Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Isaiah 41:10


This was one of the first verses I ever memorized as a child. It is a verse I have continued to come back to throughout life. Is there a particular verse that has helped you throughout life?

Monday, August 29, 2016

Joshua 24:15



But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15
Most people know this passage from Joshua. It's on a lot of christian gift store offerings. You see it on welcome mats, door hangings, flags, art, you name up. Most of the time only the very last part of the verse is featured. But if we read the whole chapter, the whole thing is really great. Joshua assembles the people and delivers a message to them. He tells them what the Lord says, which is basically a history of all that he had done for them. Then comes the choice in verse 15, choose for yourselves whom you will serve. Today let me encourage you to think about this. Who are you serving? Who is your family serving?

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Worship Wednesday Psalm 126:3



It's worship Wednesday again, and this song is a new favorite. When I look back on some of the really hard things that I have been through I can see that God was working. There are those times where I was sure that I was left alone and abandoned. Looking back I can see that God was with me the whole time. This song captures that so perfectly. What are some things that God has done for you?


Friday, August 19, 2016

Col 3:12-14


When I read this verse I thought about all the many things that we put on.

We put on happy faces when we really just feel like crying on the inside. We put on our game face when we face a challenge that we know we can beat. We put on angry eyebrows, attitudes, and a scowl when we don't get what we want. We put on a show for others so they won't see what life is really like. We put on so many hurts and pains, before we even step foot out of bed.

The scriptures speak so clearly about what we should be clothing ourselves in every day: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline, even temper, contentment, forgiveness and most importantly love.

It's a tall order for sure. Will I ever fully clothe myself in these attributes? Probably not. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't try. Let's spend this time together looking at this list and then comparing what we put on this morning. Then let's change clothes.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Worship Wednesday: Revelation 4:8



Isn't it amazing that we can join the chorus of heaven and bring praise to our God? If you haven't listened to this song, it's amazing and one of my favorites. Our church sings this on occasion and it is always powerful. So take a few minutes, and join the chorus of heaven.



Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Psalm 5:3


Morning quiet time is hard to come by for me. I have two small boys, and they wake early. Most mornings my quiet time consists of praying in my bed and checking out a few verses on my phone. My husband wakes early for work and my boys aren't far behind. I use to really beat myself up for this, but now I just accept it as the season of life that I am in. There will be time in the future for long and leisurely quiet time with the Lord. There will be time when I don't get interrupted all the time. The Lord knows my heart and knows that I am seeking him. If you have little ones that are constantly seeking your attention- know that God knows your intentions and give yourself grace. He does.

Friday, August 12, 2016

Psalm 18:16


There are times in life where we are just desperately trying to keep our heads above water. There have been many times where I can look back and see that God pulled me out of deep waters. If you are in a difficult situation can we pray for you? Post your prayer request below.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Phillippians 4:8


This is one of my life verses. I struggled with a period of poor health and deep depression a few years ago.This verse was one that I used to get my mind where it needed to be. The bible talks about taking every thought captive, and this is the verse that I used to do that. When I found my self struggling with doubt, self-hate, or hopelessness I would apply this verse to my life. I would speak it out loud. I would write it out. I would think about the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praise worthy. If the thought that I was thinking wasn't any of those good things, I knew that it was a lie from Satan. Then I took authority over the thought, prayed to the Lord and trusted Him. I was amazed at the way that I was able to overcome these thoughts. Maybe you are struggling with anxiety, thoughts of self-harm, or in a deep depression. I encourage you to see good, godly counsel and also apply this verse like a healing balm to your mind. It is really one of those verses that are life changing for me.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

1 Chronicles 16:36



This verse and this song pair nicely together. In Chronicles the people are worshiping the Lord and praising the God who lives forever. In this song, we join the 'song that never ends.' What an amazing thought-our praise on earth joining the praise of heaven. I hope you are blessed by this time of worship today.



Friday, August 5, 2016

2 Cor 5:17


This morning I want to remind you that if you are in Christ you are a new creation. You might not feel like a new creation, but you are. Just like many other truths in the bible, this one has to be applied. Don't let the enemy tell you otherwise. You are a daughter or son of the King of Kings! You were bought with a price! You are dearly loved! So this morning, remind yourself of who and who's you ARE! Have a blessed day!

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Worship Wednesday: Psalm 107:14


I love the way that the New Living Translation says that He snapped the chains. He didn't just take them off- He snapped them. Let's praise him for breaking our chains too! This song from Jesus culture is perfect for this verse.


Monday, August 1, 2016

Acts 2:46


Last year my neighbor was having a very difficult period. Her dad was in poor health and was sent home to remain comfortable until he passed. She was the sole caregiver, and she was overwhelmed. I walked outside to find her very sad and stressed. My heart broke for her. I talked with her for a few minutes, then invited her over for a cup of tea. I had just made my kids oatmeal for breakfast and she remarked how wonderful it smelled. So I made her some too. We sat together talked about life's ups and downs over oatmeal. It was not an extravagant meal at all. As a matter of fact, I felt kind of bad that that's what I made her. But it was what she wanted, so I made it for her. When the early church was getting together and sharing their meals, they weren't extravagant either. They were their every day meals, shared among friends. This is what hospitality looks like. Opening our doors, tables and hearts for those around us. As she left that day, I hoped that she found our time together to be a blessing. I know I did.