What does it mean to have the joy of the Lord? Does it mean we wear a smile on our face when all we want to do inside is cry? Does it mean we pretend sadness and sorrow can’t touch us—and we’re fine, it’s fine, and we’re all fine? That’s what I thought. Suzie Eller…
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A Word About Tradition
It seems the older I get the fewer traditions I keep. Life is becoming more about the moment, ya know what I mean? Less fuss. Your face is what I’m wanting most. It’s more about the person right in front of me, than the ones I may not have the chance to see. My daughter…
“In everything give thanks.” 1 Thess 5:18
In an effort to teach my three-year-old granddaughter manners, I made up a simple song and chirped it throughout the day: Please and thank you, Please and thank you, are such lovely words. It didn’t really take. I picked up a hint of humming, but the words never rolled off her tiny lips. And when…
“Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:15)
Whoever, everyone, all people no matter where, when, or how are offered the door into heaven—which is Jesus. God desires that none should perish, but if we refuse to look up and trust with eager expectation, hell is our destination. It’s important to keep reading, “For God did not send His Son into the world…
“For whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from His.” Hebrews 4:10
Have you entered God’s rest?—the rest of His finished work? Or are you working harder than ever to live forever? After Jesus saved me, I worked like crazy to prove I was worth it. Have you felt that millstone to justify yourself? The need to earn God’s affections so you could secure God’s love? There…
“So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.” 2 Timothy 4:17b
Have you known the Lords’ rescue from certain disaster? I’d huddled under the covers twelve days. Not with flu, or injury, but with panic attacks. At the time, I didn’t understand what was happening. I only knew early mornings and afternoons felt like the plane was crashing. I prayed even harder, confident in my Heavenly…
“The word of God, which is at work in you believers.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Have you paused, believer, to consider the working of God as your eyes follow the words of scripture? While we’re reading, the Spirit is working. If hunger to hear from God has dried up, we must question our idolatrous heart. We have a million things at our fingertips to feed our desire for God. But…
Looking For Help To Pray? I Have Something For You!
This stack of papers is finally bound in one little book. And I’m praying God’s glorious promises inside will revive your prayer time with the Holy Spirit. I tried every way to stay in prayer, but found wisdom from God the only way to stop spinning thoughts—the one way to hold all my attention on…
“The tent that is our earthly home.” 2 Corinthians 5:1
When’s the last time you put up a tent? Kind of a flimsy thing wasn’t it? Kept in the trunk, or a dusty garage. Always takes a bit of labor to attach it to the ground, yet easily pulled down. Though a tent is good cover for a night, I wouldn’t classify it a permanent…
“Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?” Matthew 22:12
Did you know, the guest in the parable of the wedding feast isn’t being judged for improper wedding attire? I’ve had unsettled questions about this parable. Why is this guy singled out because of the clothing he chooses to wear? I thought Jesus said not to worry about what we put on our bodies? And…
JO ANN ALO 