Stories that Stir Your Spirit
As I looked back over my posts from 2024, I noted a theme: believe and trust in God.
Both of which require faith. Especially when your prayers seem unanswered…or your desires unmet…and you’re losing hope.
As I wrote this, I found myself listening to Danny Gokey’s song “Haven’t Seen It Yet.” On the heels of that, I listened to “Stay Strong.” I needed those reminders: that good things are coming, and that I need to stay strong in my faith.
[Read more…] about Stay in Faith
“Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. …Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.’ Then the angel said, ‘I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time’” (Luke 1:13, 18–20 NLT).
With Christmas only 10 days away, you might be asking, What does Zechariah have to do with Christmas? Though born only months apart, John the Baptist came first and prepared the way for Jesus. It seems only fitting that his birth announcement come before Christ’s.
[Read more…] about The Power of Doubt and of Our WordsFor many years now, my desire has been to fulfill God’s destiny for my life: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Eph. 2:10 NLT). And in doing that, to experience and enjoy the life Jesus promised in John 10:10: “I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (NKJV).
I want to live in the totality of that life. Redemption, deliverance, salvation. Healing and peace and provision. His purpose and eternal life. Seems like a tall order, but is anything too difficult for the Lord?
[Read more…] about Destined to Succeed in Your PurposeSubmit.
Generally, not a word women like to hear because husbands have often used it to demand obedience to what they want. Even my character Sally Clark wrestles with this issue in my book Discovering Her Inheritance. I’m not sure I know of any woman who hasn’t.
I’ve often heard “wives, submit to your husbands” but without an explanation of what real submission looks like.
Bear with me. I’m not here to discuss wives submitting to their husbands, but to discuss our submission to God.
[Read more…] about Trust and SubmitThe Lord taught me several lessons last year, but I think the one that stands at the top is to be more aware of what I think about.
I can watch the daily news and let it fill my mind with turmoil, chaos, and confusion. Or I can keep my mind focused on God and His Word and let it fill me with His love, peace, and joy.
I’m not talking about putting my head in the sand. I’m talking about controlling my thoughts.
[Read more…] about Staying Focused on God“Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV).
Veteran’s Day was earlier this month. I can’t let it pass without reflecting on my time in the Marine Corps. I love my country deeply and am saddened by what I see taking place today.
Thanksgiving is this week. I’m thankful for the freedoms I enjoy that men and women died to help protect.
For many, Thanksgiving has become another day off from work. A day to join with family for roast turkey and all the trimmings. The meaning and sacrifice that underpins the holiday is nearly forgotten.
[Read more…] about Patriotism and Thankfulness
As I got ready to post this blog, I noticed God has a distinct theme weaving through my life right now: Be strong and courageous.
God has been speaking those words to me for quite some time.
Why? Because things in the world are bad and are going to get worse—it says so in the Bible. I need to be strong and courageous, but He is also telling me to encourage others with the same words.
Proverbs 18:21 tells us the power of death and life resides in the tongue. The writer put death and life in that order for a reason. I can only guess why, but I do know that we human beings are quick to speak the negative rather than positive.
Continually touting how bad things are only continues to make things worse. We’re actually helping the Devil when we speak the problem.
Instead, we need to speak God’s truth.
[Read more…] about Rulers in a Foreign Land
Life has a way of constantly throwing trouble our way. The paycheck falls short of covering the bills. The kids misbehave. The car breaks down. In the last year, price’s everywhere have risen, in some cases even doubled, making it even more difficult for the paycheck.
Lately, it seems all I hear is doom and gloom. Like many others, I believe we are in the last days of the last days. Yes, the seven years of tribulation might be just around the corner, but we do not have to be afraid! We can be victorious today and in the days to come.
[Read more…] about Feeling battle weary? Be victorious starting today.