Archive | Spiritual Growth

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Stand at the gate of the Lord’s house and there proclaim this message: ” ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place.” (Jeremiah 7:1-3 NIV) Prophecies Jeremiah’s book is an anthology of prophecies, not listed in chronological order. He felt unqualified for this calling. Death was feared. Dealing with ridicule and […]

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” (Jeremiah 2:13 NIV) God’s Callings Sometimes God’s callings are larger than we imagine. Mary, represents those who accept God’s callings with ease. Her example stands for many today…”Lord, why not me?” . Jeremiah represents those who are reluctant to God’s callings. He’s known to be most expressive of his feelings of all the prophets. Warning! Jeremiah’s message for top officials was not pleasing to hear. He was appointed over nations and kingdoms to uproot and […]

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are the temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16,17  NIV) Corinth Paul arrived in Corinth after a difficult missionary assignment in Athens. He felt if Christianity could take root here, endless opportunities would open in other areas. Corinth reflected cultures today taken by apparent success yet, full of corruption. A temple built for the goddess of love, Venus, reflected their ideal god. However, Paul founded one of the largest first century […]

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 1:18-20 NIV) Obedient Motivating Monday! May this feel like a warm hug to begin your week. Isaiah’s prophetic messages for Judah are not different from what is necessary for today. Isaiah’s […]

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 NIV) Time Forward Friday! This weekend marks time to move our clocks forward. Excitement is in the air. Winter has been long for many of us. Spring represents a time of new birth. What once looked dead is new with life. While lilies prepare to bloom, dormant trees will cover our landscapes with fresh green leaves and new buds. Bears and other animals come out of hibernation. Time to awaken. Awareness I […]

 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12 NIV)   Perseverance Your at the end of your toothpaste tube, what do you do? Continue to squeeze until you use every ounce of toothpaste. Throw the tube away without concern how much is left. You do not use toothpaste. As simple as this example, this reflects how one perseveres during a trial. No matter how much force comes against us, are we willing to keep pressing […]

If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his step firm: though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalms 37: 23-24 NIV) Engage A ferris wheel rotates only as an attendant engages the on switch. Power is necessary to connect all mechanisms allowing generations to enjoy riding a ferris wheel. Carnival rides are fun, however, the ride does not last forever. The attendant has control to end the ride. To ride again, requires an additional fee. Commit Once we ask Jesus into our hearts, we engage. The salvation prayer is […]

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 6,7 NIV) Anxiety Waiting for God’s answer to prayer can be daunting. Pondering signs of the times can cause concern. Anxiety? Do not be anxious about anything. Honestly, who has time to be anxious? We need to pray and petition everything. Yes, I am serious. Often our daily tasks are approached without prayer. No prayer, no petition, and no thanksgiving […]

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3 NIV) Jesus, a friend Let’s have a little talk with Jesus. We may have doubt and fears, our eyes filled with tears, but Jesus is a friend who watches day and night. Go to Him in prayer, He knows my every care. A little talk with Jesus will make it right. These Southern Gospel songs and old hymns speak […]