“What I find so interesting about David and Jonathon’s friendship is that Jonathon didn’t hold it against David that David would be the next king…Jonathon valued their friendship more than what he could have gained for himself….” (See 1 Samuel 18.) Such words of wisdom I overheard this morning, spoken by my daughter. That idea - valuing the people in our lives, esteeming others, supporting our...
This printable provides one verse per day, throughout the month of July, for you (or you and your family) to read, contemplate, and pray. From the compilation of these verses, we are reminded that how we treat one another - and what our attitude is towards one another - is a big deal to our Heavently Father! Therefore, it should be a big deal to us, His children, as well. Whether these verses...
What should I do NEXT? How many times have we asked that? If you’re like me, it’s been too many times to count! I think that’s why I especially love what one commentator had to say regarding wisdom: “Wisdom is a practical, ‘what I do next’ kind of thing. It’s common when we’re under pressure to feel deep frustration and be uncertain of what to do. When we are in that situation, James says,...
This printable provides one verse per day, throughout the month of April, for you (or you and your family) to read, contemplate, and pray. From the compilation of these verses, we are reminded that faith is the key to life - both eternal life (salvation) - and life here on earth. It is "by grace through faith" that we have been saved (see Ephesians 2:8). Abraham believed and it was "credited to...
Soon it will be time to plant our garden. While still new at this, it brought such delight to our hearts last summer to just step outside and be able to pull basil leaves, parsley, oregano, or even peppers and tomatoes. But as I look at the garden-to-be, reality sets in: it needs some work. I am reminded of the parable told by Jesus of the sower, the seed, and the soil. These verses have...
The first step in growing is so often found in lowering: lowering ourselves in recognition that I need help, I don’t know what to do, I don’t know how to respond, and I certainly don’t have it all together. “Lord, how I need You!” Or as Eugene Peterson wrote, “The first step in learning is bowing down to God.” Think about that as we ask ourselves, “Is that typically MY first step? To bow down...
Aren’t you so grateful to know that your story is not over? That regardless of how things appear today, in this moment, you have a God who is in control and working all things out for His glory and your good? I sure am. And I find such comfort - and hope - in today’s verses: “The godly grow like a palm tree; they grow high like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the Lord’s house, they...
Feeling a bit as though you’re under construction? Read on! “I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” Philippians 3:12 NLT “Under construction.” Don’t we get so frustrated and impatient when we enter construction zones? The lanes...
Therefore we must progress beyond the elementary instructions about Christ and move on to maturity... Hebrews 6:1 NETToday my 9 year old and I read about “growing as a Christian.” I love the story that was told of Charles Simeon. He was a pastor in London, from 1783-1836. While he was known as a godly man who loved God’s Word, “he continued to struggle with controlling his temper.” One day he...
More Coming Soon! Updated: January's Topic: Pursue and Seek This printable provides one verse per day -- for the month of January -- for you (or you and your family) to read, contemplate, and pray. Before moving too far into the New Year, let’s take a quick trip back to the 1300’s. Here we find one of the earliest definitions of “resolution” – taken from a Latin word meaning “a process of...