Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way. Psalm 46:1-2 My husband and I purchased our first home in the summer of 2009. It was such a beautiful little neighborhood, and we eagerly awaited the fall. When October arrived, we pulled out the decorations, fog machines, and all things Halloween. We consistently went ‘all-out’ for the few trick-or-treaters in our old neighborhood but were completely caught off guard when we ended up with almost 80!!!! Unfortunately, my husband’s Predator costume was a bit too lifelike for the little ones, and he had to change quickly.…
Devotionals
You will find the best words of encouragement in the Bible. Continued study and quiet time with the Lord will strengthen your faith and renew your spirit. Here are a few devotionals to help you refocus today.
-
-
Strengthen the Weak Hands
Isaiah 35 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Isiah 35:3-4 Have you heard the phrase, “God willing and the creek don’t rise?” In a recent Bible Study, my precious leader discussed the background of this particular saying. I thought these words just meant you can travel anywhere as long as the creek doesn’t rise and flood the road. However, it’s possible this saying began a little differently. In the late 1800s, the President wrote a letter…
-
Nothing You do for the Lord is Ever Wasted
1 Corinthians 15 So, my dear brothers, since future victory is sure, be strong and steady, always abounding in the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever wasted as it would be if there were no resurrection. Last week, my oldest decided to tryout for volleyball. She’s extremely artistic and has never been involved in sports, so I was excited about this new interest………. until we got to the school gym! I was blown away by the intensity of the her competition; the other girls were fierce and had obviously been playing for years. I wasn’t expecting that and knew we didn’t stand…
-
Find Joy In Your Hardships
James 1 Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4). Our local state park is incredible, and I’m always in awe of its beauty as we drive through the winding roads or hike off the beaten path. The forest is breathtaking, filled with bright green foliage that bends slightly to form a rainbow overhead. God’s creation is astounding! This past weekend, the park offered it’s roadway to marathon runners, an I was exhausted watching them climb…
-
The Human Smile is Powerful
Romans 15 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13) Our faces have been covered in masks for quite some time now, and for me personally, it’s been 100% miserable. I have no problem wearing a mask to reduce exposure to COVID; I simply missed seeing faces. I didn’t realize how talkative I was at the grocery store or gas station until we needed to mask up. I missed casual conversations and simply seeing people smile. Smiles are so powerful! As Christians, we live by faith, and faith…
-
Stress Feels Like A Miry Pit
Psalm 69 Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold.I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God (Psalm 69:1-3) David lived under great stress because he was surrounded by many who despised him. He continually cried to the Lord claiming that he had become stuck in a miry pit. He felt he was drowned by the disapproval of others. David continues looking for the Lord. Why? Because he knows God is present and…
-
Because the Lord Sustains Me
Psalm 3 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side (Psalm 3:5-6). The best rides at amusement parks are the scariest ones. Have you ever been brave enough to ride one of those drop towers? Parks across the world create unique names for them, but they are basically the same concept. You are taken up about three stories and then dropped !!! It takes your breath away as you free fall to the ground(they lightly catch you along the way of course). Not sure what’s is more scary, the actual drop or…
-
We Are Perfectly Designed to Fulfill A Specific Purpose
Ephesians 2:1-10 For we are all His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). I love listening to my kiddo’s conversations on the car ride home from school. They tell stories about their friends, describe how recess went or teach one another something interesting. Last week, the subject of bees came up! Bee’s pollinate plants by transporting seeds and pollen. This is the only method many plant species use to blossom and grow. We’d be in a world of hurt if we didn’t have bees. Not only would we lose those specific plants that rely on bees…
-
The Church Bulletin Board is Empty This Christmas
At first, it was a scary site to see that the church bulletin board is empty this Christmas. Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 Verse: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11). I passed by the bulletin board at church last week and it made me sad to see it so bare and empty. There was one newspaper article and a graduation announcement. That was it! The church bulletin board used to look much different. You could expect to see stacks of paper scattered all over the place; sign-up sheets for Sunday school teachers, a list of food items…
-
Mary Didn’t Need to Know
Luke 2:1-21 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them (Luke 2:6-7). I’ve had the opportunity to be a member of many church families throughout my days as a Pastor’s child. Each church has a unique tradition regarding its Christmas Eve program and it’s been such a blessing to attend each one. Some churches have their children’s pageant while others participate in a traditional worship service complete with a sermon and a few hymns. My home…
-
We Appreciate Our Shepherd
Thanksgiving is a week to think is a great time to think about how much we appreciate our shepherd. Hebrews 13:1-8 Remember your leaders who have taught you the Word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and try to trust the Lord as they do (Hebrews 13:7). The good shepherd anoints the head of his sheep with oil to prevent parasites from biting and causing diseases that can lead to death. Oil fills the creases around their eyes, nose, and cute little ears. This makes it impossible for nasty critters to bite them. I imagine some of the sheep fuss about the procedure…
-
New Year! New Heart!
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then I will teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners will be converted unto thee. Psalm 51:10-13 Thank heavens its a new year!!!! I’m certain many of us are starting it with new heart after all the turmoil and confusion 2020 threw our way. What does having a new heart mean? All our requests to the Lord for restoration is quite wonderful! He lovingly keeps us…
-
Make your thoughts, actions and words pleasing to the Lord
The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, because God is pleased with you.” Luke 1:30 Each day during Advent, my children are chomping at the bit to open the newest box on the advent calendar. Each box holds two pieces of candy and a Bible verse for us to study together. They are very young so I know in my heart they are just excited to get that candy in their little mouths but it won’t be long until they find out how much sweeter it is to fill their mouths with the word of the Lord. Early this week, we read about Mary and one little word…
-
This far you may come and no further.
Scripture Reading: Job 38 Key Verse: ‘This far you may come and no farther, here is where your proud waves halt’ (Job 38:11)NIV. ‘Unstable,’ is the word that best describes 2020. We are frightened as we face a pandemic that cripples our health and takes our loved ones away. We are angry as we experience or witness racial injustice across the country. Conversations regarding the economy or politics feel strained and disturbing. What’s going to happen next? Our friend Job understands what uncertainty feels like after extreme catastrophe and he pours his heart out to God after a rough conversation with a few friends. God asks Job if he was…
-
God’s love enables us to ‘grin and bear it’
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34 When we are forced to endure something, it simply means we must ‘grin and bear it’ Hmmmmmmm…. You and I are selfish. We tend to become overwhelmed and sometimes paralyzed by catastrophic seasons of life. We whine, complain and throw temper tantrums as we struggle to find our footing in an unstable world. We give thanks with the knowledge our Lord and Savior’s love endures forever!!! God continually meets us where we are. His love abides with us on our good days, our bad days and all the ridiculous ones in between. He finds…
-
Allow God to Direct Your Path
Lets Read About It : ‘A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his path.’ Proverbs 16:9 Lets Think About It: There once was a Farmer who carried a heavy load of hay across the back of his wooden wagon. As he approached the old country bridge, he took a look down the long narrow tunnel and thought to himself, ” I can get in it, but I can’t squeeze through the other side. ‘ We like to make plans. Some of us jot itineraries down in a daily planner wile others have a ‘five year plan’ when it comes to getting married, starting a family, owning a…
