Treasured Memories with Jesus Bring Hope
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart”—Luke 2:19 (NIV). A recent morning devotional reminded me of treasured memories of my childhood. Growing up in southwestern Louisiana, I spent many hours outdoors on sunny days. Barefoot most of the time, I loved lying in the grass. On my stomach, I would search for a treasured four-leaf clover. Other times, I’d lie on my back and study the clouds. My imagination ran wild as I spotted a dinosaur shape or maybe a fluffy sheep. A large mimosa tree at the edge of our property also became …
When You Need More Strength
Guest Post by Rebecca Barlow Jordan Are you tired? Need more strength? Spring is coming. And for some, it’s already here. But maybe you’re living in one of the colder zones—and you’re still waiting. Or maybe you’re trying to convince your mind, body, and spirit about the promise of springtime. Only, they’re not listening. When You Need More Strength and You’re Tired of Trying You may need more strength. But maybe you’re even tired of trying. Sometimes we call that “tired of being tired.” If you’re like me, some days I feel like a hurricane-battered home (or around here, it’s …
Give Thanks to God for His Faithfulness
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever”—Psalm 136:1 (NLT). My heart ached for the young woman and her son. Giving her a reassuring hug, I noticed her tears. My eyes were watery, too. I didn’t know her whole story, but she had come to our church’s Amazing Grace Ministries for help. She was being evicted from her rental and needed to find another place to live. I later learned she also had a daughter with debilitating health issues. As I, and others volunteering that day, provided resources for her search, I couldn’t help …
Plant a Seed and Watch God Make It Grow
“I planted the seed and Apollos watered it. But God is the one who made the seed grow”— 1 Corinthians 3:6 (ERV). Reading the directions on the back of the seed packet, I could picture a mass of wildflowers blossoming in a sunny corner of my backyard. The seed mixture includes yarrow, columbine, marigolds, cornflowers, wallflowers, daisies, and at least 20 other kinds of annuals and perennials. The packet of seeds, according to the description, will also provide a variety of colors on the different size plants. The photo on the front of the packet reveals different shades of reds, …
Kindness Should Be Part of Our Stories
“and whatever you do, do it with kindness and love”—1 Corinthians 16:14 (TLB). Tears streamed down my cheeks as I watched a major news program end its broadcast on a positive note. After all the negative news, this major network tries each day to find something uplifting to share with their audience. Acts of kindness and charity are always a part of each segment. That day’s encouraging video was about a high school basketball team manager at Lake Hamilton High School in Pearcy, Arkansas. Andy Tollison, a special needs student, helps run the clock, folds towels in the locker room, …
Christ-Like Behavior Reveals Your Identity
“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!”—Luke 6:31 (MSG). If you were to walk through the front door of my house, you’d be able to identify my favorite color. After a brief look around my living room, you’d know red is my favorite. I chose neutral colors for my furniture but use colorful red pillows, candles, and other décor to liven up my living space. You’ll also find pops of red in my kitchen. Other décor throughout …
Need to find rest? Put Jesus on Speed Dial
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”—Matthew 11:28 (NIV). Rest. For some, it seems impossible. With too many commitments and responsibilities, rest seems like an unachievable goal. Craving rest in a noisy world, some seek to escape. Seeking rest for their weary soul, some look for it in prestigious titles, extreme wealth, and expensive purchases to impress others. But striving to gain these things never satisfies. Instead, in an effort to satisfy these cravings, disappointment, monotony, and fatigue overwhelms the soul. The load becomes oppressive. Only Jesus Can Bring Satisfaction Over …
Change is Possible with God
“Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to Him and is perfect”—Romans 12:2 (GNT). A recent news item about a car prototype made me wonder, “What’s next?” The German automakers of BMW have designed a vehicle for those who are indecisive about the color of the car to choose. Currently, there are only three options—black, white, and grey—but with the push of a button, the consumer can change …
Our Days are Already Determined
“A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed”—Job 14:5 (NIV). On Christmas morning, as I was reading one of my daily devotionals, something I’d never thought about grabbed my attention. Forty days and forty years are significant in the Bible. However, while reading my daily devotional, the number forty weeks was mentioned. The devotional, written by O.S. Hawkins, appears in his book titled, “The Believer’s Code.” He writes, “Jesus came to earth as a helpless, tiny seed planted in the womb of a young Jewish virgin. Forty weeks …