Here, I think the message is loud and clear. Don’t hold someone above someone else. God made us all equal and loves us all the same. But God did make us different and unique. We are all not the same person. We all have different temperaments and personalities so naturally we would get along with some better than others.
Read MoreThere is a saying, “Practice what you preach”. Man, does this hit home to me. “but be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
I do try to be a good person.
Read MoreTwo different things stick out to me here: one is ‘trial’ and the other is ‘Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation…”
Read More“Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing* of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Read MoreIn this study we will reflect on James. It is interesting where James is in the bible. James is in the New Testament and is in between the book of Hebrews and 1 Peter. In Hebrews, there many stories on the sacrifices and that the saints and Jesus had made. In the book of James, I believe Jesus takes us, the reader, on a journey for internal reflection on who we are and what sacrifices we need to make for a deeper relationship with Jesus and to get to the kingdom of God. In 1 Peter there is a lot of talk about hope and continuing what is before us.
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In the final verses of chapter 9, we find Noah in a state of shame.
This isn’t the Noah that obediently gathered all the animals into an ark + patiently waited on God after the flood.
The Noah that walked with God so faithfully.
The Noah who submitted to the Lord’s Will.
Noah is drunk and naked.
Read MoreGod establishes a covenant with Noah “that never again shall all bodily creatures be destroyed by the waters of a flood,” sealed by the sign of a beautiful rainbow.
I love watching my children’s wide-eyed wonder at God’s incredible promise. Their eyes light up and their hearts overflow with joy that they literally squeal with delight.
The vibrant colors. The endless, curious “whys” over how rainbows actually form.
Read MoreAnyone who knows me knows I’m not a patient person (AT ALL).
And I usually prefer to get things done myself because if I want something done RIGHT and in the time frame I want it done, I don’t like waiting around for people to hustle.
Read MoreIn the Great Flood, we see a second Genesis. A new creation, a new beginning, a rebirth.
We also find the number 40 for the first time, which turns out to be a significant number in the Bible -- a number that symbolizes a time of test + trial.
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Have you ever been called to do something out of your comfort zone?
When God calls us to do something, it’s usually something big, scary, and overwhelming. You’re not ready for this enormous change. In fact, you resist it (at first).
Read MoreIn my dark days of turning from God, I couldn't forgive others in my heart.
Couldn't forgive my divorced parents.
Couldn't forgive God for taking my siblings.
Couldn't forgive myself for the anger + pride that consumed my heart.
So when I finally did peace in the Lord 15 years later, I think of God's faithfulness and unending mercy + love, and I'm simply and humbly moved to tears.
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When I was in college, I was in a long-term relationship with someone I thought I would marry. We dreamed of growing old together, having children, and being happy.
Long story short, after a few years of dating, the Holy Spirit spoke directly to me and placed it on my heart to end the relationship.
This happened a few other times with toxic, drama-filled friendships.
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Truth be told, I found the fifth chapter of Genesis, a bit depressing.
I had no idea how to start the New Year’s study talking about death, but that’s precisely what...
Read MoreI can't begin to tell you how excited I am to be starting this New Year with you as we unwrap the gifts of God in Genesis.
What began as an extraordinary beginning -- the creation of the Earth, living things, and man -- with the promise of abundant life with God, soon turned into sorrow and sin as Adam and Eve fell into temptation.
Read MoreOne of the most cliche quotes we hear is, “home is where the heart is.” When we are preparing our hearts, we are often preparing our homes to welcome people into as well. When we welcome people into our heart and homes, we are called to be vulnerable with them.
Read MoreIn this season, we have so many obligations and to dos. For us alone, we have to finish buying gifts, we have to pack our bags, wrap our gifts, my husband Christopher has two fire company Santa runs, we have a family Advent party, and probably a million other things I can not think of off the top of my head. IN a season of wanting to spend time with people, making sure we make it to every party, of wanting to go Christmas caroling, ice skating, gingerbread house making, and the list goes on. But we have to realize that it is okay to say "no" to the world so that we can make time to prepare for the Lord, to make sure that we have time to spend with our family and not just make another obligation of Christmas.
Read MoreSo as we close in towards Christmas day, I know that I often have, lost sight of the Christmas season being about Jesus. I am so caught up in gift buying, cookie making, and house decorating that when I am setting up my Nativity I lose sight that this nativity is supposed to remind me of the true reason for Christmas. Every single time we say "Merry Christmas" we are stating right there what this holiday is about… Christ.
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