I can be really hard on myself. I’m critical of my appearance and beat myself up over my failures to trust and obey God’s will. The enemy of our souls is constantly reminding me of all the ways I’m not measuring up. Please tell me I’m not alone. I need a constant reminder of who…
I used to think that God’s love for me was determined by my behavior. That a better attitude 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…
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…
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…
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 love the way Jude began his letter: This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ. Jude 1:1 The brother of James…
How would you like to know the truth and live with love? It sounds awesome, doesn’t it? When you and I know the truth, doubt is removed . . . and when we live loved, we feel safe and secure. Everyone thrives under those conditions. So, I guess we really shouldn’t be surprised that the…
John is called the Apostle of love. When he wrote this letter “many believers were conforming to the world’s standards, failing to stand up for Christ and compromising their faith.” (LAB Notes) Sound familiar? He wanted to point people back to the truth . . . reminding readers of God’s love for them, he wanted…
My favorite chapter of the Bible is John 17. It blesses my faith every time I read I read Jesus prayer for His followers to be safe, strong, and united. Rev’s favorite chapter is Romans 8, and honestly it is a close second for me . . . a chapter full of God’s promises to…
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…
What do you do when you feel like God is the One who is allowing your pain and suffering? You’ve prayed to get well, to be free of pain, for a healed relationship . . . for the desire of your heart. The Bible says, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.” Psalm 37:4…
Do you trust God’s goodness? We say God is good, but do we really believe it? I recently shared this on social media… After you have suffered a little while, [God] will restore, support, and strengthen you. 1 Peter 5:10 And an individual responded by saying … “a load of nonsense.” I don’t think you…
I believe we all want to be emotionally healthy … and there are several things required to make that desire a reality. Those things are a need for love, security, and significance. The need to be valued! And I believe we are hardwired by God with this need for two very important reasons… He is…
I have the January blahs! I began the year with all the normal enthusiasm that comes with a fresh start. Three weeks ago, I had a writing plan that excited me, a healthy diet and exercise plan that seemed doable, books I couldn’t wait to read, family and friends who delighted me … I was…
Jesus said… Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 He taught His followers to pray… May Your Kingdom come! Matthew 6:10 And I realized, I wasn’t sure I knew what to say if someone asked me to explain the Kingdom of God or…
I have a hard time getting my brain around all that this day we call “Good Friday” embraces. When I think about the betrayals and denials, trials and lashes, a crown of thorns and crowds shouting “crucify Him” … all pieces of the day that Jesus suffered and died. How can we call it ……
The cards, flowers, chocolate, and “I love yous” have all been shared. And yet, I wonder how many of us are left longing because someone left us wanting … failing to fill us up the way we expected, hoped or believed we needed. I keep thinking about Jenny Lind’s song in The Greatest Showman… All…
Love… It’s a fickle thing, isn’t it? We don’t want it to be. In fact, most people are desperately looking for a love that is guaranteed to last. Oh, we promise to love our spouse forever but nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. We hope our families will remain united and loving from…
Earlier this week, I shared a post about an email exchange I had with a reader who said… “I’ve had a problem all of my adult years. I’ve been unable to feel God’s love.” You can read the rest here. I could relate to her email … I’ve had times when God felt distant and…
Earlier this summer I received the following email from a reader… I’ve had a problem all of my adult years. I’ve been unable to feel God’s love. He is always very remote for me. I have almost constant feelings of guilt. I try to be a Christ-like person, but too often fall short in my…
I need God’s forgiveness! No matter how hard I try, I mess up the obedience and love part of my life every single day! I don’t obey God the way He wants me to. I don’t even obey Him the way I want to. I tell Him how much I love Him but with all my heart, soul,…
