Joy & Freedom

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:23 This was the verse that the Lord laid on my heart for 2023. I didn’t know what was in store for me, but He obviously did. My year started out, as they all…

Let every heart…prepare Him room. It’s such a familiar phrase. When we are expecting guests, we prepare for them. We clean up the house, we shop for food and drinks to share, we decorate for the occasion. We want everything to look, and be perfect for their arrival. Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think…

Jesus changes everything. It sounds cliche, but there is such truth in these words. In 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Paul talks about the old covenant and the new covenant. The old covenant was based on laws that were etched in stone. The old covenant was structured to bring glory to God through obedience to the law.…

When God asks me to do something, one of two things usually gets in the way. Regrets from the past, or fear of the future. In Exodus chapter 3 God appeared to Moses in a burning bush that was engulfed in flames but didn’t burn up. It was amazing, he had to go take a…

My sister and I are not alike. We were raised in the same house, by the same parents, yet our personalities are distinct. There are definitely similarities, but we lead different lives and react differently to life events. Mary and Martha were sisters with different personalities too. In John 11:1-44 we read the story of…

Have you met my friend, Naomi? Naomi has not had an easy life. After her husband died, and then later her two sons died as well, she decided to return to her homeland. Her sons’ widows, Orpah and Ruth, prepared to go with her. But Naomi replied, “Why should you go on with me? Can…

I went away to spend a weekend with Jesus, and he met me there. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 Friday night…

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 Picture this…it’s not your birthday, or any other special occasion, and your dad walks in with a box for you. You can’t see inside it, but you…

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgement. Proverbs 9:10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:8 God is not a party trick. You don’t get to just say the right…

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 Who do you trust? I have friends and family who are trustworthy. Do they know, without a doubt, what my life choices…