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What If?
For several weeks, I have been in a season of “busy”. Distracted. In my heart, I know that I “should” be writing, encouraging, sharing but I have “put it off”. There are what seem to be endless tasks: mowing the yard, weeding the garden, sowing seeds and reaping the harvests, running errands, fixing meals, doing laundry. The list goes on and on. But, I am without excuse. I let the “urgent get in the way of the important”. I let the enemy get me off course with endless distractions. Today, I have stopped. I hit the pause button and just took time to “be” with God. I took a minute…
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Symphony
Psalms 33:2 Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Psalms 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Psalms 92:1 It is good to praise the Lord and Make music to your name, O Most High, The summer my son was entering sixth grade in the fall, he was allowed to choose an instrument and attend summer camp. After careful thought and deliberation, he chose the cello. I asked him how he came to that decision. His comment “Mom, it is the most beautiful music that I have ever heard.” At that point, I…
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Bus Driver
Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” For the past couple of years, my husband has had the opportunity to be a bus driver for the local school corporation. I have to say a special Thank you and God Bless you to all of the bus drivers out there! You are truly an amazing group of people; dedicated, loving, persevering, caring individuals. Much of the time you get a lot of disrespect and very little gratitude. But there are some kids that you absolutely fall in love with! They make your…
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Gifts
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. Romans 12:6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Last evening some of my friends met for a service project. We were helping a friend’s mother sort through 50 plus years of her household goods in preparation to move. Her mom, widowed, is building a new home and preparing for the next chapter in her life. This is NO easy task! Her current home holds precious decades of memories: babies born, diapers changed, numerous thousands of meals prepared and…
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Friends
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You have heard it said “To have a friend, be one.” We all need friends, community. We need to feel valued, needed, loved. We need to know that we are not alone as we walk through this world. Friends can share our burdens and double our joy! There are all types of friends. Some are acquaintances, some come into our lives for a reason, season or a lifetime, few are true blue friends that are…
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Simply Be
This morning Jesus spoke to me- The words “Simply Be.” “Remain in me. Remain in my love. Set your heart high above. Do not focus on this life. You will only be filled with grief and strife. You must set your sight higher. Let Me set your heart on fire. Keep your eyes on Me. Your citizenship is in heaven for eternity. Life on earth is passing away. From Me, do not stray. Do not doubt. Do not fear. One day, I will wipe away every tear. There will be no more sorrow- Only bright hope for every tomorrow. There will be everlasting joy. No more will people fight or…
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Oak Tree
Isaiah 1:30 You will be like an oak with fading leaves, like a garden without water. Oh God, You teach me to see- So many things about life, its storms, from my Oak tree. My tree stands alone, solid, tall. Other trees have not weathered the storms. They fall. Once this mighty oak was a seed. It was only the size of a small bead. But when it fell to the ground It was buried in the dirt; new life it found. Roots developed and began to spread. A shoot sprang up from what once seemed dead. As the years passed by- The tree grew like a blink of an…
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Choices
Luke 10:27 He answered, ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your souland with all your strength and with all your mind’; and,‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Yesterday as I listened to a segment from TBN show Better Together, there were three main points that stuck out: Love God Love others Be obedient I started pondering this as I began reading 1 Peter. I felt the Lord speaking to me of all the choices that we make each day: We make the choice to get out of bed, what to eat, what to wear. Spending time with Jesus is a choice. Being still and listening…
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Fragrance
2 Corinthians 2:15-16 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? There are some fragrances that I absolutely love: the smell after a Spring rain, the scent of leaves on the ground in the Fall, roses, lilacs, eucalyptus, mint, buttered maple syrup candles, apple butter cooking on the stove, cinnamon rolls and sugar cookies baking in the oven, chocolate chip cookies, a variety of perfumes and colognes….the list is endless. Likewise,…
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Listen
