And patience (endurance) produces tested and proven character, and tested and proven character produces hope. Romans 5:4 Last week, I diligently researched a couple of vacations for clients and, after several hours, created the trips they requested. With all the details confirmed and vouchers printed, I dropped their travel packets in the mail with a great sense of accomplishment. It was one of those days that aligned with the Bible verse from Colossians 3:23, which reads, “Whatever things you are doing, do them well. Remember that you are serving the Lord. You are not only serving people.” I was happy with the results and my attitude towards the work. Yesterday I received emails from both…

“I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug.” 1 Kings 17:12 There are some bible stories that, as I read them, I like to imagine myself right there in the middle of them. Today’s story is one of them. It’s the story of the widow who was gathering sticks during a famine so she could bake one last small cake of bread for herself and her son. All she had was a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I cannot even comprehend the fear and heartache she faced knowing this would…

Some time later, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.  1Kings 17:7 I have been studying the Bible and searching for stories that speak of filling your jars. The entire base of this study is about filling your heart, mind, and soul with the things of God, growing in a knowledge of His Word, praying, and developing a relationship with Him. All of this is needed to live life to the fullest now and in preparation for whatever may come. This world is constantly changing. Every day, we read stories of events that surprise us, sadden us, or even scare us. At times, our…

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;  persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10) Back in October, before the winter season began, I became obsessed with jars of clay and metal. My Oasis (patio), as I call it, is my space to meet with God each morning, and I greatly miss it during cold weather. So I decided to focus on…

 Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15) “If you didn’t grow up in a Christian home, you can decide to reject your heritage of unbelief and begin a generation that serves the Lord.” – Experienceing God Day by Day Those words grabbed my attention today in a mighty way. I’ve been listening to the 50 Days of Prayer with the Billy Graham Association, which is leading up to the 250th celebration of this country’s independence. There is a prayer given each day by a different pastor from each of the 50 states, and it’s done in…

They all ate and were filled.  (Matthew 14:20) I was thinking about a kayaking adventure I shared with my granddaughters over the weekend. Our morning started with one of their favorite breakfasts, blueberry muffins, eggs, strawberries, ham, and hot chocolate. Breakfast with the girls is one of my favorite times with them. We talk, giggle, and enjoy our unrushed time together as they share what’s going on in their lives. After we were full and couldn’t eat another bite if we tried, we suited up and set out on our kayaks across the pond. The sun was shining, birds were singing, fish were jumping, and the reflection of the shoreline…

 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:4-5) I love those mornings when God gives me little reminders of His presence. Today is a cooler, rainy day, and as I sat on my patio with a blanket and a hot cup of coffee, I prayed for direction on where to read for today’s bible study. I was led to the Personality Profiles section of my Life Application Study Bible, and saw that the next one on the list was Ezra. I haven’t studied profiles for several weeks, and it was exciting to get back to…

God is…… Therefore….. Over the weekend, I had the privilege of going on this season’s first camping trip. I’ve always had a Bible bag that stays in the camper, so I can have my mornings with God no matter where I am. The bag is filled with pens, highlighters, memory cards, notebooks, and of course a bible. I love Bibles and have several translations and sizes. A small thinline version goes on every vacation with me because it’s lighter and fits in my carry-on bag easily. My large study bible is at home, where I have plenty of space to spread out and dig in. It’s been a couple of…

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34: 17-18) Yesterday, I wrote about saying yes to receiving a new revelation from God, and He did not hesitate in His response. The verse He gave me to study was today’s verse. I’ve heard it many times and used it in the Grief Share program. I fully understand and have experienced His closeness to the brokenhearted. But the part He wanted to open my understanding to was that He saves those who are crushed in spirit. Being brokenhearted and crushed in spirit are two…

Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3:9) A daily devotional I read asked, “Are you ready for a new revelation?” My initial thought was, “Yes, Lord, I want more of You.” In my naivety, I thought that I would discover a wonderful new detail about God’s character. What I received was the following message from Him. “Do you trust me? Do you know how much I love you! I have so much in store for you. Divine encounters. Faith-building opportunities. Miracles. My power displayed in and through your life. Don’t fear! I always have, and always will be with you. I will provide. I am faithful. I look…