I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 When Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted, He found His encouragement and strength in God’s word. What He endured, not only in the wilderness but in His life and on the cross was more than we can ever imagine and it’s by His example of where He found His strength, that we can be encouraged when we face the difficulties of life. Sometimes God leads us on hard paths instead of easy ways. He does this because He is doing a work in us. He is trying to teach us to lean on Him. If life…

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 At the Grief Share meeting last week, the topic was self-care. It’s so easy to set aside our own health and needs when we are taking care of a loved one. It is also easy to set them aside when we get too busy with the daily demands of our lives. It was a lesson meant to remind us that we are God’s Masterpiece and that we need to take time to take care of the bodies that He has given us.…

For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. Deuteronomy 30:11 I read a post a while ago that said to “choose your hard.” It had examples like, marriage is hard, divorce is hard, choose your hard. Obesity is hard, being fit is hard, choose your hard. After pondering this for a few days I was trying to motivate myself to do the hard things. Exercise, eat better, skip the desserts, and be committed to doing whatever it will take to reach my goals on this fitness journey. I wrote mantras in my fitness journal, made daily entries, and…

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. Psalm 139:1-4 After my revelation in the mirror, I decided that I needed to make a plan to get fit and healthier. In my mind, I started mapping out ways that I felt I could make it work. One was memory verse walks on the treadmill. As I was walking along rehearing the verses in my little book I came across today’s passage. It was…

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:37-39 Yesterday I decided it was time to remove all the snow from this weeks downpour that has accumulated on my sidewalk. There is a school bus stop in front of our home and the little kids have such a hard time trying to climb over the mounds…

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20 The title page for a devotional that I received for January was “More in 2024.” What an incredible goal for the new year. Right from the beginning it encourages the reader to set their heart and mind on the things of God and to develop a…

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.  1 Corinthians 15:58 To be steadfast and unmovable is to be spiritually grounded, to be firm and unwavering in your faith. That means being thoroughly convinced of what you believe and not allowing yourself to become moved when you face trials and tribulations.  Trusting God with your life has set it on solid ground. It has given you a firm foundation that won’t be moved and knowing His Word will give you the confidence to face the trials of life, empowered by the One…

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.   Philippians 4:13 God has graciously equipped you by creating you with spiritual gifts and natural God-given talents, each of which will be necessary in transforming you into all that He knows you will become. As you lean on Him you are empowered, enabled, and equipped for supernatural success through His Holy Spirit that dwells within you.   This doesn’t mean that you’ll never face tough times, but it does mean you can experience victory over them. Speaking God’s Word will give you the power to effectively resist adversity just as Jesus did when He was tempted.  As you speak…

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 Before the foundation of the world, the Lord had you in mind.  He created you for the purpose of having a personal relationship with Him that would not only help you navigate through this life but would also bring promises of eternal glory with Him in the next. His plan was not only to save you from your sins but to redeem you, and make you a new creation in Christ, as you share His life and love with others as His ambassador…

Christ in me, the hope of glory.   – Colossians 1:27 What a privilege it is to be called a Daughter of The King.  That title instantly speaks of value, purpose, calling, and empowerment.  Before the world began, God desired to create you just the way you are.  He carefully knit you together in your mother’s womb, and into your beautifully designed uniqueness, He left room for the most incredible gift, His presence. His desire is to dwell within you where He can lovingly guide your steps, teach you wondrous truths, encourage you through His constant presence, and empower you to not only overcome obstacles in your life but to…