In the gospel of John, Jesus speaks and says “These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NKJV) I love God’s word and His promises. What He says He will do, we can count on. He cannot lie and will never go back on His word. He tells us in advance many things so we can be prepared. He told us that we will “have tribulation in this world.” He told us that we could have “peace and be of good cheer.” Then, why, when…
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Breathless Expectation
I sit this morning and ponder of my Great and Mighty God and wonder. How does He feel when He looks down and sees man? Surely, our sins are many; like grains of sand. Yet, He made a way. For forgiveness, for a relationship with Him today. He sent His only Son To die for our sins; the Chosen One. Jesus paid the price. He was the sacrifice. He rose again To defeat death, give new life; forgive sin. Now, we wait in gracious uncertainty For His return-heaven-eternity. We wait with breathless expectation, for Him to come. A celebration! We watch and pray His return is imminent, any day. We…
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Following Jesus
Jesus said 2,000 years ago and He says now: “Follow me.” To be a follower of Christ, you must develop “Holy Spirit sensitivity.” You must be able to absolutely discern His voice. So you can willfully obey; make the right choice. To follow means you must be willing to serve. Dying to self and from His way not swerve. You must give yourself away. Do His will every day. Following Jesus comes with great sacrifice. What is He asking you to lay down? What is the price? We must deny ourselves, our plans and desires. We must share in His sufferings; walk through the fire. We must suffer, grow and…
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Porch Swing
From the porch swing, I talk with God Pray and Sing. I sip a cup of tea And listen as He speaks to me. He shows me beauty all around Flowers, trees a variety of birds abound. He loves and cares for all Rich, poor, big or small. He has a plan. He wants me to share His love across all lands. He teaches me how to live And shows me how to forgive. He causes me to remember So I can trust him, be humble, patient and tender. He is never hurtful, forceful or loud. He convicts me when I am feeling proud. When I am lost, He shows…
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Fruit Inspectors
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Today I want to share a memory of my dear friend, Lisa. She was not only my friend, but my colleague, my prayer partner, mentor and so much more! Lisa was vibrant! Her personality was effervescent, contagious! She never knew a stranger and deeply cared/loved everyone. She was authentic, honest, real! She had a deep relationship with Jesus and was always introducing people to Him! Lisa would stop on the street; ask people their name and if she could pray for them. For a…
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Work for His Glory
Psalm 90:17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands. Last evening I had a “texting conversation” with a dear friend. After battling a serious illness, she will be returning to work in six weeks. She is not looking forward to going back. She is exhausted. Her journey has been long and hard. She is ready to retire, rest, and not have a structured work schedule. She is ready for a break; simply enjoy life. But, sadly, she is unable to retire for another year. As I have thought back over my…
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Gray Hair
Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. At the start of the pandemic, life came to a screeching halt! All non-essential business doors were closed. When my hair stylist had to close her shop, at first, I felt a bit of “panic”. Although my hair only requires a trim, I was more concerned about my hair color. For 30 plus years, I had my hair colored. In my twenties, I was one of the “fortunate” people to start turning gray. At first, I had it highlighted. As time went on, it became a trip to the salon every six weeks. …
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Grandma Thoughts
While reading my devotion for today, it led me to thinking about my 8 year old grandson. Lately, he has been asking questions about God. Now we’ve had conversations before, but he just blurts out a question and expects me to have the answer. One day while listening to the Christian radio station, he asked me if Jesus was God. My spur of the moment answer, was that God was Jesus’ father and his mother was Mary. So, I guess that makes him 50/50. Some things about Jesus are difficult for me to understand after all these years. So for an 8 year old, I tried to keep it simple. You know,…
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Who Do You Think You Are
I don’t know who you think you are? You try to come in and steal my joy. You know what buttons to push, to make me feel overwhelmed and to become afraid. You whisper lies to me that no one else can hear. You wake me up when I am supposed to be resting making mole hills into mountains. I know what your game is, keep me awake so tomorrow’s promises will become problems. You cause fear and anxiety to arise when really it’s nothing more than a walk in the park. So, I ask you again, who do you think you are? You keep me busy, so I have no…
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A Question To Ponder
