Monday, April 28, 2025

Grace of God



Do you know what’s going on in the lives of your church members? Do you need to be shaken a bit so the doors of your heart open wider to those around you? Is God calling you to invest in others? Order this book today!!

I spoke at a women’s retreat this past Saturday. A woman came up to me afterwards and unassumingly told me she’d written a book and handed it to me. It was a short encounter. But boy—was God making a powerful impact!

I came home and read her book. Her story has shaken me. I won’t spoil the story for you—but just let me say, “You may have a child sitting in your church who is being abused. You may have a woman who is about to step over the edge mentally and emotionally and doesn’t know where to turn. You are most assuredly surrounded by needs!”  We can “play church”…or we can roll up our sleeves and help those God has brought to us. God always uses a two-edged scalpel—one side to help those in trouble and the other side to teach the helpers. 

I remember the first time God asked me to help someone. I told the woman in crisis, “I don’t have all the answers—but God does! I can walk with you and pray with you and we can let God teach us.”   That’s all you need to know to help others. In fact, in Cathy’s book, you’ll see that the people who ministered to her most just sat with her quietly. 

Again…read the book. And raise your hand and tell God, “Pick me!” Let’s do more than sit in church and rub shoulders with people. Let’s partner with God and help others come out of the darkness and into God’s great and marvelous light!

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Change…or Growth?



A couple of days ago, God spoke this to my heart, “Change is inevitable; growth is optional.” You see, everything changes!! It may not be a good change…but it changes. It’s the way of the world. Change happens every day, every hour, every minute. You have to choose to grow! You choose spiritual, mental, and emotional growth. There comes a time when your mother no longer feeds you and you become accountable for your own nourishment. 

Years ago, I asked a Lamaze coach what happens to a baby who stays in the womb too long. Know what she said? It decomposes.  That’s also the way of the world. When something quits growing, it begins to decompose. That’s change! Even weeds that aren’t fed begin to wither. 

We have a choice. Will we grow in Christ? Or will we neglect the most important growth process there is? You feed yourself spiritually by reading your Bible and opening your spirit to the Spirit of God and talking with Him. True growth doesn’t happen just by listening to preachers—although that’s helpful.  It’s opening your Bible and asking the Spirit to teach you. He will!

You’re either growing or decomposing.  There’s no middle ground. Jesus is the Bread of Life! Feast on Him and you’ll grow!

Monday, April 21, 2025

What do I Get?



“What do I GET?” Isn’t that the question we begin asking at a very young age? We do something to please others—or win a game—and we want a prize! My sister and her five-year-old grandson, Truett, were here this past weekend.  He’d gotten a new indoor golf set and couldn’t wait to show me how good he was at getting a hole-in-one! As he was lining up his shot, he told me, “I get to wash dishes!!” He’d won an earlier game…and the prize his grandmother gave him was getting to wash dishes after dinner!  (Don’t laugh too hard—washing dishes is one of his favorite things to do!)

God tells us in Matthew 6 not to do things just to get a reward. Oh! There will be a reward if done in the right way—but it will come from the Father and not from men. Don’t pray just to get man’s attention. Don’t give and blare a horn so everyone notices. Don’t fast and look haggard just so men think you are pious. The only reward you receive when you do things to get noticed by men is the notice of men. There’s no reward from God. But when we focus on the kingdom of God and do these things to please Him, HE will reward us! It may not be an immediate reward—it may not even be given until we are in heaven. But we are to serve to please God and God alone. 

Mom and dad came to pick Truett up yesterday. After hearing about his hole-in-one and the prize of washing dishes, his dad told him if he could get another hole-in-one, he could mop the floor when he got home! My guess is Truett will eventually learn not to trust the reward of men. 





 

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Who was Joseph?



If I were to ask you, “Who was Joseph in Matthew 1 & 2?” What would you say? How would you describe him?

•Would you say he was engaged to Mary?
•Would you say he was a descendant of David?
•What about a disappointed fiancè?
•How about a just or righteous man?

He was all of those things. He came from a pedigreed line of ancestors—sinners, all of them. But it was the Who’s Who of Israel!

What makes Joseph stand out? Righteousness and obedience. This righteous and just man didn’t want to humiliate Mary when he found out she was pregnant—so he was going to dissolve their engagement quietly. Until…an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and explained Mary was pregnant with God’s Son and he shouldn’t be afraid to marry her. In fact, he was told to name the baby Jesus—for He would save His people from their sin. Remember that long line of pedigreed ancestors? They needed saving! But so did he and Mary. So do we. 

