"My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God's grace for you. Stand firm in this grace. "1 Peter 5:12 NLT Stand firm in God's grace for you! Since nothing can separate us from the love of God except ourselves, our own choices, then let's choose not to forfeit the[...]
“Where did you stay in Mexico?” an acquaintance asked me one day while tanning at the pool. She had been looking for a place to snowbird for two months and wanted my recommendation. “I like to know that someone has been there and enjoyed it,” she said. While our winter vacations are limited to a week, I still research[...]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."Proverbs 3:5-6(NIV). This month we are focusing on being a disciplined disciple who is dependent on God. As I share some of my thoughts on this idea, I encourage you to let your h[...]
Dependency. Over the years, this word has gained much negative press. We have heard about drug and alcohol dependency running rampant in our society. We have also heard of co-dependency disrupting our social and romantic relationships. Yet, we are called in Scripture to be “dependent” upon God. The word seems to be at odds[...]
Matthew 26: 73 – “After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” In my recent bible reading in the book of Matthew, I came across the familiar story of Peter denying Jesus three times. This time, the Holy Spirit really illuminated verse 73[...]
"They said to him, 'John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.' Jesus answered, 'Can you make the friends of the Bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the Bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.'" Luke[...]
"And consider today (since I am not speaking to your children who have not known or seen it), consider the discipline[a] of the Lord your God, his greatness, his mighty hand and his outstretched arm." Deuteronomy 12:2 (ESV). And consider today (since I am not speaking to your children who have not known or seen it), consider[...]
Sin can occur on an individual level and be evident on a societal level. Here is a question I have been asking myself these past few years. Q: Do I believe what Jesus said about division? “Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. Matthew 12:25 (C[...]
"God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 (NLT). As I read this verse today, I heard God telling me that there is more to come; even in this life, there are greater things to come. Hold fast to the hope[...]
The other day I was rummaging around in my closet and came across a shirt that I hadn't seen in a long time. It had been so long since I had laid eyes on it that I had forgotten that I had it! Yet, at one time, it had been a focal point for me - worn at least once or twice weekly. I sometimes wonder if our freedom in and throug[...]