Wow, I’ve wrestled with this post… I shouldn’t be surprised, this forgiveness thing is hard. Something the Lord laid on my heart as I was working on this is the thought that many of us forgive from a “Law” perspective … one that believes “you have to forgive or God won’t forgive you.” And although,…
Almost everyone has a double standard when it comes to forgiveness. If you and I are being honest, we’d admit we want to be forgiven but often find it hard to forgive. And that’s especially true, when the offense has been life-changing or the offender continues to do things that cause us pain. But then…
So, how well are you resting? With all the discussion about the importance of self-care and taking time to rest… I wonder, how’s that going for you? I’m guessing that you, like many others, struggle to actually relax and rest occasionally … that’s why so many articles are being written and people are talking about…
How do you picture God? Who do you see when you pause to pray? A fireman who will put out the fires in your life?A genie or fairy godmother who will grant your every wish?A judge who will punish you when you fail?A hard to please parent who always expects more?An administrator who makes decisions…
Do you ever have times when your life’s circumstances seem impossible? Times when … your relationship is broken, or you can’t find a job, or your child is rebellious, or you can’t break a long-held bad habit, or your pain or illness is worsening, and life is just plain hard? Times when you wonder if…
I get discouraged sometimes praying the same prayer again and again. I need to remember that absolutely nothing is too hard for God.
I know God is good! I do! He’s proven His goodness in countless ways … everything from forgiving me through Jesus to countless everyday moments of provision and protection. And yet… I’ll be honest with you, there have been times in my life when circumstances were painful and waiting seemed to go on forever. Times…
How to use anniversaries and special occasions to remember that God is good, stop to be thankful for all He’s done and surrender the future in faith. #Remember #Faith #GodisLove #Hope #CountingMyBlessings
You and I can make a difference in the lives and influence of people in authority through humble prayer and surrendered hearts.
Ask the question – what politician do you hate the most..? and you’ll most likely find yourself in the middle of a heated discussion. Maybe there’s a better way…
I began 2018 with one word… SEEK! And one verse… Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need. Luke 12:31 And now, a year later I have decided SEEK will be my word for the rest of my life. I want to seek God above all else … to trust…
Tonight, you and I will turn the page on another year. How many times have you and I approached midnight thinking, “maybe next year.” The dreams and wishes of a New Year’s possibilities. But you and I have something far more valuable than dreams and wishes. You and I have hope! We have God’s unfailing…
What motivates you? Why do you get up and do what you do each day? Paul wrote: Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 I don’t know about you, but I fall short of that goal every single day. So today, I’m praying and asking… God, Please Help…
I love the anticipation of a new year. A clean calendar. A new beginning. A fresh start. But… When January 1st, 2nd, and 3rd arrive, I realize I’ve once again carried the junk of the past year with me into the new. The truth is the new year has the same great need … to…
I spent way too many years of my life terrified of “what ifs.” Life can be hard and bad things happen. And that thought that frequently sent my anxiety levels through the roof. Maybe you struggle with fear and anxiety. And maybe, just maybe, you’re tired of living with the knot in your stomach that’s…
It happened again the other day… I was scrolling through Facebook when I came upon a random conversation between pastors, kids of pastors, and members of churches about the recommended salaries for pastors next year. Unfortunately, the conversation got ugly. There were a few in the thread who felt it was more important to be…
Jesus promised that when He returned to heaven, God would send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit to guide His followers… But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26 I can’t imagine trying to figure out…
As families gather and we join together to celebrate… I’m stopping for a moment to simply pray. God, Thank You for the Gift of The Word Made Flesh Father God, King of kings and Lord of lords. Creator. Redeemer. Comforter. Father, Friend. Thank you! May I faithfully hold Your Word close to my heart and…
“Joy is a state of mind and an orientation of the heart. It is a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope. Joy isn’t just a smile or a laugh. Joy is something that is deep within and doesn’t leave quickly. Joy is given by God and something that He wants us to have…” ~ Theopedia…
Everyone seems to be a little more kind and gentle at this time of the year and we all love it… But Christmas passes and the new year begins and everything – goes – back – to – normal! Life overwhelms us, patience wanes, and we find ourselves being more negatively reactive than positively proactive….
If you’re like me, your level of patience is realized on a case by case basis. I can have “the patience of a saint.” I can also be like a spoiled child waiting for Christmas morning. It all depends on the circumstances and how often I’ve previously played my patience card on any given day….