What did Joseph do? He obeyed instantly. He took Mary as his wife—but he didn’t have sex with her until after Jesus was born. I’m sure God instructed him to abstain from sex so there would be no question of whose Son this was! But then again…maybe Joseph just had that kind of integrity to guard what was God’s. Did you know sex was a huge stumbling block among his ancestors? Maybe Joseph purposed in his heart to be different; he chose to honor God. 

If I were to ask a group of those who know us best, who would they say we are? Have we overcome a familiar family sin? Are we humble and selfless?  Obedient? Righteous? Wise?

Mary & Joseph weren’t perfect. But their heart was after God. And when He asked them to be a part of His story? They said, “YES!” He’s asking us the same question, “Will you be a part of My story?”

What would you say?

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Miraculous Details


I was reading Matthew 1-2 this morning, and I decided to write down every miraculous detail that happened in Jesus’ life as a baby. Here they are:

1. Mary, a virgin became pregnant with Jesus, God’s Son. 
2. An angel of the Lord told Joseph not to be afraid to marry Mary—she was pregnant with God’s Son and his name was to be Jesus. 
3. Wise Men followed a star to Bethlehem. 
4. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of Bethlehem, Egypt, & Nazareth. 
5. The star led the Wise Men to Jesus. 
6. Gifts of provision were given to Jesus. 
7. Wise Men were warned in a dream not to go to Herod. 
8. Joseph was warned in a dream to go to Egypt. 
9. Jesus’ life was spared in the destruction of male babies. 
10. Joseph told in a dream to go to Israel because Herod had died. 
11. Joseph was warned in a dream to go to Galilee. 

God orchestrated Jesus’ life with great detail. He was God’s Son, after all! But so are you—if you’ve chosen to be adopted by God. He’s orchestrating your life with the same kind of miraculous detail—even if you’re not aware of it! Do you think it’s an accident that you live where you do? That you have THIS job? Are going to THIS school? Are married to THIS person? God’s been orchestrating details for your favor since you were born. YES!! We all live in the miraculous. He knows how to work with every choice you make—and turn it for your good. Be still today and look for the miraculous. Write down what you see. I think you’ll be amazed!



Monday, April 14, 2025

100% Right!!


We think we’re 100% right all of the time, don’t we? We may even scoff at those who disagree with us. But…are we? I mean, what are the odds that we are 100% right ALL OF THE TIME?? It’s impossible. I think we might be surprised at God’s assessment of the correct percentage. 

So why do we insist that we are right? I think it’s pretty obvious. Pride. We want to prove we know what we’re talking about! We don’t like being challenged. We assume our character or our integrity is being attacked. We might even dig in our heels for a good fight if we’re corrected. I’m guessing most of the things we argue over on a day-to-day basis have nothing to do with the Word of God—which is the one truth on which we should be unshakable. But the interesting thing is we’re probably wrong on a lot of our interpretation of the Bible!

What would God have us do?
•Listen to the other person with an open heart and open mind. We might learn a new perspective and it might bring understanding. 
•Let it go. Most of the things we argue over aren’t even worth the debate—and we’re probably not going to change the other person’s mind. We need to learn to hold our tongue. 
•Examine ourselves. Why do we want to “win” so badly? Confess the sin of pride. 
•Submit to God. He tells us to avoid useless debates. 
•Honor our brother. Relationships are more important than being right. 

I hope to get this down before I die!

he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.”
I Timothy 6:4-6



Saturday, April 12, 2025

Community



This morning, I was remembering the way things were in my childhood. We had so much community! Our neighborhood was a hive of activity in the evenings. The adults would sit outside in their lawn chairs while we kids played games all over the neighborhood. My parents had deep friendships and my mom was very hospitable. We had friends and family over to our home all the time. The adults also played 42 and would have game nights at each other’s homes. I grew up with community. 

After I married Andy, we developed community everywhere we went. We’d invite friends over for a meal—or the guys would play long hours of the game Risk. As we grew spiritually, we met with friends to Praise and Pray. Our kids remember P&P as a profound time of community. It was deep and meaningful. And we grew more and more in love with God. 

Why do we need community? Because life is hard and because God told us we would need it! It’s where you find friends, fellowship, fun, and faith. I don’t know that I consciously thought about wanting community—I just had a deep need for friendships.  (I also had the example of my mom’s hospitality!) I know that I could call any of the friends I’ve had community with in a time of trouble—and they’d be right there to help! Those are deep relationships. 

In Deuteronomy 30:19 says, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;” One of the Hebrew meanings of “life” is “community!”  There is LIFE in community!!  Ask anyone who has had deep and meaningful relationships where their lives are intertwined with others. They’ll confirm it is LIFE.  

How do you build community? Invite a family over for a meal. Ask if they like to play games you enjoy. One group of ladies I knew all had desperate needs—so they met to pray. Community grew out of that. Sit outside in your neighborhood with extra chairs around you and a cooler of drinks to share. As neighbors come out, invite them to come sit. Be curious. Ask about their lives. Go to church and get involved—community will grow if you invest yourself. And…don’t let a cluttered house stop you!!

