As I studied through 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, the concept of “the grace of God enriches our lives in everything” really hit me. I mean think about that! The grace that we were given in Jesus Christ can enrich everything – our speech – our knowledge – our testimony – EVERYTHING. If it is enriching everything, then according to verse seven, … Read More
The Truth about Our Shepherd
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in the fold of His robe; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. ~~Isaiah 40:11~~ When I read this verse, all that I could think was, “What tender care God gives to His own!” As is my process when I study, … Read More
Psalm 139:1 — God searches me.
“You have searched me, Lord and you know me.” (Psalm 139:1) When I read this verse this morning, the word “searched” popped off the page to me. So in true “word-nerd” form, I looked it up. “Searched” in Hebrew is <chaqar> and means: to penetrate, hence to examine intimately. I looked up “searched” in the dictionary as well, and one … Read More
You’ll Never Hit What You Aren’t Aiming For
I was reading Psalm 107 this morning. As I began my word-study in verse one, I began to see some really cool truths. “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His mercy is everlasting.” ~~Psalm 107:1~~ “Give thanks” is imperative (it’s a command, not a suggestion), and it means, literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; … Read More
God ALONE
Psalm 62 really impacted me this morning. The phrase “God ALONE” was used two times. “My soul waits in silence for God ALONE” “He ALONE is my rock and my salvation”. I see this as emphasis NOT to turn to things or people to lessen your stress and/or help you through life. Psalm 62:8 is an admonition to me and … Read More
Treasure in Jars of Clay
Have you ever had anyone call you a cracked pot? No? Well, I certainly have, and I was downright offended by the comment…until I started studying through this passage of Scripture. Now…if someone calls me that, I merely say “thank you, God shines best through the cracks”! “7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing … Read More
Giving from Your Need
25 I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread. 26 All day long he is gracious and lends, And his descendants are a blessing. — Psalm 37:25-26 — In the early days of my marriage, my husband was working in the field as an ironworker. It … Read More
Follow Me
“Peter began to say to Him, ‘Behold, we have left everything And have followed You’.” ~~Mark 10:28~~ Initial questions: Do I understand what the Bible means by “left everything”? What does “following” look like with skin on? Backstory: a rich young ruler had asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?”, and Jesus … Read More
Where’s the Peace?
As I look at the condition of our world today, the last thing I see is peace, and frankly, seeing the social and economic upheaval really rocks me at times. Can you relate? Well, times certainly weren’t peaceful when Jesus was alive either, and they were going to get worse. So Jesus gave His disciples some advice in how to … Read More
Teach Us to Number our Days
“Who understands the power of Your anger And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” ~~Psalm 90:11-12~~ Having had a birthday recently, the phrase “teach us to number our days” really popped off the page to me. It got me wondering how … Read More