“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’  When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.  Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.” – Luke 11:24-26 I personally experienced this verse today. While waking up with a nice hot cup of coffee and getting ready to begin my devotional time I started thinking of some issues with my house…

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” – Matthew 16:24-25 I recently attended an event where a woman mentioned that she needed to lose weight for health reasons and that she planned to begin after the holidays. She then proceeded to enjoy several desserts and extra servings of the lunch that was provided. That mentality reminded me of a weight loss challenge that I was involved in several years ago. On the first day of the…

In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wilderness they put God to the test. – Psalm 106:14 While Christmas shopping I saw a large peppermint candy cane similar to the ones I use to receive in my stocking when I was growing up. Memories of enjoying this sweet delight filled my mind and I was easily wisked away into thinking I needed and wanted one for old times sake. Later that night as I savored the minty flavor and continued to indulge in thoughts of days gone by, I slowly broke off another piece, then another and another, until what use last weeks when I was a child, was…

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9 January is a month that usually starts out with great enthusiasm for change and often turns into desolved resolve. We quickly discover that changes we implemented were not as deeply rooted as we hoped and old habits and excuses begin to resurface. I experienced this very thing in late December as I lost motivation while working on my Royal Make Over. But today, I recommitted and realized that it will take daily renewal of that commitment to see this through. Thankfully I haven’t gained…

Don’t let anyone look down on you because of your youth; on the contrary, set the believers an example in your speech, behavior, love, trust and purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12 As Daughters of The King, we are called to live lives that would draw people to Christ. In the world, we live in that means we need to do the exact opposite of what is accepted and expected. This world is about self and putting your own interests above all else. It’s about making your views and opinions heard and pushing your own agendas. All of this is the complete opposite of what Christ taught His disciples and why…

Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.  – 1 Corinthians 7:17 My son is a diesel mechanic and has toolboxes filled with different types of tools. Some are for basic services and others are for specialized techniques that are required for unique jobs. But each tool is important and needed. It may seem like a strange comparison, but we are tools in Christ’s toolbox. We often wonder about our purpose or even think that we have limited giftings, but if we dig a little deeper we will discover that there are many ways that…

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12 NIV Those who stand firm during testing are blessed. They are tried and true. They will receive the life God has promised to those who love him as their reward. – James 1:12 CEV When Jesus called us to follow Him and live differently, that included how we respond and react to others. We live in a “me” centered world and everytime someone or something makes us unhappy, we have a decision to make. Will we get angry…

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. – 2 Corinthians 5:20 What does it mean to be an ambassador of the King? It means reflecting His message, His character, and His methods wherever He’s placed us. In other words, we are God’s messengers, sent to represent Him and draw others to Him by the way we conduct our lives. Being an ambassador is not about us. It’s not a position to carelessly claim when we feel like being Christlike, then set aside when we don’t want to follow Jesus’ example because we want our…

You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’  But I tell __________, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes ____________on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.  If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.  Whoever compels ____________ to go one mile, go with him two.  Matthew 5:38-41 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, __________ must love her enemies, bless those who curse her, do good to those who hate her, and pray for those…