In this past week’s sermon, Pastor Kevin, began with a thought provoking question: “When you die and stand before God and give an account of your life, when God asks ‘Why should I allow you into heaven?’ What will your response be?” He went on to say that over the years of his ministry that many have answered that “I’m a good person.” He proceeded to ask “Do people get to go to heaven if they are ‘good enough’?” Immediately, we sought truth from the Bible. In Romans 3:23 it says “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. What about if they do lots…
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Eyes to See
When I pray and ask for “eyes to see”- Sometimes I don’t like what you show me. You open my eyes. Expose selfishness, harshness, deception and lies. What do I do when I see- Bitterness and selfishness inside of me? I have a choice-turn away in pride? Or repent of my sin, ask forgiveness and cleansing inside? Abba, You discipline those that you love. You care about the little details from far above. You listen to my pettiness; hear my whine. Oh, how You must get frustrated and laugh at times! You lovingly chide me and care. You listen; hear every prayer. Like a road grater working on a rock…
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Reckless Reliance/Relentless Love
We need to have reckless reliance on God. He is with us wherever we trod. We need to take Him to our homes- To our business, our churches, our streets; wherever we roam. He needs to be our all in all. We need to listen to His voice; obey when He calls. We have to continually pray- Rely on him every second of the day. God has a relentless love for you and me. His love is deeper and wider than we can see. His love never gives up. When we are empty, He fills our cup. When we have no answers to life problems and circumstances we do not…
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Morale Problems Lead to Moral Problems
When you feel depressed and down When hope seems lost and life causes a frown When love seems to have grown cold When all that you have worked for begins to unravel and unfold When a diagnosis comes and all seems dim When tragedy strikes and life is grim When life happens… …our morale may sink we may feel desperate; on the brink we may feel overwhelmed with sorrow we may lose hope for tomorrow we may cry out in pain we may feel life is over; there is nothing to gain Our morale problems lead to moral problems We need to stop dwelling on the negative thoughts and attitudes.…
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Sin Destroys BUT GOD Redeems
Romans 3:23For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. “Sin will take you further than you ever expected to go; it will keep you longer than you ever intended to stay, and it will cost you more than you ever expected to pay.”Kay Arthur Anointed Transformed Redeemed A Study of David The most recent Bible study that I am in with my prayer partners is Anointed Transformed Redeemed A Study of David. This Bible study was written by some of my favorite authors Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur. It is a great study of David; a man after God’s own heart. We walk through his…
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Bitter or Better?
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. This morning as I walked around my yard, looking at my flowers, my heart was sad. I worked so hard last Fall to plant tulip bulbs! After the difficult year of 2020, I was hopeful to add cheer and beauty this Spring. I love Spring! I love flowers! The colors, fragrance and beauty brighten my day. Until a few days ago, my tulips were green and growing. I was looking forward to seeing the colors and smelling their fragrance. But now, they lie in their beds, wilted, brown and with little hope of life left in…
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What are you eating?
Proverbs 24: 13-14 Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. In January, I had my annual medical physical. This was a routine check complete with blood work. After the year that we had in 2020, I was not surprised to see the number on the doctor’s scales. My clothes had become a bit tighter than normal. My exercise routine was in a lull. I had not been watching my diet. Being at…
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Jesus is Coming SOON
The time is NOW. The day is here. To choose Jesus Christ as Savior and LORD; His coming is near. Like a train pulling into the station signals. The call goes out “Come to me.” to every man, woman child across every nation. The train bound for glory will quickly depart. Have you invited Jesus into your heart? This is the ticket needed to ride. The steep price was paid when Jesus died. When He rose from the grave- Those who accept His gift; no longer are sin’s slave. He broke the chains of death and sin; set us free. When you accept His gift, you will be on the…
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Life is Hard BUT GOD is GOOD
Proverbs 3:5-6 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. These words from Proverbs speak to my heart this morning. On one level, I trust the LORD with my whole heart, my entire being. I know that He is good, faithful and true. I have learned through the most difficult times when I can’t understand with my mind, that I can trust Him. Yet, today, as I write with a heavy heart I find myself crying out for His grace, mercy and understanding. I am human. There are things in…
