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Can we build a Fort
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”Exodus 33:14 (NIV) Two of my grandkids came over yesterday after work, full of energy and asked the one question I couldn’t say no to: “Can we build a fort?” They had a plan pull out all the chairs, cushions from the couch, and every blanket they could find. We started building it together, piece by piece, tucking pillows into all the corners and making sure the blankets didn’t slide off. Before long, the room had transformed into a soft, cozy little fort. Once it was finished, they crawled inside with their drinks, toys, books, and…
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Rooted in Him
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Yesterday I was working upstairs on the second floor, next to an open window. The wind outside was strong. I could hear it moving through the trees and I stopped for a few minutes just to take it in. In fact, more than once i would pause while working and look…
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Through the Fire
A few weeks ago, my 78-year-old mom experienced something that none of us were prepared for. She was outside eating lunch when she heard the smoke alarms going off inside her house. Just days before, my sister Grace had changed every smoke detector in her home. At the time, it seemed like just a simple chore, but now we know that small act of kindness made all the difference. Because those alarms worked, my mom heard them in time. She ran inside and found a fire had started on the stove. She tried to put it out herself. The fire was contained to only the kitchen before it could spread…
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The Woman in Row Eight
“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”—Romans 12:1 Yesterday, my husband Frank and I attended a church we normally don’t attend. We were closer to my mom this weekend, so we found a place nearby. God was there, gently reminding us of who He is, through simply watching someone worship Him. A few rows in front of us, there was a woman, maybe in her seventies. She caught my eye, not because she was loud or flashy, but because her spirit was steady. During worship, I…
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When the Waves Keep Coming
Psalm 61:2 — “From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” There have been periods in life when the weight of everything feels like it was too much. And I had barely a moment to catch my breath before, I knew it the new wave came crashing in. Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience or are having one now. In conversations with people, this is where many are at now. For you, it might have started with your parent’s health declining, slowly at first, and suddenly you’re thrust into this unexpected role; scheduling and…
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The tiny box we overlook
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)1 Today, I spent hours trying to do something that should have been simple. I was working on my employers website, trying to make a list of pulled data from a specific section of a database from another application. The solution, according to every blog, AI, and video I searched, said it was easy. Just click from the list box and choose from the drop-down. But I couldn’t find the box. I looked everywhere. I clicked everywhere in the Web Designer software. I was almost at the point of just doing coding. Even…
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When You’re Not in the Room—But God Still Sees You
“Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed.” — Psalm 34:5 (HCSB) This morning when I woke up I was thinking about something that happened this past week. It wasn’t anything major, but it left me with emotions and feelings I didn’t expect. You would think at my age that I’ve grown past certain things. I tell myself that certain situations just don’t bother me anymore. But this last week, I was reminded that, even as we grow, there are moments when old feelings can resurface. This last week, there was a delay in communication about something important. I wasn’t informed until hours after…
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Learning to Slow Down – Discernment
“The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding sees through him.” — Proverbs 28:11 (ESV) “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” — James 1:5 (NIV) Devotional: This morning, I was reading Proverbs 28:11, and it made me pause. It says, “The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding sees through him.” It made me think—how many times have I been so sure I saw a situation clearly, only to realize later that I missed something important or…
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Hands Still, Heart Full
Do you ever have one of those days where all you want to do is run away, and depression and anxiety have their ugly grips on you, and you feel worn down, off balance, and like you’re barely holding it together? That was me yesterday. And honestly, there wasn’t even a clear reason. Nothing specific set it off, it was just a lot of little things, slowly building up. Emotions I couldn’t quite name. A heaviness I couldn’t explain. That feeling of being out of sync, like the world is moving around you and you’re just… stuck. Usually when I feel this way, I break away into one of my…
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Quiet Doesn’t Mean It Didn’t Affect Me
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”— Romans 12:21 (NIV) Earlier today, I had to deal with a frustrating situation at the post office. A very expensive item of mine was lost, and when I went in to ask about it, the postmaster was very rude, hateful, and was very dismissive. I didn’t say anything harsh I stayed quiet, left, and went out to my car. But even though I didn’t say much, it still bothered me and truthfully, I wanted to cry. It stuck with me for a few hours afterward. I kept thinking about how it made me feel, and honestly, I didn’t like that…
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I said it was the last time
Title: “I Said That Was the Last Time…” Verse:“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.”—Romans 7:15 (NLT) Devotional Thought: I have lost count of how many times I’ve said, “This is the last time.” I have my own personal struggles, the things I battle with daily. Maybe you do too, may you have said, “this is the last time too” You may struggle with to many drinks. A cigarette. A moment of anger that spiraled too far. A word spoken too sharply, or a thought you know doesn’t belong. Maybe it’s something you looked…
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The Power of Words – A heartfelt reflection
The Power of Words: A Heartfelt Reflection This morning as I spent some time with God. The thought that I have, at times, hurt people with my words. It’s a truth I can’t run from, and one that breaks my heart. The words I’ve spoken in anger, frustration, or bitterness words I thought were justified in the moment have left scars on others, scars I can’t undo. Most painfully, these words have been spoken to those I love most: my spouse and my children. Over the past few years, I’ve learned that words hold incredible power more than I ever realized. In moments of great emotion, I’ve used that power…
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A Boy
