I have a family member/friend who struggles often with defensiveness. I try to give of myself and work to find compromises between our differences, but she often attributes wrong motives to me. If I try to ask something of her, no matter how I ask it, or share my feelings, she gets all bristly and thinks I’m out to “get her.” She has no understanding of how much I work at reaching out to her and loving her. It hurts. I think God must feel that way with us. He loves us and wants to share Himself with us. He …
Compass Setting or Drifting
The person who is victorious purposefully sets his compass towards God. He studies His word and clings desperately to God, knowing that in God is life and all good things – and the only sure way out of trouble. If we allow ourselves to drift – we are swept away from – not towards God. We think it is all God and we keep waiting for Him, but we have to do our part – seeking, asking, studying, praying (talking to God), receiving forgiveness, giving forgiveness, following His commands, and learning about this One who saves and loves fully, not …
I Want to Be in God’s Family Album and Brag Book…
I went downstairs for coffee early one morning at a conference in Denver and was very much looking forward to enjoying a quiet morning with God and His Word. I settled into a roomy, comfortable chair with my coffee and papers, books and pens. (I always hope to travel light – but never quite pull it off.) Opening my books and settling back, I took a deep breath, enjoying my spot. Just then two ladies came and decided that out of all the places they could sit, this was the perfect spot for the two of them – to talk. …
Seek Faithfulness Over and Above Tangible Results
“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20 We want results. God wants faithfulness – regardless of the results that we do or don’t get. We want to rejoice in what we’ve done and in successful service – in something we can see, count, measure, touch. But what God counts as worthy is our relationship to Him. Have we believed Him? Are we faithful to Him? Are we being faithful and steadfast – waiting for Him – even when the waves and trials come crashing in on …
What Do You Like to Do?
Would you like to do something with purpose? Something more for God? Would you like to develop your gifts and interests? I’m here to encourage you to “go for it.” What do you like to do? What one thing comes to mind and then you think, “But I could never do that.” That’s probably it. What’s the one thing that you think, “Someone should….” These are clues. And small is good. Ordinary is great. One person at a time is terrific. Even needing Jesus’ help is spot on. Be willing to put your toe in the water without knowing how it will work all work out, without knowing the …
You and I Doing the Missionary Stuff
A couple of years ago I traveled from Southwest Florida to Romania for a short mission trip with our church’s Recovery group called, Discovery. Yes – I was way out of my comfort zone. We had several meetings, prior to leaving, to help prepare us for what to expect and what we would be doing while there. One of our leaders shared the question that he gets asked the most: “When do we get to do the missionary stuff?” His response? “Be quiet, alert, and aware, you’re doing it now.” Then he shared the list of our most important missionary …
Redeemed by God – Of Surprising Worth and Great Value
Thinking on It… Sometimes I come across words or concepts in the Bible that I just can’t get my head around. I find myself pondering on them and trying to understand them further. One day reading the Bible, I came across the word redeemed. I thought I knew what it meant, but I wasn’t sure. My dad always kept a dictionary by his chair and reached for it frequently, looking up words in the middle of conversations or in the middle of reading articles to make sure he had the right meaning. Thinking of him reaching for his dictionary, I …
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Finding Comfort in God – Psalm 34
Comfort and Peace in God’s Word In God’s word there is hard truth as well as tenderness and hope. We find the fear of the Lord – and we find His comfort and peace. God does promise comfort and peace in His Word and in Christ. When I was struggling with painful circumstances in my life and loads of questions, a friend shared with me Psalm 34. She explained how it much it meant to her and how it helped her greatly. It has sustained me and taught me much and so I share it with you. When life is …
Hard Parts of the Bible and Hard Parts Concerning God
Hard Parts of Reading the Bible When the going gets hard in reading your Bible—keep going. Within the Bible’s pages there is—history, instruction, cause and effect, sternness and mercy, revelation and prophecy, and all sorts of mysteries. You may have thoughts like these: “I don’t get it.” “It’s too hard to understand.” “This stuff is hard to believe.” “Why do other people love it so much?” At some point, you will encounter hard passages. There will be difficult things to understand about God, especially in the beginning. You will wonder why certain things were included in the Bible. God isn’t …
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Choosing a Time of Day to Read the Bible
Effort + Perseverance = Rewards: You Really Can Read the Bible God’s Word IS life and health, and one of the main ways we connect with God, so reading it is of utmost importance. 1) We will need a Bible. 2) We’ll need to know where we want to start in reading it. 3) We’ll need to know what we want to focus on (a specific topic, general overview, spiritual growth, it’s entirety, etc…). 4) And we need to choose a time of day. What time of day will work best for you? Even if you don’t consider yourself a …