Encouragement
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Weekend Devotion – God of Peace
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. – 1 Corinthians 14:33 Paul made this statement in his letter to the church in Corinth to make a point. The original Greek word “akatastasia” means confound, confusion, instability, or tumult. The worship services there had become disorganized and their motivations had turned more…
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Be Sure
The Bible defines faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Heb. 11:1) This verse has always had special meaning for me. I’ve studied the flow of each word, and the nuances of its meaning. I’ve embraced its truth within my spirit where its lies deeply…
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Jesus, My Hero
I’ve heard so many people express a desire to make this week meaningful. Passion Week. Their words pricked a cord in my heart as well. For so many years this holiday has been about Easter baskets full of candy and chocolate bunnies. (Well, I did revert to chocolate crosses some years back. Had to get…
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The Right Place
While reading a devotional yesterday, the writer highlighted Habakkuk 3:19. I hunted down this verse in my own Bible, then proceeded to write it on an index card. “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.” I don’t know…
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My Faithful Father
In June of 2006, I wrote this post about my daughter recommitting her life to Christ. I shared how I had prayed for two straight years, blessing her everyday as she walked out the door to go to school, and then asking God to ignite a flaming fire in her heart for him as she…
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Our Spouse is Not a Throw Away.
How do we survive a setback? I have written many articles about my marriage. I have shared with you how God continues to lead me to joy, contentment and love in the relationship with my nonbelieving husband. But, from time-to-time I experience a setback. Last Wednesday was one of those days. I don’t want to…
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Weekend Devotion-Letting Go
“But the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” -the words of Jesus, John 14:31 Let me tell you about a story I heard years ago. I can’t remember where, so if the author (or songwriter) is out there somewhere and reads this,…
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Sacrificial Giving
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I’m wracking my brain about what to give my dear hubby. I’d love to surprise him with something special, something out of the ordinary. The usuals, like chocolates and a romantic card are always great fallbacks. I like those myself, but could I do something more? Maybe something…
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Weekend Devotion – Love Notes
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. – Isaiah 26:3 Have you ever noticed how God sends you love notes? I received this verse today in a church-wide e-mail from my pastor today, giving encouragement during a time when our church really needs it. I found…
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The Battle We Can’t See
If you’re like me, you most likely get pulled in multiple directions on a daily basis. Interruptions abound and your self-identity is as apparent and flittering as the steam on the bathroom mirror. And that’s if you even got a shower that day. You’re a mother, a wife, someone’s assistant-boss-you fill in the blank, the…
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Weekend Devotion – God’s Gift of Hope
“So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.” – Acts 27:25 A dear friend of mine gave me a wonderful birthday present. This is a friend who time after time, God has used to give me little nudges in the right direction.…
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Another Revelation of God
Last July I wrote a post called The Revelation of God about a divine appointment God has set up between me and a woman who was unequally yoked for six and a half years. Learning how her husband came to Christ and interviewing him turned into a unique opportunity to how God worked in this…
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One Scarred Hand to the Other
Fear. That’s what God told me to write about this week. To be honest, I don’t really know what to say about it, other than I seem to be battling it more at the moment than I ever have before. I learned at an early age to be confident, even if I had to fake…
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Feeling Alone
When I was feeling alone in my marriage, before my husband received “the big talk” from God. I felt really really alone. It was just me and the kids. Most wives and husbands can talk to each other and communicate pretty well but not us. We use to be pretty much best friends in the…
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A Final Word on Thankfulness
I know, I know. You’re most likely tired of the subject by now. Thanksgiving is over. We’ve seen plenty of posts about it, but I want to bring one more dish to the table before it’s cleared. Thankfulness for our unbelieving spouses. Sometimes this is incredibly difficult, or nearly impossible, but I do believe it…
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Expectations and Disappointments
Around this time of year I find I build up expectations. Expectations of myself and especially of others. Sometimes I recognize the expectations in my heart and there are times I don’t know they exist until they are unmet. These moments are when I find myself awash in disappointment. I tend to be a tab…
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What’s God Up to Now?
You’re not going to believe this. Or maybe you will. Saturday evening I heard a still soft voice. “Invite him to church.” I paused. Or should I say, I froze. “Huh? Lord, is that you?” “Invite him to church.” “But why? He’ll just say no. Or laugh at me.” “Invite him to church.” “Well, okay.…
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Growing Younger
I’ve taken to daydreaming lately. In church as I sing during worship, I imagine my husband standing next to me, singing slightly out of key. As I read my Bible, I imagine him asking me about what I’m reading and a lively discussion ensues, both of us enrapt by the Word of God. I picture…
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A Fine Linen Belt
In Jeremiah 13, God tells Jeremiah to purchase a linen belt and tie it around his waist. Jeremiah does as God instructs him. Then God speaks a second time, telling Jeremiah to bury the belt in a crevice. Many days later, Jeremiah unearths the belt at God’s direction and finds it ruined and completely useless.…