Today at church, something beautiful happened that I may never forget. I was sitting with some of the kids at church and right next me was one boy who is around 10 years old. There is a sweet lady and her husband who faithfully bring him. This little boy shows up every Sunday, faithfully walking through the doors. My understanding is, that his home life isn’t easy, but despite the challenges he faces, he still comes week after week. Today, something incredible happened during worship. He started out lying in the pew, just like any other kid might do. But when the song “Waymaker” began, something changed in him. His…
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Wonder of God
This morning, I found myself reflecting on Psalm 119:27, and it really made me pause. The verse says, “Help me understand the meaning of your precepts so that I can meditate on your wonders.” At first, I wondered—how does understanding God’s precepts actually help me meditate on His wonders and what is a precept. Also, shouldn’t I be able to see His wonders just as they are, without needing to know precepts? But as I sat with that thought, something clicked: without understanding God’s ways, I might miss out on seeing what He’s doing right in front of me. So, what exactly is a precept? It’s not just a rule—it’s…
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The Morning Light
In the early morning stillness, as the sky begins to lighten, I find myself drawn to God’s presence. The rising sun paints the sky with vivid colors, reminding me of His creativity and love. With each new dawn, I open my heart to Him, offering my praise and seeking His guidance for the day ahead. As the world slowly wakes, I’m reminded of God’s mercy and grace. These quiet moments with Him allow me to lay down my fears, my burdens, and my tears. In His presence, I find renewal and peace. Each breath I take is a reminder of His sustaining love, and with every sunrise, I am reminded…
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Staying rooted in God’s love Amidst Distractions
Video is below the devotional As I read through Jude today, I can feel the urgency in his words. He begins by reminding me that there are false teachers around, people who distort the truth and lead others away from God’s ways. I see Jude calling out the self-serving nature of these false teachers, the way they grumble and slander. It’s a strong warning, but it also challenges me to pay attention to how easily I can be swayed by others if I’m not rooted in God’s Word and the truth of the gospel daily. In today’s world, where social media and online platforms give everyone a voice, there’s a…
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The Day of the Lord and My Personal Journey
https://faithfulforager.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/The-Day-Of-The-Lord-And-My-Personal-Journey.mp4 “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, says the Lord Almighty. Not a root or a branch will be left to them.” (Malachi 4:1) “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” (Malachi 4:2) This morning as I was reading Malachi 4, I was reminded of God’s justice and His holiness. The day of the Lord will come, and He will set everything right. But…
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Living with Integrity
I’ve been reading Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament, and I’ll admit, sometimes the Old Testament can be hard to understand. God can seem harsh at times, but lately, as I dive in and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding through His incredible wisdom, I’m starting to see what God is really saying and how it applies to my life today. He’s been revealing areas in my life that I really need to work on. Understanding Malachi 2:1-8In this passage, God is speaking directly to the priests of Israel, rebuking them for their failure to honor Him. They had a sacred duty to lead and instruct people in…
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God Sees You, Even When You Sneak Away
Scripture: Psalm 139:7-10“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” Yesterday, as I was teaching Children’s Church, I had a special little guy in the room—my 3-year-old grandson. The class was held in a spacious gymnasium, filled with children ranging from 2 to 11 years old. As I began to…
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Am I giving my best?
Malachi 1:6-8″A son honors his father, and a servant his master.If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty… “When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the Lord Almighty. I have always tried to understand why God gives us stories of old from the Bible and does it apply to my life today? What is He trying to teach me? How…
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Clothed in Grace
https://faithfulforager.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Clothed-in-Grace.mp4 This morning, as I read through Genesis 46, I came across verse 22: “But to Benjamin he gave five changes of clothes and three hundred pieces of silver.” (Genesis 45:22) As I reflected on these words, I couldn’t help but wonder about the significance of these particular gifts. Why five garments and 300 pieces of silver? What do they symbolize, and does it relate to me today? The number five in Scripture symbolizes grace, favor, and God’s abundant provision. As I reflected on these words, I couldn’t help but wonder about the significance of these particular gifts. Why five garments and 300 pieces of silver? What do they symbolize, and does it relate to me today? When…
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Faithful Love
I have to share something that really touched my heart this morning while I was reading Genesis 39. I came across the verse where it says that God showed Joseph His faithful love, and it stopped me in my tracks. It made me want to dig deeper into what faithful love really means—what it meant for Joseph, and what it means for me right now. Genesis 39:21 says, “But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him His faithful love.” That phrase, faithful love, comes from the Hebrew word חֶסֶד (chesed)—a love that is unwavering, loyal, merciful, and kind. A love that doesn’t waver based on circumstances.…
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Who Do You Think You Are
Who do you think you are? You try to come in and steal my joy. You know exactly what buttons to push, making me feel overwhelmed and fearful. You whisper lies that no one else can hear. You wake me when I should be resting, turning molehills into mountains. I see through your game—keeping me awake, turning tomorrow’s promises into problems. You stir up fear and anxiety over nothing more than a simple walk in the park. So, let me ask you again, who do you think you are? You keep me running in circles, leaving me no time to spend with the one who gives me strength. My life…
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God cares for all creatures
1 Peter 5:7, NLT Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you I love that I have a God, who cares about everything in my life. I love that he invites me to go to him with all my praises, cares, fears, and worries. Nothing is too small or great to go to God about. A little over a week ago, my neighbor got a puppy it is so tiny and precious only weights a pound. And in the last week my neighbor has fallen in love with her puppy. She has let every neighbor, friend and family member know about her new addition to her…
