The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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The Gospel is about walking in freedom. That’s why, early in His ministry, Jesus quoted Isaiah’s Old Testament prophecy that He had been sent to “set free those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18). Jesus made clear that this freedom begins with our relationship with Him. Many Believers (and non-Believers) quote Jesus as saying, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” But we can forget that there was a condition to this freedom. Jesus said this only is available to those who ...
Have you ever felt that nothing is going your way? It may be at work, or family, or everyday problems. What is your typical reaction? Do you move toward feelings of “why me?” or “grrrr…not again”? Or do you pause and think “what is my life trying to tell me right now?” Friends…let me tell you, that is the question. How you respond to the difficult things that happen to you can mean a difference in a life of anger or joy, a life of despair or hope. I once heard a wise person say “Life is an adven...
Hi friends! I pray you are doing well during these challenging times. Even in the midst of uncertainty, I personally have seen God working in awesome ways! “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 Anything can be a blessing, an opportunity, if you choose to see it that way. When you see life through a lens of hope, everything can change. This can be a challenging concept to practice when you are...
Recently, I was doing the dishes. Well, to be honest, my hands were doing the dishes but my mind was elsewhere. I was thinking aboutsituations in life and how to proceed. It was in this moment a thought occurred to me … asupernatural thought or message, if you will. Just as clear as day, God said, “Live with Abandon.” I was reminded of Peter. When he was in the boat and looked out to see Jesus walking on water. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you.” Jesus repli...
Have you ever won something? Maybe it was winning your favorite card game, being the first to cross the finish line in a marathon, or winning a door prize at an event. When you do well or win something, it is a really great feeling. "No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." Roman 8:37 That feeling of victory is how we should be living our lives every day. God tells us that He made us more than victorious. Another translation says “we are more t...
Valentine’s Day! There’s truly not another day quite like it. Millions, perhaps billions, of dollars are spent each year to celebrate this day. Then, after the hundreds of pounds of chocolate have been gobbled up and the millions of cards have been exchanged, there comes the inevitable follow up….February 15. That’s the day when we go back to our daily grind and all that focus on love typically gets thrown out with the wrappers and cards. This probably happens because we put so much emphasi...
Happy New Year, Everyone! As we enter into this new year, I have a question for us to ponder…Who do you want to be in world? Think about it. Notice, I did not ask what you want to do or what you want to achieve this year. While these are important things to think about, I am asking you to think more along the lines of what kind of person do you want to be. Do you know the answer to this question? “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces per...
I enjoy the Christmas season. I like the cheerful decorations, spending time with family and friends, and eating Christmas goodies. My favorite part of Christmas, by far, though, is singing carols…and, especially, “Joy to the World!” “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 “Joy to the world! The Lord is come,” God’s people announce at Christmastime. Based on Psalm...
I once heard a wise person say that “Forgiveness is letting go of the hope that the past could have been any different than it was.” This definition of forgiveness really spoke to me….and maybe it will speak to you as well. “Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a constant attitude.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Think about it… Those words can absolutely set you free in your life and in your relationships, if you allow them too, because letting go is a choice. You limit yourself fr...
During an especially difficult moment in my life…barely able to speak between tears of despair. I called a friend…looking for a little comfort…and a little sympathy too, I must admit. Instead of consoling me, she interrupted me and said, “Stop it! Stop your crying right now and say thank you.” I said, “Why would I say thank you for this?” She said, “Say thank you because God has put a rainbow in every cloud. And the rainbow is coming. Say thank you even though you can’t see it cause it’s alread...
Have you ever faced a challenge in life that seemed impossible? Boy, I sure have! Weather it’s financial, health, relational, spiritual, or some other area in your life, it may seem like an uphill battle. And, for any of us going through any of these challenges, at the time, it is! “Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:3-4 During time like these, the word...
What comes to mind when you think of the 4th of July? Perhaps you think about a day off from work with picnics, fireworks, and American flags displayed in front yards along your neighborhood or city streets. What awesome signs of the patriotic spirit! When I see these, there is one word that comes to my mind…“Freedom!”. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:33 We live in the United States of America where we can voice our opinions freely and can vote for the people of...
My husband, Brian, and I recently wrapped up the weekly small group/bible study that we hosted in our home this past Winter/Spring. What a fun group! As a token of appreciation, one of the participants surprised us with a gift…a beautifully framed bible verse. We decided to display it in our home office for all to see. It says, "For the JOY of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10 What a treasure! And, what beautiful words of truth!! Indeed, the JOY of the Lord is our strength…in good times...
