What comes to mind when you hear the word “redeem?” Redeeming a coupon at the checkout to get a few cents off your grocery bill? Well, I don’t think that is the concept God was going for in our focus statement today — I am REDEEMED by God. Before we can truly appreciate being “redeemed by God”, we need … Read More
Where’s Your JOY?!
In a devotional I read recently, I was impacted by a quote by John Piper — “The gospel is not a way to get people to heaven; it is a way to get people to God. It’s a way of overcoming every obstacle to everlasting joy in God.” I think so many times people limit the work of Christ on the … Read More
Questions and Answers
Have you ever read a passage of Scripture, knowing what it says, but wondering what it looks like in practice? That’s exactly what happened to me when I read Ephesians 6:18. Let’s study through this, phrase by phrase, and get some answers to our questions. “With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this … Read More
The Grace of God Enriches in Everything
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
Lessons from the Bees
Every now and again something comes across my path that really impacts me, and when it includes anything in nature, that makes it even better! I came across this short writing not long ago and I knew I needed to share it with you. ___________________ My dad has bees. Today I went to his house and he showed me all … Read More
Love is the Greatest Gift
1 CORINTHIANS 13 ~~ CHRISTMAS VERSION If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not … Read More
Thoughts from Ephesians 6
As part of a reading plan I’m doing with a friend, I read Ephesians 6 this morning. Two verses really impacted me and I thought I would share with you what I learned. The first verse was Ephesians 6:5. “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling,in the sincerity of your heart, … Read More
Trials (Part 1)
THE WHAT AND THE WHY OF TRIALS (Part 1) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.And let endurance have its perfect resultSo that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.”~~James 1:2-4~~ As I sit here on my porch on this chilly June morning, Bible open, … Read More