Can you imagine what it must have been like to be the disciples sailing across the Sea of Galilee in the middle of the night . . . when Jesus approaches walking on the water. I can’t imagine all the emotions the disciples were feeling. They had received word that John the Baptist had been…
Remember Matthew 6:33: Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. If you haven’t memorized it already . . . it’s a really great verse to hold in your heart. Why? Because SEEKing is important. Jesus said: I speak to them in parables, because seeing…
What do you do when you read a section of Scripture that makes you uncomfortable? I knew some parts would be uncomfortable and harder to write about when I committed to reading and writing every chapter of the New Testament this year but I was hoping it would take a little longer. I’m a first-born,…
I ask God faithfully to make me “childlike.” Unfortunately, too often I give in to childish rather than childlike. Why do I ask to be childlike? Because Jesus said: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to…
Do you ever worry about the possibility of persecution that may be ahead for those who follow Christ? For years, it seemed like Christians living in the United States were given a pass from the persecution Jesus’ followers were facing in other parts of the world. In the past year, around the world: – Over…
Can you imagine? As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed Him. Matthew 9:9 It sounds so simple… But following Jesus meant that Matthew would have to walk away from a less…
In this season of Covid and all of the physical and mental suffering that has gone with it . . . can you imagine finding out there is a healer in town? That just a simple word or a touch could cure you or your loved one of any ailment? Wouldn’t you do just about…
Wow, Matthew 7 contains words of Jesus that everyone seems to know . . . no matter what they believe. Words that many love to apply to others but don’t want to apply to themselves. Like… “Do not judge others and you will not be judged.” Matthew 7:1 And… “Do to others whatever you would…
One of the things I love about reading Scripture is that it speaks to every intelligence level and personality type. It’s everything you and I need. How is that possible? Because… The word of God is alive and active. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) God’s Word is living and powerful, able to change lives because God’s Holy…
I refer to myself as “Blessing Counter” on all social media platforms. So, the question I want to ask today is . . . what exactly is a blessing? Or to put it another way… What is being blessed? The Dictionary defines a blessing as: a special favor, mercy, or benefit. a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness. the invoking of…
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…
Rev used an egg to explain God, the Trinity, to our grandson the other day. ONE EGG contains – shell, yolk, and the albumen or “white.” Together it is an egg and each individual part is still called an egg. Not three eggs but one egg. The Father is God. Jesus is God. And the…
Many people in the U.S. have their focus on the leadership decisions that will be happening tomorrow but did you know tomorrow is also Epiphany – the day we pause to remember those who were wise. “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to…
This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham. Matthew 1:1 One of the things I love about Matthew 1 is the record of Jesus’ ancestors. It includes Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and Solomon, but it also includes Rahab, the prostitute, who was mother of Boaz…
Happy New Year! A couple of years ago, I selected the word “SEEK” my life word because I have realized it’s easier to say I want to seek God first and give Him complete control of my life—than it is to actually do it! I’ve also learned that it’s easier to say I want to…
I recently reread Priscilla Shirer’s book – Fervent. This time I added a journal . . . taking notes and writing prayers. I have felt the need to go to battle in my war room more often lately because everywhere I look it seems like the enemy is ramping up his attacks on the people…
Has your life changed because of Jesus? I wonder if we sometimes resist growing closer to Jesus because we don’t like the idea of change. I bought our dog, Sadie, new dog dishes the other day because I was told that the ones that are elevated off the floor are healthier and better for their…
Who is the God-Man – Jesus? In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. John 1:1–3 Jesus is the Word made flesh . . . God-Man. 100%…
It’s been a hard year for so many of us. Our list of reasons to be unsettled and unhappy seem to linger week after week after week. Isolation and loneliness are simply not what God intended for us and for some reason it feels even harder at Christmastime when we typically look forward to our…
Have you ever doubted God’s love or His willingness to care for you? Maybe you had a heart’s desire prayer that He didn’t answer as you’d hoped. Maybe one of His followers broke your heart or betrayed you and you blamed God. Maybe life’s circumstances have you in a pit of despair and you feel…
Many of us are feeling sad and lonely this year. It’s been hard to wear masks and isolate ourselves from those we love and care about. I don’t think we ever imagined this virus would still be keeping us apart all these many months later. We’re being asked to forgo our traditional holiday celebrations and…
