you more aware of the goodness of God? God gave us senses to experience all that He created more fully. Hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch are all ways to take in the world around us. And it fascinates me how often my emotions are triggered by…
It’s not easy to trust God’s love when He says “no” to our wants and desires. I can remember how frustrated I would get as a child when… I just wanted to lay on the couch and watch TV but my dad insisted I cut the grass or wash the car. Of course, practicing the…
How much time do you spend remembering? I still remember the Sunday morning Rev began our Bible Class by looking at me and asking… “Do you remember…” Before he had time to finish the question, I quipped, “I don’t know, did I cry?” The group burst into laughter as they knew me well … I’m…
When the sun is shining and life is perfect we’re less likely to believe we need God’s help. When our days are comfortable and happy, it’s easy to feel self-sufficient and confident. If you’re like me, you may even have a short list of things you’re convinced you can handle independently. Minor things God has…
Have you ever read or heard something that completely changed your worldview and how you live your life? It may have been a word about… We get information through books, articles, friends, teachers, “experts,” and internet searches … sources from which we form our ideas and opinions. And those ideas and opinions become our beliefs and the…
How often do you feel like your words are falling on deaf ears? How would you like to be a better listener? I learned a long time ago if I want to pay attention to the people I’m with I need to turn away from all competing distracters. I don’t know if I have ADD…
I want to be free and I’m guessing it’s something you want too. Jesus said… “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:31–32, 36 Based on…
We call it Independence Day … the day we remember that living free in America is a blessing. I’ve shared the story before of my wrong answer to a newscaster who caught me on the street and asked me about the historical reason for celebrating the 4th of July. I completely forgot everything I’d learned…
Don’t you wish liars’ noses grew and their pants did catch on fire? It would be much easier to confidently know the truth if we could quickly identify and reject lies and deception. I’ve shared before how much I hate lying. It seems like our culture assumes it’s just part of life but look at…
What is the most delightful relationship? Let’s begin by asking… Who or what delights you? Who or what fills you with joy and happiness? Did you know the Bible says the Lord delights in you? He takes joy in everyone who loves Him through His Son, Jesus. You give Him pleasure. How cool is that?!…
Imagine . . . you’ve dreamt about it forever and saved for as long as you can remember. You’ve planned, purchased, and packed. Finally, it’s time to go and you’re beyond excited. Tired and stressed, but enthusiastic and filled with anticipation. You’re about to spend a week with your family making wonderful memories together in (insert dream destination here)….
