There is a lot of fear in the world today, as is appropriate. America, (and other countries), are in difficult times. There are lots of opinions about both what the answer is and what the problem is. All of the politicians and news pundits have their opinions about what needs to be done. The average Joe and Jane have their opinions and belief systems about our hard times. Some of these people even have TV shows talking about how they are “preparing for doomsday.” Christians too, have answers. Many Christians are speaking up about God’s continued judgement in difficult times …
Am I Still So Slow? A Pitiful Fallen Nature and His Resurrection Life
Am I really so slow to understand the truth about my fallen nature? I’m getting ready to change publishers and titles for Building Faith with Bible Pathway. I’ve been re-reading much of the material. The words about our “fallen nature” hit me. This is the nature we receive when we come into this world. This phrase is in my mind for several days. Most of the time I think I have this vague assumption that – I’m fine – I just need to try harder, then surely, I can overcome my problematic ways. Just try a little harder and pray …
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Life is… by Mother Teresa
Pastor Betzer (1st Assembly of God, Fort Myers) recently shared this gem of a poem from Mother Teresa. Life is… Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is costly, care for it. Life is wealth, keep it. Life is love, enjoy it. Life is mystery, know it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life …
How Good Are You at Receiving?
Sure. We like to think of ourselves as wonderful, generous givers! But the question is – how good are we at receiving? Giving is only half of the story. Are we able to receive gifts and help from others? Do we receive with enjoyment and thanks? Do we receive graciously? I have a loved one who through the years has given much to me and been a great help. She has babysat our boys, brought meals, and cleaned my kitchen. She would not just feed and love our dog while we were on vacation, she would nap at our house …
Somedays I Get His Truth!
I try to understand God’s love for me, amidst circumstances that trouble and perplex me and make me stretch to find His goodness and grace in the difficulty of it all. I try to live like I fully get His love – with it’s forgiveness and grace, but at times it shows that I’m not fully comfortable living in His grace just yet. This is because I have God’s truth all muddled. More often than not, I’m still striving to live a life of righteousness and perfection, (not grace). This wearies my soul and steals my joy. And it looks …
Trusting, Believing for all Things
Don’t be afraid. Just Believe. Mark 5:36 Daughter, your faith has healed you. Mark 5:34 This faith, believing thing is hard and amazing. When I’m fearful, doubtful, unbelieving, and afraid I know I must go to Scripture and secure a promise and a seed within God’s Word. I must grab hold and not let go. Like the lady did in pursuing Jesus through a jostling, pushing crowd, she kept reaching for Him, determined to touch His cloak, trusting that His power was more than enough for her to be healed by Him. Like those who risked being ridiculed, laughed …
God’s Word Is – a Poem
Truth-prevailing, Christ-revealing. Life-giving, grace-overflowing. Are you reading it? Faith-producing, hope-building, strength-fortifying, joy-increasing. Sin-cleansing, motive-purifying, heart-renewing, mind-transforming. Abundance-providing. Righteousness-empowering, guidance-granting, light-shining. Physical, emotional, relational-healing. Satan-defeating, mountain-moving, outcome-changing. Prayer-answering, fear-conquering, peace-giving, love-growing, protection-securing. Confidence-preparing, inheritance-providing. Seed-planting, soul-harvesting. God’s Spirit-prevailing. All-Powerful, Ever-Enduring. Wonderfully-proven. God’s plan-revealing, His Word. Are you soaking in it, growing in it – every day? The Word. Pond Photo Credit: http://pollywogcreek.blogspot.com/ Butterfly Photo: istock Photo account
Entering Into God’s Protection and Care
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 Even though this is a pretty big promise, it’s easy to blow past the truth and consequently miss the full impact and comfort that David and God intended for us to have from these words. I have a couple of issues and questions concerning these words, so I pause and break this promise down into bite size truths to consider. Here’s my thoughts as I work through to God’s promise. The shelter of the Most High. A shelter means that …
Building Faith with Bible Pathway – sample – New Testament Reading
Building Faith for Bible Pathway is part guide book, part devotional book that helps you read straight through the entire Bible in one year. It helped (and still helps) me to read the Bible and increase my faith. I was given the opportunity to bring it back to print. It’s now available for purchase at Amazon and other book stores. You may also see the sidebar on my website. Here is an excerpt (December 25) from when we are in the New Testament. A reader would begin with the daily guide (below) and then read the Scripture chapters listed – …
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Reading the Bible – Seeking God – Don’t Give Up
Don’t Give Up – If You Want to Read the Bible Maybe you’ve tried to read the Bible before and given up. I encourage you – try again. Don’t quit. Keep trying. Persevere. Find a way to read the Bible that works for you, because there are faith-increasing and life-giving – promises and surprises – in store for you if you don’t give up. Yes, I’m a Christian who loves God and follows Christ. I know that God is at work in me. But there are times that I’ve struggled with God and with His Word. Usually when life or …