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Don’t Let the Urgent Get in the Way of Important
I hurried, rushed through the day. Not stopping; taking the time to pray. I rushed around. Scurrying through chores; no time for God I found. Worries and anxiety began to creep in. I found my patience wearing thin. I pushed forward; busy doing more. Every burden heavier than the one before. I let the urgent dictate the pace. Soon I was caught up in a rat race. I stopped; realized that I was distracted. I bowed my head, quieted my heart and reacted. I asked God into my day. Took the time to be quiet and humbly pray. I had tried to do things my way. Instead of laying my…
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Light in the Darkness
“Be still and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1) There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. (Revelation 22:5) We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. (Hebrews 6:19) This morning as I pray and seek the LORD for words to write, there is a heaviness within my heart. Outside, the birds are awakening and singing a cheerful melody. The sun is…
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Forgiveness
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 A former pastor of mine, Pastor Karen, was so much more than a great pastor. She was a GREAT leader, mentor, compassionate and loving friend. She loved people! She enjoyed sharing and living the love of Christ. She was extremely busy but always had the time to sit and chat. She was never to busy to listen. When I was going through my divorce, she was there to listen and pray. She would hold me while I sobbed and would encourage me that God would use it “for my good and…
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Power of Prayer
Luke 18:41 “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Within the passage of Luke 18, the story unfolds. A blind man is sitting by the roadside, begging. He is going about his daily business when he hears a crowd passing by and asks “What’s happening?” They tell him Jesus is passing by. More than likely, he has heard the stories of…
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Jesus Christ is Almighty
“The reason some of us are such poor examples of Christianity is that we have failed to recognize that Christ is almighty. We have Christian attributes and experiences, but there is no abandonment or surrender to Jesus Christ. When we get into difficult circumstances, we impoverish His ministry by saying, ‘Of course, He can’t do anything about this.’ We struggle to reach the bottom of our own well, trying to get water for ourselves. Beware of sitting back, and saying, ‘It can’t be done.’ You will know it can be done if you will look to Jesus. The well of your incompleteness runs deep, but make the effort to look…
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Jesus, My Help
I’m sure there have been times in your life, just like my own, when you have sought the Lord through tears and pain; asking God to do something that we think he should do and in the ways we want Him to do them. Those cries in the middle of the night when we are desperate. “Oh Lord, please help me or help (your loved one)!” We need to hear from God, to see Him move and do the thing that we know only He can do. We cry out with all of our being waiting, watching, praying, hoping. Wondering if He is hearing our cries. Does He really hear…
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Baby Girl
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:3 My youngest daughter, whom I call “Baby Girl”, arrived into this world like bright sunshine! She came three weeks early and with a very rough delivery (36 hours of labor)! She has a big personality, a warm empathetic heart, makes friends easily: commands attention when she enters the room! By the age of two, she had mastered the English language, charming all she met and could articulate her position well on just about any topic! I recall taking her to the pediatrician. He asked me “What is going on?”. She looked at the physician and told…
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Divine Appointments
Photo Credit – Alexander Schimmeck 1Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go. Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Each day, as we look around us, there are different opportunities to serve, to help someone or to offer encouragement. Sometimes it’s the small acts of kindness that mean so very much: a…
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The Joy of the Lord is my Strength
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! (Phillippians 4:4) For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace. (Isaiah 55:12) In Psalm 127:3 the Bible tells us “Behold, children are a heritage and gift from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” This is so true! Children are amazing gifts from the Lord! But, how difficult it is when you long for children for years and yet, your hope goes unfulfilled. You pray, beg, try different options and your womb remains empty. There are painful emotions that run rampant: sorrow, guilt, shame and wondering Why? Thankfully, I have three beautiful healthy…
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Sometimes it is not what you say; it is the way you say it.
