“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,  but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42 How fitting that the theme for December is the godly character of self-control. With all the holiday celebrations, feasts and treats beautifully displayed, everywhere, we are surrounded with opportunities to put self-control into practice. I was reading today about when the Israelites returned from captivity and began to rebuild the temple. In time, they started to focus on other things and the house of the Lord was forgotten. They found time to build their own homes…

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. – Romans 1:16 “A new day awaits you, my friend. A new season of accomplishment, discovery, and strength. Leave every, “I can’t” behind you. Set your “God can” ahead of you. Get ready to witness the power of God unleashed in your life.” – (Max Lucado) What a powerful way to start the day! These were the words that greeted me this morning in my devotional time. As I re-read the message I became excited about discovering more of God’s Word and was reminded that my…

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-control. -2 Timothy 1:7 Self-control is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It has been defined as the ability to control your emotions and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses, but in our own efforts, we have all experienced a lack of self-control at one time or another. It’s only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to resist the temptations that are common to man because He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear and He will provide a…

Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be overwhelmed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10 I was contemplating staying home from church on Sunday and just watching it online. It had been a long week and there had been many moments of battling with the enemy. Some battles ended in victory and some didn’t. It felt like a week of constant attacks, hence, the temptation to stay home. But, I deeply wanted to be obedient to God and I knew He wanted me to go to church.…

 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9 At our Sunday service the pastor gave the congregation the opportunity to come forward and share what they were thankful for. It was a special and encouraging time of hearing how God is working in so many lives. One woman said she was thankful that God trusts her. That was a unique statement because we often here, “I trust You Lord,” but to hear that He trusts us made me want to know about her story. After services I asked her and…

I am God Most High! The only sacrifice I want is for you to be thankful and to keep your word. – Psalm 50:14 November is a month that people tend to be more aware of the things they are thankful for. Lists are made, posts are written and stories are shared at the dinner table, all in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Gratitude brings true honor to God and we should be thankful for all His blessings, His provision, the beauty of nature, His love and His forgiveness. Today’s passage challenged me to go deeper. The NIV translation reads, “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most…

You are ____________’s King, O God. Command victories for her! Through You, will ________________ push down her adversaries. Through Your name will _______________ tread them under who rise up against her. _______________ will give thanks to Your name forever. – Psalm 44:4-5,8 There are so many incredible stories in the bible of people who experienced unimaginable victories. They overcame obstacles, found freedom, were released from prisons and became new creations in Christ. The beginning of Psalm 44 speaks about remembering the days of old. How God delivered His chosen people and placed them in the promised land. It wasn’t by their own efforts, but by the power of God working…

O my God, shine Your light and truth to help me see clearly, To lead me to Your holy mountain, to Your home. – Psalm 43:3 When I first saw this image it made me want to throw my hands in the air in praise and worship. It was an answer to my prayer for a cover photo for the new Royal Records book. The theme of the new book is Blessed is She Who Believes. Jesus gave His longest recorded message to His followers at the Sermon on The Mount and it contained clear direction on how to live differently in this world. His ways are not our ways and…

__________________ sought the Lord, and He answered her, and delivered her from her fears. _______________ looked to Him, and was radiant. ___________’s face shall never be covered with shame. She cried and the Lord heard her, and saved her out of all her troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps round about __________ because she fears Him, and He delivers her. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is _____________ because she has taken refuge in Him. Psalm 34: 4-8 Happy Thanksgiving! I thought this passage was very fitting for this season and wanted you to experience it personally. We have so much to be thankful for and…