When you think of Jesus what’s the first thing that pops into your head? For me it’s His love. A love so strong, Jesus laid down His life to call me His own. And I in return love Him. But that isn’t enough. Because Jesus wants more than my love. He wants me to love others with the same passion that I reserve for Him alone. …
Loving One Another – John 13Read More »
Loving One Another – John 13 Read More »
Matthew 4:19
To be chosen by Jesus as one of His very own is a gift beyond reckoning. And it’s also a gift that requires sacrifice. Because we can’t follow the Lord and follow the world. Following Jesus means laying down all we knew before, giving up our old, sinful, earthly ways, for a better way of life. But sadly for some, this is asking too much. They would rather cling to the world and its desires then to Jesus. The Jews of old sacrificed much to follow the Lord. They were despised and shunned. They lost their friends, loved ones, way of life, and even their lives. But it was a small price in light of the great price Jesus paid to offer us everlasting life. Jesus calls to each of us, “Follow Me!” Will you answer His call? Can you leave behind the world to become one of His beloved disciples?
February 18th – Matthew 4:19 Read More »
Matthew 6:34
The lyrics to one of my favorite songs go, “One day at a time, sweet Jesus. That’s all I’m asking from You. Just give me the strength to do everyday, what I have to do.” Every day is filled with its own unique challenges and circumstances. And Jesus wants us to focus on each one as it comes without worry for the future. Why? Because the Lord knows that worry causes needless fear and anxiety. Needless because no matter what tomorrow brings, God is already there. He’s there, in control, and working His plans for our good. Our focus should be on the day at hand. And trusting in God every moment of every day to supply all we need to get through it in victory. Now that doesn’t mean we don’t plan for the future. But what it does mean is that we shouldn’t let the worry about that future rob us of the joy from God’s gift of today.
January 23rd – Matthew 6:34 Read More »
Matthew 6:25
For the past two hears, humanity has been involved in the turmoil of the pandemic. And the anxiety it’s caused has taken its toll in the lives of so many people! But we cannot let it oppress us nor enslave us! For there is a solution. And in God’s Word, Jesus taught His followers, who were also dealing with oppression, the steps to follow. Yes we should stop being worried, uneasy, and distracted. You might say it is easier said than done, but when you realize WHO you are putting your trust in, than you can freely rest on Him and put ALL your confidence in your Heavenly Father!
When we are worried and anxious about the material things of life we behave like pagans. Like idol worshippers, we set our trust on our own efforts and set out hearts on our needs. But our Heavenly Father knows exactly what we need, and in the exact time He will provide. But we need to trust Him enough to let go. What is distracting you from receiving the blessings of His Provision for each aspect of your life? Blessings, Mari
January 13th – Matthew 6:25 Read More »
Proverbs 31:25
Today’s culture conveys to women that we must be focused on achievements. Including higher pay, and external beauty. But a woman of faith loves God with all her heart, soul, and strength (Mt 22:37). She is filled with the Holy Spirit and lives in freedom because of her faith in Christ Jesus. And because of her faith she walks with strength, dignity and peace. A woman of faith is able to experience overwhelming joy not anxiety. And she is also fearless about the future. For she is ready to face anything with God, “laughing at the days to come.”
So, let’s break down Proverbs 31:15 so that this freedom available to all His daughters, is found in us. “She is clothed…” We only need to go into any large department store these days to see how much value women place on clothing. But 1 Peter 3:3 says, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.” Rather, the godly woman will be clothed with her Christ-like character. More of our attention should be set on the conditions of our heart. For our outside shell is fading away.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity;” These two traits fit nicely together, for you won’t find strength of character without the dignity. And you won’t find dignity in a person who is weak. Unfortunately, the culture today seems to be defining a “strong woman” as one who is sassy, disrespectful, insolent and truly un-dignified. Our culture seems to call anger strength, and it’s hurting especially the younger generations in my opinion.
But God’s word is clear, meek has never been a synonym for weak. Because true strength of character comes from strength in The Spirit (Lk 1:80) And because of that strength she can laugh. Why? Because she has no fear of the days to come. For she lives wisely and is prepared for what might come. She knows aging is inevitable and doesn’t care. She knows what true beauty is; a gentle and quiet spirit inside of her. And she can laugh because she is carefree, not running after the things of the world. Instead she trusts and leans on her Savior, encouraging others to do the same!
Blessings….Sue
January 4th – Proverbs 31:25 Read More »
Matthew 1:18-25
When we see the nativity scene, we are reminded of the precious gift of our Savior. But also found in that stable is a reminder of the faithfulness of a man named Joseph. A man who stands in the shadows, but whose obedience to God is a lesson for us all. Any other man after learning his fiancé was pregnant by another, would have walked away, or wanted her to be punished. But Joseph wanted neither. Instead when visited by an angel of Lord telling Joseph of Mary’s divine conception, he was willing to obey God. No matter the personal cost. For Joseph not only loved God, he loved Mary and the child she was carrying. So in that love and faithfulness, Joseph obeyed God and named the child Jesus. And that act of obedience accomplished two things. First, it gave the Son of God an earthly father. And second, gave Jesus his noble ancestry as a descendent of the house of David, fulfilling the prophecy of God.
December 8th – Matthew 1:18-25 Read More »
Matthew 6:25
If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and clean water to drink, you are richer than 75% of the world. Much is there to be thankful for. Because as Christians, God provides for those who love Him and follow His commandments. Fear and anxiety are powerful tools of the enemy. But God did not design us to be anxious or worried. In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus told the crowds, “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’….Do not worry about tomorrow.” (Matt. 6:31,34) Our loving Father knows what we need, and promises to fill those needs. All we have to do is trust in His provision. Throughout their 40 year journey, not once did the Israelites go without. From their food, clothing, and shelter, God never failed them.(Deut. 29:4-6) And He won’t fail us. So rejoice and give thanks. For in God’s goodness, He gives us everything we need to live a godly life. (2 Peter 1:3)
November 16th – Matthew 6:25 Read More »
“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.” This hymn by Joseph M. Scriven, is one of my absolute favorites. It always brings up wonderful memories of my Grandmother and her sisters gathered around the organ singing with glee. And it’s also the first thing that enters my mind when I read Matthew chapter 26. …
What A Friend We Have In Jesus – Matthew 26 Read More »
God did not design us to be anxious or worried. In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus told the crowds, “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’….Do not worry about tomorrow.” (Matt. 6:31,34) …
Do Not Worry About Tomorrow – Matthew 6 Read More »
1 Corinthians 13:12
There’s a reason that some mirrors come with warning labels. Because they produce limited and flawed reflections. Paul describes our knowledge of God like a mirror. While we are on the earth, we only have a partial or dim reflection of our glorious, heavenly Father. But one day everyone of us, believer or not, will stand before the Lord face to face. And all will be revealed. Gone forever will be the foggy mirror, and we will fully know God as He fully knows us. Imagine that! Our great Creator knows us down to the number of hairs on our head. (Matthew 10:30) He knows our most private thoughts. God sees our hopes, dreams, greatest fears, and all we were created to be. And in His great love for us, His children, He wants us to know Him as intimately as He knows us. And how wonderful it will be spending an eternity by His side. Where we will be forever growing in knowledge and love for the One who created, redeems, and calls us His!
October 25th – 1 Corinthians 13:12 Read More »