Unexpected, hard ways…

Matthews gospel records the miraculous birth of the Savior. (Matt 1:18-25) The oh-so familiar story has been the subject of countless movies, books and church programs. And we often, breeze past these verses. But Jesus did come. Prophecy was fulfilled. God sent His Son to us! And if this were not true, there would beContinue reading “Unexpected, hard ways…”

One thing that defeats FEAR!

There are so many things in this world right now, that tempt us to fear. I’m sick of seeing the enemy rob us of peace because we are distracted, discouraged, and gripped by fear. The enemy really uses that. But here’s one thing I’ve learned that has disarmed him time and time again in myContinue reading “One thing that defeats FEAR!”

Stop Praying Safe Momma Prayers!

Jesus is my everything. My satisfaction. I learned to walk in real relationship with Jesus in the midst of intense trial and tragedy in my life. It was through those hard days that God taught me to trust Him for all of my days and where He became my everything—more than enough for whatever lifeContinue reading “Stop Praying Safe Momma Prayers!”

I’m Not Enough For My Kids

I’ll be sharing with young moms this morning and tonight at First Baptist Concord. I’d appreciate your prayers. As I think of that, I’ll share something God laid on my heart several years ago— I’m Not Enough For My Kids What feels like a long time ago now, a squirmy, wet, beautiful, little creature wasContinue reading “I’m Not Enough For My Kids”

Don’t run ahead in your own strength

His fame grew. The crowds pressed. There was so much ministry to be done. So many lessons for the Savior to teach. And what did He do? He withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. (Luke 5:16). So often, I see needs….So many good things to do. And too often, I run ahead in my ownContinue reading “Don’t run ahead in your own strength”

Even When We Don’t Understand

To watch someone suffer pain and hold on to God, knowing He could’ve stopped it, but chose not to, is truly a holy thing to witness. My words don’t seem worthy to even attempt to describe such. Yet, little has encouraged my faith as much as this story has. It’s one I’ve closely watched unfoldContinue reading “Even When We Don’t Understand”

Are some too far gone for revival?

There’s a lot of talk about revival in our country. But, have you ever wondered if some are just too far gone? Perhaps, you have even wondered that about yourself. But the thing is, not being to earn it, is pretty much the whole point of the gospel. God makes this clear when Jesus calledContinue reading “Are some too far gone for revival?”

But even now…

In John 11, her brother, Lazarus, had died and Martha sits mourning with friends and her sister, Mary. They are told Jesus is coming. Martha bursts out of the house and goes to meet Him. She ran to Jesus. Martha is absolutely devastated over her brother’s death, but she STILL ran to Jesus. She saysContinue reading “But even now…”

Hope, when you feel like you have none…

Just over a year ago, an early morning message took my breath away. A mom, who loves Jesus, serves the Lord with her husband in ministry, and who had sat with me at ballgames as we watched our daughters cheer, messaged to let me know her daughter was tragically killed the night before. Tears filledContinue reading “Hope, when you feel like you have none…”

Would now be an opportune time for the enemy to attack you?

Would now be an opportune time for the enemy to attack you? The Bible says, “Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him(Jesus) until an opportune time”. (Luke 4:13) The forty days of temptation in the wilderness were over and Jesus, in the power of the Spirit, went teaching throughout theContinue reading “Would now be an opportune time for the enemy to attack you?”

Pray with me?

I woke up thinking about a conversation my brother, my son-in-law and I had about the great revival movements of God. We had resolved there is NOTHING that might keep God from doing it again. My brother then mentioned how the spark that started the greatest revivals in history had been that of LAY PEOPLEContinue reading “Pray with me?”

What about the criticism of the Revivals at Asbury and Lee and The Chosen?

I don’t know what’s happening with the revivals at Asbury and Lee Universities. These revivals have been going on for days. I know some are incredibly excited and some are criticizing. In the episodes I’ve seen of The Chosen (I’m not caught up) I’ve found the show to draw my heart closer to Jesus. SomeContinue reading “What about the criticism of the Revivals at Asbury and Lee and The Chosen?”

Did you notice this about Colossians?

I’ve had a tough time being ready to be at the end of this study in Colossians. It is such a joy to study the Word with you, friends. And speaking of friends, have you noticed that Paul devoted so much of this short letter (most of the last of only four chapters) talking aboutContinue reading “Did you notice this about Colossians?”

Pop Tarts and the Bible

I have been getting up early and getting in the Word for years. I do it because it helps me. I started sharing what I found as I read because I thought it might help others too. I so appreciate those of you who study with me. And I certainly don’t read to check offContinue reading “Pop Tarts and the Bible”

Looking for the blessings. Power in gratitude.

Continue earnestly in prayer, being VIGILANT in it with THANKSGIVING (Col 4:2, emphasis mine). Being vigilant in prayer is tied to thanksgiving. I keep praying because I’m thankful for a God who answers prayers. A thankful heart inspires hope. Hope leads to prayer. And by thankful, I mean grateful. There’s such POWER in a gratefulContinue reading “Looking for the blessings. Power in gratitude.”

A couple thoughts on parenting…

Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. (Col 3:20) The Enduring Word commentary says, “Paul has in mind children who are still in their parents’ household and under their authority. For these, they must not only honor their father and mother (as in Ephesians 6:2), but theyContinue reading “A couple thoughts on parenting…”

Are you grieving the better days of this country?

This morning, I’m thinking back to words my sister-in-law said to me as we prepared for a baby shower. They are increasingly true. Before all the guests arrived, Shauna, who is a prayer warrior and dear friend to me, talked about all that is going on in our world. She said something that struck meContinue reading “Are you grieving the better days of this country?”

Because marriage is so good and so hard—

I’ve been posting about marriage the past couple of days. Wives submitting. Husbands loving. There’s been some emotion, and some strong opinions, to say the least. Because marriage is so GOOD and also so HARD, I’m sharing what God laid on my heart a while back— There absolutely will be the days your eyes meetContinue reading “Because marriage is so good and so hard—”

So, how well is your husband measuring up?

Husbands love your wives and do not be bitter towards them. (Col 3:19) And the Greek word Paul used for LOVE here is a really big deal— “Agapao does not denote affection or romantic attachment; it rather denotes caring love, a deliberate attitude of mind that concerns itself with the well-being of the one loved.”Continue reading “So, how well is your husband measuring up?”