Is it risky to get involved in community? Maybe. You have to be vulnerable to open your lives and home. But I’d tell you the payoff of investing in one another’s lives is HUGE!! Our culture has become isolated and people are suffering mentally and spiritually because of it. It’s time to swing the doors of our homes and lives open to show our children how to live in community!!

Choose LIFE!  Choose COMMUNITY!

Monday, April 7, 2025

Babylon



Did you know the city of Babylon will be rebuilt? Saddam Hussein began the rebuilding in his lifetime—and the USA even contributed $700,000 towards it (and we all know that probably means even more). It will be rebuilt—and become the world’s greatest city of commerce. The Bible tells us this in Revelation 17 & 18. 

Every time I read Revelation 18:12-13, I shudder. It describes the merchandise that the great city of Babylon sells. Things like pearls, scarlet, and ivory. But it ends with: THE BODY & SOULS OF MEN (meaning men, women, & children)!! 

How corrupt, debased, and contemptible! Honestly, the picture which comes to my mind is Epstein Island. Can you imagine the horror of a small child you love submitted to such debauchery, lewdness—and sin? No wonder their souls are sold. They have to shut down to survive. 

Babylon will be destroyed again in one hour. God will repay her double according to her works. The foul land will become the habitation of demons. Kings, businessmen, and ship captains will weep over its destruction—which is completely disgusting to me.  

Men, women, and children should not be for sale—either in online photos or physically—bodies and souls. God is very serious about this detestable behavior. The great city of Babylon will be destroyed in one hour because of it. I imagine there’s a level of hell reserved for those who propagate this abominable sin. 

People should not be for sale. Ever. Period. And they wouldn’t be…if people quit buying. 

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Phenomenon


Have you ever seen so many strange phenomena in the sky as there are right now? I could have posted 100 photos like these—all taken from Facebook and from all over the world. Most of these are screenshots from
videos. Many are natural phenomenon like the red sprites…but the fact that they’re appearing so often and all over the world makes it newsworthy. I’m taking notice. Why? Because God said signs and wonders would appear in the skies in the last days. 

Keep looking up! You’ll see more and more strange phenomenon. And soon?  Jesus!

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” 
Luke 21:25-28

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

A Heart that Says “Yes” to God



Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of His Son. The angel, Gabriel, came to Mary and told her God’s plan…but gave Mary the choice of whether to step into this significant role. I know God doesn’t tell us everything about the future, but I believe somehow Mary understood the cost of this decision. And her acceptance of the plan almost cost her marriage to Joseph—until an angel shared the truth with him. It certainly cost her reputation.  Can’t you imagine the wagging tongues in Nazareth? 

Mary endured a lot of pain as the mother of God’s Son:
•Gossip about her pregnancy
•Disbelief of Joseph
•Conflict between her children (the perfect son vs. the not-so-perfect children
•The persecution of Jesus’ ministry and disbelief by many—including spiritual leaders
•Watching her son’s torture and crucifixion

But God also sent her a lot of encouragement:
•The encouragement of Elizabeth
•The shepherds hearing the angels proclaim Jesus’ birth
•Simeon declaring the arrival of the Messiah
•Anna declaring the arrival of redemption
•God speaking to Joseph in dreams
•The wise men worshiping Jesus
•Being a part of the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry
•The miracles

Mary was a normal human being. I think we see this in Mark 3. Jesus’ brothers and Mary came to where Jesus was. They (at least the brothers) had decided Jesus was out of his mind! As a mom, have you ever been caught in the middle of your children’s conflict? Our normal response is to “fix it!” I think Mary had come for that very reason. When Jesus was told his mother and brothers were outside, he said, “Who are my mother and my brothers? It’s those who hear the word of God and do it!” In that moment, He was saying everyone has a choice to say “yes” and follow him—even His mother and brothers. We know Mary chose to follow Him—she was a part of His ministry. But it wasn’t until after His resurrection that his brothers saw the truth and followed Jesus!

Mary was just like you and me. She was a sinner in need of a savior. The difference is that she was miraculously pregnant and gave birth to her redeemer. I like what Jack Hayford says, “Mary’s miracle is intended to be ours. We can all be pregnant with the promise of God.”

Have you said “Yes” to following Jesus? What promise has God given you? Did you know that every promise of God is filled with its own inherent power to explode into our circumstances? It is! God wants to take you on the journey of a lifetime—it may be full of highs and lows like Mary’s. But I think, at the end, your heart will be full of thanksgiving for how the hard things made you grow—and full of wonder and praise over each fulfilled promise of God.