This month my husband, Brian, and I will celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary. According to Hallmark, the 11th wedding anniversary’s material (or gift idea) is steel, which is a symbol of strength. As we journey along into the second decade as husband and wife, we are reminded of how God is our strength, every day in every way. For Brian and I, our wedding anniversaries are very important…particularly on the actual date. We always observe it in some special way. “That is why a man leave...
Have you ever spent time with someone who is simply unpleasant to be around because they’re always complaining and finding fault in everything ... even when life seems to be rainbows and butterflies? Sometimes it’s difficult to be around people like that. Now, imagine the kindest person you’ve ever met. What’s the difference? What is it that makes that person so kind? I bet if we were to take a poll, most of us would want to be more like the person who’s kind. Titus 3: 4-6 tells us, “But when...
Recently, I was listening to a Podcast and one of the speakers referred to the word “ego” as an anacronym. E-G-O….Edging God Out. For me, and maybe for some of you, this is idea or concept is thought provoking, to say the least. There’s a story in Greek mythology about a young man named Narcissus. He was a very handsome young man and he knew it. One day he saw his reflection in a stream and he became enamored with the image of himself. He couldn’t pull himself away; he stared into the stream da...
Hi Friends! I hope this second month of the new year is finding you well. As a rule (my own rule), I tend to not share deeply personal stuff publicly. At the beginning of the year, God laid on my heart to share a post on social media about challenges that my husband, Brian, and I have been and are currently facing. I feel as if these words flowed straight through me. I just had to keep up with typing! Isn’t God awesome?!?! Although, no details are shared, I feel that many people can relate to t...
WOW! Can you believe another twelve months have come and gone? Happy New Year! In December 2017, my husband, Brian, and I had the awesome opportunity to attend a leadership conference at our church. Dr. John Maxwell was the speaker. During the course of his talk, Dr. Maxwell made mention of his end of year and beginning of year routine…. instead of making New Year’s resolutions, he picks just one word. “Oh that my ways would be established on order to keep you word.” Psalm 119:5 Brian and I thou...
With the most popular holiday just around the corner, it seems like everyone is trying to get into the Christmas spirit. Stores are lining their aisles with Christmas goodies and decor, TV shows have switched to the theme of giving and love, and Santas are starting to float about. And why shouldn't they, after all it is that time, the meaning of the season, right? Yet, the very first Christmas seemed to do without all of these. The very first Christmas somehow started a frenzy without the power...
I recently came across a cute story that I’d like to share with you… “A Sunday School teacher began her class by stating that everyone has been blessed and should be thankful. Then she asked one little boy for what he was especially thankful. “My glasses,” he replied. That seemed strange. So she asked him to explain. He said, “They keep the boys from hitting me and the girls from kissing me.” In time, I suspect he will out grow the latter reason for his thankfulness. Don’t you agree?!?! That...
Are you dealing with an “unsolved case or situation” from your past that needs resolution? Are you waiting for your day of justice or repayment? God promises in His Word that He is your vindicator. He is your defender. He will settle your case and repay everything that the enemy has stolen. “God is a just God and He will repay the exact compensation owed you. He will settle and solve the cases of His people.” Hebrews 10:30 To allow Jesus to settle our debts, you have to forgive others in the...
God has put dreams and desires in your heart…things that you are hoping for, praying about, and believing in. Habakkuk 2:3 says, “The vision is for an appointed time. Though it tarry, wait earnestly for it, for it will surely come.” When you have a dream from God in your heart, you don’t have to struggle and try to force it to happen. You don’t have to be worried or frustrated….wondering if it will ever come to pass. When you have God’s promises deep in your heart, you will enter in to a place...
Are you praying and seeking God for change in your life? Perhaps there seems to be invisible roadblocks preventing you from truly experiencing God’s blessings. James 3:16 tells us, “For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is strife and every evil work…” The Bible tells us that when we hold on to strife, it brings about confusion and hurt. Strife can creep in much like a disease to steal your peace and joy…destroying relationships and taking away your hope. You must stay on guard con...
The Fourth of July and fireworks go hand in hand in the USA. We impatiently wait for darkness to settle in, as we join the crowds at the city park or the riverfront. Soon, our waiting pays off as a small streak of light hisses upwards, and the sky is filled with an explosive ka-boom, colorful sparkles and lovely designs. Fireworks are for celebrations…our country’s birthday, for example, or a homerun at the ballpark. Wouldn’t it be fun to celebrate Jesus with fireworks? After all, He was born...
After prayerful consideration, my husband, Brian, and I recently signed up to host a Summer Small Group through our church. For those of you in our generation and older, you may know this better as a Bible Study. However, no mater what you may call it, it’s a great time for folks to get together in a more intimate group setting, in this case our home, and learn more about Jesus and His plan for our lives. “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your...
