Liz Bell

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD.” Isaiah 55:8 (ESV). I often think of this scripture.  I need it written in my mind and on my heart, so I not only remember it, but live by it.  But do I totally live this and trust in God, who sees clearly my path and the obstacles that may obscure my way?   Do I live in this surrender? As I read through the Old Testament, I see this scripture woven throughout the stories of the lives of those who came before u[...]

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23(ESV). "Speak to me, O LORD Speak the words I need to know. Speak Your wonderful Words of truth, As my faith continues to grow. Speak all knowledge and wisdom of You And open my heart each day, So I hear Your voice in the morning, And know what Your Word will say." After listening to Pastor Lori's teaching on September 9th, I felt a nudge to seek something deeper. Although I wasn't sure what I was looking for[...]

“FOR I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES, AND AT THE LAST HE WILL STAND UPON THE EARTH.”(Job 29:25). "OUT OF THE WRECK I RISE!" This quote is from a poem by Robert Browning called 'Ixion.' Although I didn't read the entire poem, I found the basic meaning intriguing. Browning imagines Ixion, the title character, rising out of hell after gaining insight into his wrongdoings. This made me think of the Apostle Paul. He would not have risen if it weren't for his encounter with Christ—a remarkable transformation.[...]

“Beware of False Prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inward are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits…" Matthew 7:15-16(ESV). It was a beautiful, warm, and sunny spring afternoon as I sat on my deck, taking note of the fragrance in the air. My eyes drifted to our fruit trees. I smiled at the cherry tree, noticing it had more blossoms than the previous year. Wow, our pear tree was also flourishing, blooming from the top branch down to the lower tips. Simply beautiful! I ea[...]

"Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them." Jeremiah 5:14 (KJV). This past Christmas, I received a book by Billy Graham titled *Hear My Heart: What Would I Say to You*. I don't often quote from the King James Version, but I want to share excerpts from this great evangelist, who often spoke from this version of God's Word. One part of his story profoundly moved me. In a section of his[...]

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart..." (Jeremiah 1:5) There is something profoundly beautiful about this scripture. It has inspired me and filled my heart with joy. While God may not have set us apart like He did Jeremiah, He has chosen each of us for a purpose. As we are reminded in 1 Peter 2:9, we are chosen by God; we are His very own, called to represent Him to others. He has always seen us as valuable and precious. We are His treasure, dearly loved, and o[...]

"Trust the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your path" Proverbs 3:5-6(ESV). THE WEAVER --- CORRIE TEN BOOM 'MY LIFE IS BUT A WEAVING BETWEEN MY GOD AND ME, I CANNOT CHOOSE THE COLOURS HE WEAVETH STEADILY. OFT TIMES HE WEAVETH SORROW, AND I IN FOOLISH PRIDE FORGET HE SEES THE UPPER, AND I THE UNDERSIDE. NOT ‘'TIL THE LOOM IS SILENT AND THE SHUTTLES CEASE TO FLY WILL GOD UNROLL THE CANVAS AND REVEAL THE REA[...]

"PRAY WITHOUT CEASING"… 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I use busyness as an excuse not to spend even five minutes with You. I often say I'll do it later, but later comes and goes without me taking that time. I know I need God every day and in everything, so He is the first priority in my day. I don't want to wait until trouble comes, as I don't know when it might sneak up on me. I also don't want to wait until later to thank the Lord for His continuous transformation and re[...]

"I call on the LORD in my distress, and He answers me." Psalm 120:1 I can't even count how many times I have cried out to the LORD, who answered me in my distress. I love how He shows up in the very instant of my despair. I know God doesn't just visit. He dwells with us. He is so faithful.   His thoughts towards His children are so wonderful—our perfect heavenly Father. But there are times I fail to remember this. In my prideful way, I believe I'm strong enough to carry my grief and hurt. I forget to cas[...]

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22(ESV). “What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry, Everything to God in prayer…..” The above text is from a gentle song, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” written as a poem by an Irish-Canadian, Joseph Sc[...]