Archive | Spiritual Growth

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lords anger. (Zephaniah 2:3 NIV) Anger The Lord- anger? Remember Noah’s ark, two of every kind of animal, and his family members…lone survivors of mankind. However, God promised never to curse the ground again because of man’s evil heart. Rainbows are signs of the covenant between God, Noah, and all life on earth. God does not destroy. His wrath is real. The devil steals, kills, and destroys. God disciplines. Therefore, followers […]

“…For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart…” (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV) Jew/Gentile Today’s verse, is part of a letter sent by Jeremiah to those carried off into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. The Lord promises after seventy years survivors would be returned. He warned false prophets were among them and not to listen to their […]

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. (Acts 12:7 NIV) Persecution King Herod persecuted Christians. Seizing Peter had been a lofty achievement. Peter, guarded by four squads of four soldiers each, was a bit extreme with a 16:1 ratio. Then again, 3,000 converts the Day of Pentecost was fresh on King Herod’s mind. To natural eyes, satan’s counterfeit portrays Peter’s situation as impossible. Peter was in prison, yet his church earnestly […]

So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life- not because of anything we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. (2 Timothy 1:8,9 NIV) Experience Considering Paul’s Damascus road experience, days as Saul fueled Paul’s passion for Christ. He was not ashamed of the gospel. His second letter to Timothy urged him not to be ashamed. Once we experience God’s light and audible voice, […]

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31 NIV) Motivating Monday! Motivating Monday! Do you doubt, pout, or shake it all about? Faith is a key element in our spiritual walk. Sometimes we’ll put right foot in yet, dismiss left foot from the game. Life seems like a game. Some play it safe while others gamble it away. Chances are given and choices are made. On a scale of one to ten, ten the greatest- where do you rate your level of faith? No faith, little faith, […]

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! This is what the Lord says- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” (Isaiah 48:17-18 NIV) America Watermelon iced down, sweet tea made, and grills prepared for backyard gatherings. Time to celebrate friendships, family, and wonderful neighbors. We’ll be under the covering of America. Boundaries When considering this […]

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7 NIV) Fountains If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. A cliche or a well trusted expression? Levels of despair range deep and wide. Same as trusted song- deep and wide, deep and wide- there’s a fountain flowing deep and wide. Fountains we see often flow with water. Fountains in the Bible described as: Life- For with you(God) is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.  (Psalm 36:9 NIV) […]

When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it- though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates- Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me… (Nehemiah 6:1,2 NIV) People With our middle child joining a new travel team, we have re-connected with individuals from earlier in our marriage. A funny thought struck when […]