Do you know that we can understand everything that is written in the Bible? And He will teach us things beyond what the Bible says. It is true. The “Author” of the book of the Bible lives in the reader. The Master Teacher, teaches. It is who He is. He can take something that we think we can’t possibly understand, and break it down into parts, pieces, language, words, illustrations that we can understand, and can apply to life today….
“When we become Christians, we work to become broken.” The first time my friend said this to me, I was perplexed. But then I began to search for the truth in this statement, and found that brokenness is evident when we no longer react with all of our pre-Christian flesh patterns when the following rights are challenged: Your right to possessions. Your right to a good reputation. Your right to have acceptance by others. Your right to be successful. Your…
Growing up, I spent hundreds of hours watching my Mom sew. She was not a professional seamstress, although her work was professional-level, and she did receive payment for work she did for others. In the corner of her sewing room was a large cabinet, full of original sewing patterns folded and tucked neatly in their envelopes. When she got a new pattern, she let me carefully trim and press the patterns made from fine tissue paper, then help her pin…
It is commonly known that bison will turn into a storm rather than drifting with the wind because they instinctively know that walking into the storm will get them through the bad weather quicker. Our spiritual journey is a personal venture into the unknown, filled with hope and promise, yet not without difficulties and adversities. This pilgrimage is defined by significant events that contain the necessary conditions to transform the life of every believer. As difficulties and adversities unfold, walk…
Happy Thanksgiving. May your life be full in bounty and thankfulness. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV) Colossians 3:17
I had a dream about two woman I know well who came to visit me. They were familiar with my home and walked in without ringing the doorbell, which still surprised me. After we exchanged pleasantries, they began telling me what I needed to do with various situations in my life. They were shaming me about certain circumstances that I was facing. They strongly advised me about what to do regarding several people in my life. They also got angry…
Spiritual ignorance is prevalent in today’s world. We have so much information readily available at our fingertips, yet most people do not seek God for wisdom—for anything, including the truth. Many sit at the gateway lost and confused, rather than to boldly confront the spiritual ignorance that prevents asking for guidance and direction. This is easily identifiable by the words people speak. In the last two weeks, I have had been part of conversations where people say, “we’re only human”,…
Recently a friend kept saying to me, “I’m sorry for you”, “I’m sorry you are going through that”, or “I’m sorry, so, so sorry, about that.” As I walked away, there was a heaviness on me. It felt like darkness, an oppression, a heavy weight that I didn’t understand. Then I realized what she was speaking into my life: SORROW. I searched and searched my Bible to find somewhere—anywhere—where Jesus told someone that he was sorry for them. The woman…
There is a place in eternity that is being created for everyone. The price has been paid, but there are different states of being, and with different liberties. Each eternal habitation is dependent on the development of the spirit and soul of each believer while here on the earth. Some believers will fall short of what is available, and consequently will believe that where they end up is solely as God determined. But while on earth, they have missed lessons,…
In a dream, a close friend and I were at a comforting and quiet retreat. We hadn’t seen each other in a long time, so we were having a joyous time visiting with one another, enjoying the time together, and experiencing wonderful fellowship while doing simple and quiet activities. We spent time praying, and talked of God’s goodness and marveled at His creation in nature. Halfway through our visit, a famous actress arrived at the retreat with her beautiful wardrobe,…