"... be prepared in season and out of season" 2 Timothy 4:2
Seasons change. Sometimes, our skies are blue, the birds sing, the sun warms our spirits, and we are filled with such joy that we nearly bust from the sheer blessing of being alive. Those times can quickly fade though, and we are often left with chilling pain and questions about today or..."Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” And [the Lord] said, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here." - Exodus 33:13- 15
I love this dialogue! Moses says to the Lord, “show me Your way,” not “look at my way, this is the way I want to go.” In fact, he continues by telling the Lord, “if You do not go with us, I want no part of it. I only want to be where you are.” So many times, prayers are offered asking God to bless..."A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp." 1 Samuel 17:4
What discourages you? What keeps you from being all that you can be? Think about that for a moment. Now ask yourself, “Have I made agreements with my discouragements?” “Have I given up, listened to their lies, and allowed them to ruin my joy and defeat me?” Most describe Goliath as a man of..."Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:13
I love the holidays – especially Christmas – spending time with family and friends. It’s so much fun to get together with those you love. Laughing…Sharing…The warmth of the fire place. But the real blessing comes when you are able to give to someone who’s in need. When you do, you are the..."... Acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you..." 1 Chronicles 28:9
I know I’m getting older now but most of you can probably hum with me a few lines from the hit song in Grease called Hopelessly Devoted: “Hold on to the end, that’s what I intend to do…I’m hopelessly devoted to you.” Ah, love songs. One love-stricken person pouring out his or her heart to another...."Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." Psalm 23:4
Loss is a part of life. In a way, we must learn how to become “winners” at the fine art of “losing” to make it through. We must find a way to face losses, grieve, and continue living. Sounds like a really sad formula doesn’t it? But it’s the reality of life. That’s why I believe God carefully...“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Male, Female, Young, Old, Tall, Short, Famous, Common…just to name a few. For some, their hero may be a family member or friend. For others, their hero is a celebrity or a famous athlete. In the military, the Purple Heart is given when a soldier completes an...“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 nkjv
When people – your kids, family, friends – look at you, what do they see? How would they describe you? What words would they use? Kind? Gentle? Loving? Grouchy? Distant? Busy? Christlike?Think of life this way – God has given my spouse to me because He wants to work through me to make him...“The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord.” Psalm 45:11
Have you ever looked in the mirror at crazy hair? Frustrated. Aggravated. Tense. You swear you’re not going to resign to the bad hair day; instead, you pull your hair up or put on a hat. Or, have you looked out the window you glare into gloomy, cold weather and realize you need some kind of...“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:15-16
“Grace” is one of the most beautiful words I have ever heard. If someone were to describe me, I hope the word “grace” would be used in their description. Grace is a quality pleasing for its charm. Grace is attractive. Desirable. An ‘unmerited favor.’ Grace is a favor rendered by one who need..."Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10 NIV
God has given each of us, by His grace, a gift—a spiritual gift. And since we have received the gift by grace, we are to use it in service to others. I’ve heard this concept compared to a waitress at a restaurant. A waitress offers food to guests, not with pride because she didn’t prepare the food..."The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands." Psalm 138:8 esv
Have you lost the focus in your life? Are you bogged down in the mundane and the routine? Are you bored and seeking excitement in the wrong places with the wrong people? Does your life seem to have no point or meaning? Well, I’ve got some good news for you. Nothing is wasted with God. He uses every...