Zechariah 1:13 And the LORD answered the angel who was speaking with me with gracious and comforting words. Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious and win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him. Have you ever had to have an important conversation with a person or group of people? Have you ever had to try and explain a difficult detailed and possibly controversial position on a project? There were many times in my corporate career that I had the opportunity. Some, I handled well. But there was one time that I recall, that I failed miserably. At the time, I did not…
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Through Water and Fire
Isaiah 43:1-3 “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” A few years ago I went through a very difficult trying season with a pain filled unhealthy relationship. My focus was shifted off of Jesus and onto myself. This is never a good thing no matter how you try…
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Fervent Prayer and other things…
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit...." Ephesians 6:18 "Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice." Psalm 55:17 "The Lord is far from the wicked; But He heareth the prayer of the righteous." Proverbs 15:29 Over the past few years, I have read several books on prayer. “Fervent Prayer” by Priscilla Shirer is, in my opinion, one of the best. You may find several thoughts and quotes from her inciteful book as I write. I have found that journaling my prayers is helpful. Then, I can go back and see the goodness of the Lord in…
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God’s Victory Through Support
I was blessed to be able to pray for a very special group of ladies who serve the Lord in a particular ministry one day. As we were praying, I felt a Word fall into my Spirit. I want to call this God’s Victory Through Support. We know how tiring it can be to serve others in any capacity. There are times we become so weary. There are times we feel so alone. The Word I received that day can be found in Exodus 17 as Amalek (aka the enemy) comes to fight against Israel (aka God’s chosen people/servants). Moses tells them he will station himself on the top of the…
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Snow
“Come now, let us settle the matter, “says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18) The snow sparkles and glistens as it covers the ground in a blanket of white. It appears fresh, pure, beautiful, untouched when it first falls. Within minutes, there are car tracks, footprints, dogs running and playing. The purity seems to fade quickly. Isn’t this similar to the way sin entered into our world? In Genesis chapter one, God creates a perfect world; filled with purity and beauty; perfect. Yet, by chapter three of Genesis,…
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Shut Mouth Grace
In the Bible, James tells us “but no human being can tame the tongue, It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”(James 3:8-10). Last evening with my prayer group, we talked about “shut mouth grace”, again. This has been a hot topic that has come up quite frequently over the past few months. A few years ago, I had a good Christian friend tell me that her pastor had…
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God Speaks Through Nature
This morning it is gently snowing outside. The birds at the feeder are numerous and beautiful: 3 sets of cardinals, several blue birds, snowbirds, finches and a variety of woodpeckers. They come faithfully, daily. They bring their friends and forage in and around the feeders. When praying for the name of this website, several ideas were brainstormed. Then, the word “forager” came out of nowhere. Immediately, I went to a dictionary for a definition. The definition given “a person or animal that searches widely for food or provisions.” As I pondered, the name Faithful Forager, kept spiraling around in my head. My first thought, God is faithful. In Hebrews 10:23,…
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Lent Journey
Lent Journey Forty-day journey towards the cross Ask, Seek, Knock, Yearn, Ponder the Sacrifice, ultimate cost. It cost God His only Son To redeem us, pay the price for our sin; render the curse undone. Jesus faithfully knew there would come a day The price of sin with His blood would pay. He did not turn away and run. He knew who He was; God’s own Son. He knew the price. Willingly, laid down His life, became the sacrifice. When the nails pierced his hands and whips tore his flesh, He was “still” and demonstrated holiness. The people spit and yelled; mocked His name. He knew He bore our guilt…
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Forty Day Journey To Lent
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent; forty days to journey towards Easter, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. It is a time of introspection, reflection and preparation of our hearts. What does God want us to see, hear, feel, do today, each day? How can we draw closer to Him? How has He prepared us to serve? Will we be faithful to obey what He is asking each of us to do? This morning the words that resonate with me from my daily devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers, is “simple things.” This morning in the Midwest the temperature is -4 F. It is bitterly…
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God’s Beauty
God’s beauty abounds. We just need to look around. It is in the sky as the sunsets. It can be seen in the plumage of the egret. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; each day, appreciated as I grow older. Beauty is seen in flowers that bloom or in a bird’s plume. We need to look inside of the heart to see some internal characters of true beauty; a gentle spirit, kindness, love, and caring. These are the gifts that we should be bearing.
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Faithful Forager
We fix our eyes on Jesus; confess Him as LORD. We feast daily upon the Bible, God’s Holy Word. We are filled with the Holy Spirit; seek to be like Jesus and serve. We are His disciples; from the narrow path do not want to swerve. In Jesus, we have been set free. We look forward to His return and with Him, spending eternity! We have faith of a mustard seed. We believe in the power of prayer; for others, family and friends, intercede. We fellowship and stay connected in the Vine. We serve and exist for others to bring them to Jesus; the Holy One Divine. He is our…
