I’m pretty sure that winter was created so that spring would be more appreciated. As a child I don’t really remember winter causing much problem. Although I know it was cold, I don’t remember suffering in any way because of the cold. Standing outside waiting for the school bus or playing in the snow: neither of these things bring memories of hardship. I do remember the year that it was snowing so hard the school bus driver didn’t see me standing on the porch. Did we even have snow days back then? Oh beloved, are you feeling the chill …
Bloom!
The jonquils are blooming here and there in our area. The up and down temperatures are causing a stir in nature. It’s amazing to me that these lovely flowers will bloom even in the snow and not die. Oh beloved, bloom! Bloom where you are planted. Bloom out of season. Bloom when all in the natural wants to stunt your life. It’s not about having things right and perfect that you are able to bloom. It’s because your roots are grounded in Christ. This is not the season to cut off the blooms and discard your beauty. It’s time to …
Go To The Source
We were on the hunt for a certain type of shrub over the weekend. I’ve been looking for a while. We checked at a giant home store chain while we were in Hot Springs. They didn’t have it, nor did they seem to know what we were talking about. We decided to call around instead of going from place to place. The first place I called was a delight. The woman on the phone responded with, “Do we!” And she laughed. When we arrived, sure enough, she had a lot of those plants, and a variety as well. …
Filled Up With God
We don’t always see the bird seed thief in action. But the evidence was there this morning in the form of an empty bird feeder. This happens about once a year as a raccoon makes a big haul on free food. There’s no way to run the interloper off if you don’t see him. Oh beloved, your bird feeder may be safe, but there is an interloper who wants to rob everything you have stored for your life. The evidence is clear. The empty feeling is not from the Lord. The sorrow, worry, fear, anger, frustration, disappointment, discouragement …
Age Doesn’t Have To Work Against You
We made another one of those quick trips when our local supplier told hubby they couldn’t get paneling anymore. We went to a big store hardware and picked some up. A worker reluctantly said he’d help hubby load the stuff but he’d have to go get his own trailer. As hubby left to go look for one, a older gentleman man said “hey I’ve got this one but go ahead and take it I can just carry the stuff I need.” Hubby thanked him. We laughed together as they compared age and found that he was a couple …
You’re No Conditional Winner With Christ
Sometimes I sign up to win stuff. LOL Especially if it’s something that gives a prize that is useful. Like a pickup truck or a vacation. There was one I was looking at that had prizes from our state, so I was especially interested. I clicked the link and then the form to fill out. So far so good. Then I saw that you had to “join” to submit your entry. Okay, it was a good cause for sure. But you also had to pay a membership fee to enter. Okay, the fees go for a great cause …
God Doesn’t Hire Professionals
We watched a movie last night about a youth pastor. He had become famous and been on the road promoting his book on reaching youth for Christ. But in the chaos of travel and the entertainment of it all, the message he originally proclaimed got lost. One of the most telling quotes of the entire movie was this, “IF God wanted to be glorified, He’d hire professionals.” Oh beloved, God speaks to our hearts this morning. He wants to remind us that His original message is enough. People respond to the real Gospel. Why? Because it lightens their …
Encouragement
Reading: Philippians 2:1-11 The trials and tribulations discussed in a previous session can take a toll on a person. Sometimes, we openly share our difficulties with friends, and other times they may be hidden away for no one to recognize. As Christians, it’s our duty to encourage one another because we never know when someone carries a heavy heart. Hebrews 3:13 gives another reason to build up our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Being saved does not make us immune to sin. We still continue falling into temptation, and even as Christ always gives us the strength to overcome …
Impossible Mission? Not With the Lord
Impossible mission movies are some of our favorites. I admit there are moments in those movies where I can’t look. But the idea of an underdog hero jumping buildings, escaping bombs and rescuing people, while completing the impossible mission is very appealing to me. Oh beloved, you don’t have to watch impossible mission movies. But you do have to live through times that are literally impossible missions. And you do get to pray for friends and loved ones who are on their own impossible missions. What about your life can go from impossible to completing the scenario in victory? How …
Walk Out Into The New Year
On New Year’s Day morning I walked out to my car barefoot. In December. Unbelievable and yet that’s just what I did. Oh beloved, maybe you didn’t walk out to your car barefoot. But you are walking into this New Year without hesitation. Your feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. You don’t have to stop and make preparation. Even though thorns and stones are out there, you are fully covered by Christ. It’s time that God’s people walk like God’s people. Peace is your birthright. Even though you may have much you feel you should …
Guarded By God’s Word
As the helicopter flew over our area and around our house last week, I was thankful. Thankful that a friend had sent me a post from our sheriff about a manhunt. And thankful that our home has lots of light and good locks. We went to bed knowing we had two deputies behind us as neighbors. Oh beloved, we don’t always know what danger lurks around us. But we know that God is with us. We are guarded by His Word and His heavenly host. Bad things can happen. But God is bigger than the things that come against us. …
Are You Dressed Right?
So far this year I have worn winter clothing one day and summer clothes the next. And as I type this we have had hot weather and storms after freezing temps yesterday morning. Can it get any whackier? Don’t answer that. Lol Oh beloved, this world and the system opposed to God is getting whackier and whackier. Seriously we don’t know how to dress for the occasion. Except you can put on the whole armor of God. You can wrap yourself up in God’s love. He promises to hide His own in the shelter until the danger passes by. Most …