We’ve been talking about the truth that God loves it when His children are happy and that He is the One who is able to make happiness happen. No, not by giving us the earthly things we want but by giving Himself to us. When you and I SEEK [Him] and His kingdom and when…
So, how’s your character? I looked up both positive and negative character traits and discovered… Positive traits like compassion, kindness, humility, honesty, and self-control. And Negative traits like arrogance, rudeness, laziness, selfishness, and abrasiveness. So those are character traits but… What exactly is a person’s character? The word character comes from the Greek word “χαρακτήρα”,…
What makes a healthy trusting relationship? Not just between husband and wife, but with family members and friends, too. Rev and I talked about this recently and determined that we believe trust is essential in all healthy relationships. So, we made a list of things we believe are important to maintain the trust that is…
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 ….
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
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…
What thoughts float through your mind whenever the subject of the Commandments comes up? Are you guilty? Uncomfortable? Disinterested? Proud? Do you believe there are a couple that are antiquated and just don’t apply anymore? Do you ever mentally run through the list and think, “Hmm, I’m doing a pretty good job?” Whatever your reaction…
Christ came at just the right time. Not early. Not late. At just the right time. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Romans 5:6 Are you waiting on God? Do you wonder if, with all that’s going on in the world, your circumstances are too…
Fourteen years ago, our friends started calling us a “high maintenance prayer family.” It seemed like we were experiencing one crisis after another. Some of the circumstances were the results of other people’s choices, a few caused by decisions we made, and some were simply health problems allowed by God. As is typical of life,…
“Do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 Paul wrote these words as part of his final instructions in his first letter to the church in Corinth. The Greek word for love in this verse is “agape” . . . love that is: Unconcerned with the self and concerned with the greatest good of another. Agape isn’t born…
Do you remember Eric Liddell’s famous quote from Chariot’s of Fire? “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast!And when I run I feel His pleasure.” ~Eric Liddell That’s not me. I am not fast. I was the kid that was picked last for every team. But… I do have…
A few years ago, I made SEEK my word for the rest of my life. In fact, Rev bought me a bracelet that has the words SEEK FIRST written on it, based on the verse… Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 16:33 (NIV)…
I’ve been a member of two different churches during a time of disagreement that caused a split among the members. One split over worship style and the other over the pending location of the new worship center. Sadly, Christians have been disagreeing and separating since the early days of the church. Peter gave the following…
We used to live near a “Berean” church. And Rev and I think it’s was one of the best names ever for a Christian church. Here’s why: The people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if…
I’ll admit, it’s easier to simply focus on Jesus love and acceptance . . . to repeat His Gospel promises and ignore His the truth of His life-changing commands. It’s more comfortable to say there is no sin, no devil, no hell, and no need for repentance but that wouldn’t be the truth. Jesus challenged…
Can you relate to just wanting a break from satan’s relentless temptations and taunts? Do you ever feel like you could really use a break from his constant reminders of the pain you have suffered because of your past failures or someone else’s? Me too! It drives me crazy when I’m having a great day…
Jesus and His inner circle had just descended from the mountain of Transfiguration. And talk about a mountain top experience! Can you imagine witnessing Jesus in His GLORY standing and talking with Moses and Elijah? It’s hard to envision, isn’t it? The next verses are easier to for me to get my brain around as…
Okay, I’ll admit it, I wasn’t feeling very thankful. In my defense, I was pregnant and my raging hormones were definitely affecting my attitude. It seems silly in retrospect, but there I was standing in our closet grumbling to myself as I moved Rev’s suit jackets and dress pants from wire hangers back to the…
I began intentionally blessing counting more than a dozen years ago. Not because I was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy but because I was overwhelmed by sadness. I realized that if I didn’t start intentionally noticing the good things God was doing in my life I might drown in sorrow. Living each day miserable and…
