Ephesians 1:4-5 NLT Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Lydia’s story began long before her name was even mentioned. God was at work not only in her life, but the life of many people because of her and that’s one of the things that makes her story so hopeful and encouraging. As we study Lydia this month we need to remember that…

For the month of August we will discover some the many lessons that can be learned from studying the life of Lydia. Overview – Disciple in the Making Lydia was a businesswoman who lived in Philippi.  She was a dealer in purple cloth which was a luxury that only the wealthy could afford.  Her business provided a large household for which Lydia was responsible.  She was also a spiritual seeker.   One day when she had gathered by the river with other women to pray she met the apostle Paul.  He had traveled to the region because of a vision that the Lord had given him and that vision led him…

Isn’t it fitting that this new month starts with a Divine Encounter. God is so good! On my morning run I was taking in all the beautiful sights. The birds singing, a woodpecker making his own sound, a baby deer under the trees in the bushes, squirrels racing around and ducks swimming in the stream. This path is indeed beautiful. I was getting tired on my run and was taking the inside track around the bends to save some steps. As I trotting along I was thanking God for His amazing creation and that I had not seen a single snake this season. A few steps later as I rounded…

As this series on Mary and Martha draws to an end I’m excited about the many lessons that have been learned along the way and look forward to implementing them in my life. There have been days that I feel the frustration of Martha with so much to do and have learned to give my schedule to God and see what He thinks is the best way to handle the tasks at hand. There have been days when all I want to do is sit at Jesus feet and take in everything about Him. Every word, every moment of peace and just be present in His presence. I’ve been challenged…

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.   This verse holds a special place in my heart because it is the theme for Brock’s Story. Years ago God asked me to share his story and the incredible way that God compassionately and lovingly took care of our family. It was time for me to share the comfort I had recevied with others who would desperately need the same thing. There is an…

 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. – Romans 8:11 NLT What a glorious day that must have been when Jesus called out to Lazarus saying, “Lazarus, come out!” And out of the tomb he walked! You might wonder what it would be like to witness such a miracle, but the truth is that everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their life and turns from (dies) their old life, will find a new life in…

Jesus wept. – John 11:35 John 11:35 is one of the shortest verses in the bible, but more importantly it is one of the most heart felt. This verse gave me so much comfort after being stuck in grief for many years. Yesterday we saw Martha’s reaction to Jesus’ arrival and her confession of belief. Afterwards she went to Mary and told her, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you.”  So Mary immediately went to him. When Jesus looked at Mary and saw her weeping at his feet, and all her friends who were with her grieving, he shuddered with emotion and was deeply moved with tenderness and compassion.  He…

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;  and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26 I love to picture the scene in scripture as this verse unfolds. Lazarus had died and been buried in a tomb for four days. His sisters Mary and Martha were grief stricken and mourning. I know first hand how clouded your mind is after loosing a loved one. It feels like a bad dream and so unreal. Then Jesus arrived. Martha went out to meet Him and said, “Lord,” if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  But…

We’ve all heard the quote, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Often it’s said to try and understand why God would allow certain things to happen. We don’t understand nor can we see the whole purpose and outcome from our limited point of view. Some answers are going to have to wait until we meet Jesus face to face. I use to think that the first question I would ask Jesus when I meet Him would be, “Why?” But over the years I’ve come to understand that the answer to my why doesn’t really matter in the bigger plan God has for me. Over time I have seen…