Trying to be perfect is scary. Recognizing that we’re not? Also scary. Being okay with that? oh, boy! This is such a hard subject, and we have managed to get it so tangled up! On the one hand, we like to think we’re capable and intelligent. Then when we mess up we’re shocked and horrified when we mess up. But on the other hand, we think of ourselves as sinful, fallen mankind. Untouchable. Unworthy. Undeserving of anything good. And we’re stuck trying to reconcile these two images of ourselves, which never works. Then along comes the latest sermon or podcast … Read More
Pruning in the Bible: 1 Important but Challenging Topic
Have you ever wondered about those verses on pruning in the Bible? I have. I’ve heard messages explaining it, trying to help us understand. What does prune mean in the Bible? They make me curious. Because I have not spent any time in a vineyard, the little I know is only through reading about it. According to several dictionaries, the answer is to: Sounds painful. I mean who really wants to be cut and trimmed? But the benefits sound very good! Shaping and smoothing, cleansing and purification are all good things! It seems that pruning is necessary for the … Read More
Could You Write a Personal Statement of Faith?
If someone asked you to describe your faith, what would you say? Are you prepared to share the reason for the hope that is in you? (1 Peter 3:15) If you were talking with a fellow believer and were trying to evaluate your current spiritual state, would you have the words? These are some questions I’ve been asking myself since I first read a very unique (and somewhat unlikely) story. I’ll share all about that towards the bottom of the post because it was a lot of fun. But first, let’s see if we can tackle the whole ‘sharing your … Read More
How To Do Devotions: Understanding the Meaning of Devotion Changes Everything
Sometimes the idea of there being a right and wrong way how to do devotions can be so intimidating! But it doesn’t have to be. I think we’ve both overcomplicated the concept and also reduced it so it became a 5-15 minute checkbox on our to-do list. But the meaning of devotion is so much richer and more amazing than that. After all, we’ve been invited to draw near, to be still, and rest in Him. What is the Meaning of Devotion? I’m glad you asked 😉 I want to start with this screenshot from Thesaurus .com. That doesn’t really … Read More
Awesome Devotional About Humility in the Bible and Today
Hey, I’m glad you’re here! Today I want to share an awesome devotional on humility in the Bible and today. It’s a combination of contemporary Christian fiction and a devotional inspired by First Corinthians 13. Because the essence of the ‘love chapter’ really is humility, isn’t it? The power of humility is in its putting others first, and trusting God with the outcome. When you read the Bible, you get to see some of the most average people doing remarkable things. Think about Nehemiah. As cupbearer, what possible expertise, or responsibility, did he have for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem? … Read More
17 Best Children’s Sunday School Songs for Adults To Love Too
If you grew up in church, as I did -I was a 4th (living) generation Southern Baptist as a kid- then you probably have some favorite Sunday School songs that still go through your mind from time to time. Hopefully, you’re passing them down to the next generation as well. As I play our favorite CDs during the day, for my kids and I to dance to, sweep to, etc, and as I sing to them when they (or I) need calming, I’m struck all over again by just how meaningful each well known tune really is! The Bible truths I’ve … Read More
Faith in a Box: 14 Great Christian Subscription Boxes
I certainly don’t want to keep my faith in a box, do you? But receiving Christian subscription boxes would mean opening the package and setting that faith free to do its work, right? Getting monthly packages full of Christian encouragement, books, and apparel, etc. would be awesome! I recently discovered how cool they are, and couldn’t wait to share them with you! 3 Benefits of Faith in a Box Recharge Your Faith: When you receive one of these faith based subscription boxes and USE what comes, you give yourself a great opportunity to recharge your faith and reconnect with your … Read More
Shelter of the Most High: Psalm 91 Brought to Life
It’s a privilege for us to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. A gift, he has given us. As Beth Moore is so fond of saying, there ain’t no ‘high’ like the Most High! He is the Maker, Creator, Master, and Friend. Almighty Father Protector and Guide. For us to be allowed take refuge with Him, well, wow! I’ve spent a good bit of time on Psalm 90-91 lately (a prayer of Moses), with this post in mind. Psalm 90 talks about the Most High God, and His power and eternal nature. A plea to see God’s work, … Read More
Fear God Not Man: Encouragement, with a Challenge
When you fear God not man, you have so much more freedom! The pressure is so much lighter! To fear no one but God is an interesting dynamic, I think. Sometimes I manage to do this, and other times the fear of man (opinions, appearances, insults or even a general “hard time”) holds me back from doing what I know God wants of me. Sometimes, I would rather disappoint God, whom I can’t see, than those around me whose reactions are immediately apparent. But this passage really puts things in perspective! (Matthew 10:26-33 NASB) 26 “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed … Read More
4 Practical Ruth and Naomi Relationship Principles to Live By
Retelling of Bible stories in another time period can be a powerful tool. Translating the Ruth and Naomi relationship dynamics into other settings managed to bring home the lessons all over again. Join me today as we talk about 4 tried and true principles from the relationship of Ruth and Naomi. One of the greatest things about books set in other times and places, but based on Bible stories is that you aren’t tampering with the original, so anyone who’s nervous about Biblical fiction can safely enjoy it. You’ll see what I mean in the book below, based on the … Read More