I have struggled to have a meaningful prayer life for so long. If someone asks me to pray on their behalf or over a particular situation, I willingly take on the challenge and complete it in order to check it off a list. I know there is more to prayer than just going before God … Continue reading Prayer: Set Your Heart on God
Prayer: Create a Clean Heart
Prayer is intimidating. Talking to someone you can't see or audibly hear is weird. In the Christian faith, prayer gives us direct access to our Creator and Savior and yet, many believers pray out of duty or desperation without ever feeling the presence of God. I know. I am describing myself. My focus word for … Continue reading Prayer: Create a Clean Heart
Growing Faith: Daily Trust
As we end this series on growing faith, I think it is important to not forget a basic foundation, trusting God with your entire life on a daily basis. Our faith is a reflection of our belief that we are sinners, that Jesus died as a punishment for our sins, and we know that He … Continue reading Growing Faith: Daily Trust
Growing Faith: Finding Fellowship
I have begun writing my second Bible study. This one is on the book of Acts. My first study on John is a for new believers and those who are new to or intimidated by studying the Bible through a look at the life of Jesus and his followers. I chose Acts for my next … Continue reading Growing Faith: Finding Fellowship
Growing Faith: Boundaries and the Bible
Last week in the Growing Faith series, I wrote about the need for patience regarding your spiritual growth, especially as a new Christian. Sometimes it can be overwhelming when it seems like there is a checklist to complete. Thankfully all we need to remember is daily surrender and working toward loving God, ourselves, and others … Continue reading Growing Faith: Boundaries and the Bible
Growing Faith: Patience and Prayer
January. The time of year for new beginnings, a fresh start, and hope for change. Last month I wrote about opening the greatest gift we have ever been given, the gift of God’s Son,Jesus. We don’t deserve such a perfect gift, but God loves us and wanted a way for us to have a forever … Continue reading Growing Faith: Patience and Prayer
A Gift Left Unopened
I wasn’t until I was married that I found an appreciation for one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time. “A Christmas Story” is about a young boy named Ralphie with his heart set on receiving a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. Everyone in his life tells him “You’ll shoot your eye out” … Continue reading A Gift Left Unopened
Because of Love
The fourth week of advent brings us to the reason for it all. The purpose He came to us. The final purple candle is LOVE. A challenge I gave myself this past year was to read the Bible through from beginning to end. Not only read, but understand and take notes. I didn’t want to … Continue reading Because of Love
Joy Uncovered
In this third week of Advent, we light the pink candle that represents JOY. This week's advent candle may be the most difficult of all. A friend lost her husband suddenly last week. Another is grieving over the loss of a marriage. For some, this is the first holiday without a loved one. Family members … Continue reading Joy Uncovered
Live in Heavenly Peace
In this season of Advent, anticipating the birth of God's Son, the second candle represents Peace. Last week I wrote about the first candle, the candle of Hope. Has there ever peace in our world? I imagine it was when Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden of Eden, before they grasped that … Continue reading Live in Heavenly Peace
