I had a friend reach out to me this morning and share an excerpt from a holiday-themed devotional plan she was doing. In the devotional, the question was posed, “Where do you shine your spotlight?” As the holidays approach, not everyone may be looking forward to them. We all have memories. Some good. Others, not so much. While some … Read More
I am KEPT and GLORIFIED by God
As we finish up our study of “Who I am in Christ”, I’d like to combine the last two in one blog. . I am KEPT by God “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My … Read More
I am SANCTIFIED by God
I think the best way to start out here is to define what “sanctified” means. Sanctified (hagiazō in the Greek language) means to make holy or consecrated. The Bible describes three “phases” of sanctification – positional, progressive, and final. Let’s take a look at each of them. POSITIONAL SANCTIFICATION: As believers, when the Holy Spirit brings us to life spiritually, … Read More
I am SET APART for God
In the original language, the term set apart comes from the roots (apo–which means separation; and horizō–which means to define or mark out). So set apart (aphorizō) means to mark off from others by boundaries, to limit, to separate; set apart for some purpose. Think about that. Our lives are to be marked by the standards God has set for … Read More
Psalm 26:2-3 (Part 1)
This morning I was reading Psalm 26, and as I studied, I saw one of the reasons God may have called David “a man after my own heart”. As I sat in verses 2 and 3, I was convicted and was also challenged, and for both of those things I am so very grateful to the Spirit of God. “Prove … Read More
Don’t Split the Sentence
This morning I finished up my study of 1 Peter. Let me tell you – if you haven’t dug into this book of the Bible, you need to! It’s so rich with encouragement to us as believers living in such an ungodly culture. If you are interested in learning more, reach out to me and I’d be happy to share … Read More
Lessons from Genesis 24
So this morning I was reading in Genesis 24 about the story of Abraham’s servant being sent to Abraham’s homeland to find a wife for Isaac. The Spirit was talking up a storm to me. Here are a four lessons He taught me. Check it out! NUMBER ONE – RELATIONSHIP DRIVES OUT FEAR When the servant was told what he … Read More
Another Rabbit Trail
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree; they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon” ~~Psalm 92:12~~ In my last blog, I followed a rabbit trail and shared a bit about my study of a palm tree. I mean if I’m told in Scripture that I will flourish like a palm, I better know something about a palm, right? … Read More
Rabbit Trails
Well, I was studying in 1 Peter this morning, and let me tell you, I learned A LOT! Thank you Lord!! You know, it’s “funny” how as you study, you may sit down to search out a certain topic, or study a certain passage in depth, but God’s lesson plan is completely different. That was the case for me today. … Read More
Learning from the Blue Jay
God created such beauty for us to behold in this world. And I’m sure it’s by design that I learn so much from spending time observing his creations. This morning, after going out to feed the birds, I settled in at the kitchen table to do my study. Since I hadn’t closed the wooden door —I know that’s not … Read More