I used to think that my behavior determined God’s love for me. That better attitudes and actions would result in God’s greater love and a better life. Now, while it’s true that living in obedience may prevent some of life’s immediate negative consequences . . . it’s not true that God’s love is affected by…
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)…
God is always at work in our lives. I think many imagine God far away, sitting on a throne, looking down on this big blue orb called Earth. But the Bible tells us that He is as close to us as our next breath. ♥ Fear not, for I am with you. (Isaiah 41:10)♥ The…
Every time I sit down to write, I feel overwhelmed because I want everyone who visits this space to know how God can change their lives the way He’s changed mine. No matter how you are feeling . . . on top of the world or in the pits of despair, I want you to…
Happy New Year! I think many of us were thankful to turn the calendar page and start the new year. Each January 1st, we dream of new opportunities, fresh starts, and endless possibilities. Have you made your list of goals and resolutions for the year? Last year, I made it a goal to write a…
I want to pause for a moment to say thank you! I want you to know that you have truly blessed me by reading and subscribing to Counting My Blessings. And I hope you have been blessed in return. In fact, that is my heartfelt prayer . . . to bless you and as many…
Happy New Year’s Eve Day! We made it! We’ve read and prayed the whole New Testament this year. When we began this journey in January, I was excited but a little nervous wondering if I’d be able to reach the goal. Today, I’m feeling overwhelmed and so very thankful and blessed. I’m thankful to the…
I’ll never forget the first time I saw this lesson… A pastor friend stood at the front of the congregation holding a tape measure. He looked out over the crowd and asked for a volunteer. He called a child up to the front and asked him to extend the tape just a quarter of an…
Many books and movies present a dastardly villain as part of the storyline. Readers and viewers are most satisfied when finally as the story comes to a close the villain is defeated and justice prevails. “Villain” does not even begin to describe satan. The dark, dark evils he has reigned down on the world and…
Are you ready to celebrate?!?! After messages of disasters and epic battles page after page . . . the last four chapters of Revelation, and the last four chapters of the Bible, lift us up with Heaven’s majesty and God’s complete and total victory! A victory that by His grace . . . you and…
The last verse of yesterday’s chapter (Revelation 17) says: This woman you saw in your vision represents the great city that rules over the kings of the world.” Revelation 17:18 Many have shared that one of the signs of the End Times is the idea of a “one-world” system of governing. One of those individuals…
Since the beginning of time, God has used people on earth to accomplish His purposes. Solomon wrote: You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21 You might believe you are too sinful or insignificant. You might believe that anything you do will be of little consequence. You shouldn’t! He chose a…
It’s a phrase that can send a parent’s nerves on edge… “That’s not fair!” Part of the problem is that it’s typically said in an annoying whiney voice. But of course, children do not have the corner on the “that’s not fair” market. Adults are often guilty of whining about fairness. Rev says, “Whining is…
I love reading and studying God’s Word. I love the way God’s love is communicated from Genesis through Revelation . . . His love given to His creation through the promise and ultimate victory of Jesus. I love the way the Holy Spirit guided 40 different writers to pen 60 books and letters over 1500…
Have you finished your Christmas shopping? Is everything wrapped and ready? I’ve shared with Rev that I knew writing through Revelation would be challenging. What I didn’t anticipate is that I would be writing about the times prior to Jesus’ second coming as we are preparing to remember and celebrate His first. Most years, I…
The other day, I noticed the following verse in Exodus… This annual festival [The Passover] will be a visible sign to you, like a mark branded on your hand or your forehead. Let it remind you always to recite this teaching of the Lord: ‘With a strong hand, the Lord rescued you from Egypt.’ Exodus 13:9 I love…
The Bible tells us that the devil is real. He knows his time to turn people away from Jesus is limited. He is intentionally tempting and persecuting the world
I often hear from people that they are struggling with feelings of fear and confusion as evil’s grip on the world appears to be growing ever stronger. Biblical truths that were once embraced by people are now being pushed aside in favor of beliefs that are blatantly and directly against God’s teachings and commands. And…
Jesus told His followers to be faithful and intentionally ready for His return… Everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Mark…
I sometimes wonder where we are in the end times spectrum. I wonder what if any events have taken place already and what the future will be like going forward. Rev and I were talking the other day, about the challenges of understanding John’s writing of God’s plan. There are some who take it literally…
The Bible tells us that God’s judgment is assured but that for those who love and trust Jesus they don’t need to be afraid because they are safe in His love.
