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
The Umpire Rules
“Let the peace of Christ RULE in your hearts”. — Colossians 3:17 RULE <brabeuō> means to arbitrate, i.e. to govern (figuratively, to prevail). Paul is using it here to mean: to be an umpire; to decide, determine; to direct, control, rule. Let’s look at some definitions. To arbitrate means: to settle (a dispute between two people or groups) after hearing … 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 REDEEMED by God
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
Thanksgiving is Over
This morning I read Colossian 2:6-7. Jump on my “train” of thought and go for a ride with me, won’t you? “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith,just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” As I read these … Read More
When it’s just a bunch of names…
I don’t know about you, but often when reading portions of Scripture where the writer lists peoples’ names, I tend to read them quickly and move on. God has been drawing that to my attention and urging me to slow down and process what is written about people. After all, God chose to mention them in His holy Scriptures for … Read More
Let’s Renovate!!
Does this world and its ways make your head spin? As you look around, does nothing make sense anymore? As I was reading in Romans 11-13 this morning, I found myself really pondering Paul’s words in light of our culture. I’m going to share an excerpt from my journal, and I pray you can follow this old gal’s train of … Read More
Words Matter
I really enjoy looking back through my journals to see what God had to say to me at different times in my life. Looking back gives me a good measure of how (or “if”), I am maturing in my Christian walk. I came across this journal entry this morning, and sheesh, it was as convicting today as it was the … 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
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
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