My God My Everything

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2: 12 The story of the Wise Men who followed the star has always been a favorite Christmas story. Each year we hear the story, and we display their figures in Nativity Scenes that decorate our homes for the holidays. While treasure hunting in God’s Word, I read a profound statement that brought depth, greater understanding, and even challenged me concerning this story. The story goes like this:  After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to…

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Every once in a while I will have an aha moment of understanding or insight. Today was one of those days. I was reading about the apostle Paul and the thorn in his side. I’ve heard the story many times and understood that it was meant to help him realize his need and dependence on God. The aha moment came when I read the study notes on the passage…

I’m overjoyed at your word, like someone who finds great treasure. – Psalm 119:52 CEB This week I was reminded how exciting it is to go treasure hunting. I had just finished a bible study and was praying about which new study to begin. My answer was to take some time and study the Word of God for myself. I’m so grateful for the many men and women who are obedient to research, study, and spend the time and effort to compile bible studies. They are so helpful and inspiring. But sometimes we need to dig deep for ourselves. It’s like looking inside a treasure chest at all the incredible…

Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. 2 Kings 5:2 The little Israelite girl in today’s passage is easy to overlook. Today I spent time visualizing her circumstances. A band of raiders kidnapped her, taking her from her family and home. They force her into slavery in a foreign country. How terrifying that must have been. Naaman was the commander of the army of the king of Aram, and the young girl became a servant to his wife. I imagine he was a powerful man and very fierce. The Bible tells us that he was…

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. – Matthew 5:7 “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions.”  Remember when that was the prayer of your heart, and God’s response was His unfailing love and forgiveness, wrapped up in His mercy that is new every day. Mercy is an unmerited, unearned favor from God that was made possible to us by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.  Our sins separated us from God, and when Jesus paid the penalty for everyone one of them, He made a way for true believers to be forgiven and experience…

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 Life often becomes complicated, busy, and overwhelming, even when we try our best to stay calm. This week, I realized I was not in a good place and was not experiencing God’s peace in my life. Feeling unsettled, I became easily agitated, cried on cue, and could not understand why. I went through my morning routine, and that’s when I discovered that the problem was the routine. I was going through the motions and was missing real quiet time with God. So, I decided it was time for a parking lot picnic. I picked up lunch and parked in the…

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8 A few weeks ago, my husband came home and told me that he had an unexpected long weekend coming up. He asked me what I wanted to do with the extra time. The forecast was for rain, so camping and biking were out. On a whim, I suggested shopping at the Mall of America in Minnesota. I needed to use some airline passes and credits before they expired. To my surprise, he said yes. It would be a quick trip, so I rapidly created an itinerary that I thought would ensure the best use of our time. I wanted to make sure we saw…

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. – Matthew 5:6 What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?  It means to greatly desire to know God and understand His will for our lives. This knowledge will lead us on the path of righteousness and will help transform us into becoming more and more like Jesus.  Everything that is needed for living a godly life has graciously been given to us in God’s Word.  As we study the Bible, we will become personally and intimately acquainted with the character, commandments, and promises of God.  We begin to experience His character in action…

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. – Matthew 5:5 To be meek means to possess a strong but gentle spirit of selfless devotion to God that humbly submits to His purposes.  In other words, it is power under control.  The Godly character of meekness is shown in the life of those whose actions and words demonstrate the proper attitude or temperament of a servant of God that is in tune with the Holy Spirit. Jesus set an example of meekness for us when He washed His disciples’ feet, then challenged us to do the same.  “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,…

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…