Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Alive and Active

Today’s Verse: Hebrews 4:12

When life seems devoid of hope – He is a well-spring of life – just as water is a source of life for the deer.

Hebrews 4:12

One of the ways I see God’s goodness is the way He uses His Word to guide us, teach us, and correct us. He equips us with the Word and fills us with peace, verse after verse encourages us and gives us hope. He uses His Word in so many ways in the lives of His children. He uses it as a light for those who have wandered away from His path – and as salvation for those who are lost.

Every word is living and filled with power. Every Word is trustworthy and true, providing strength for the weary and hurting and wisdom for the confused. It is food for our soul and healing for the broken. Without it we would be lost – both literally and figuratively.

Response to God’s Word

God thank You for Your living and Holy Word. May its light always be my guide and its power my strength! Help me to walk by them to talk of them morning, noon, and night – to use them faithfully to teach, to encourage, and to equip others til the whole world knows You and lives by every active Word You’ve spoken.

Ancient words ever true – changing me and changing you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouTgX9hcwk4
Check out today's inspiration for this post @ 'our daily verse'
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Wonderfully Made

Today’s Verse: Psalm 139:14
Sin’s Effects on God’s Wonderful Creations

David is right, the body is an intricate creation – unique from all of God’s other creations, and a true testimony of His wonderfully, amazing, miraculous works. Let’s get real though – do you sometimes read this verse and roll your eyes or grimace, knowing you don’t feel wonderfully made? I mean in these days of increasing aches and pains of age and less than stellar care that I have given this particular vessel through the years – I am grimacing! Don’t get me wrong, it is good to be reminded that when God “formed me in my mother’s womb”, I was “wonderfully made”. It is an encouraging truth and a wonderful reminder of the power and creativity of God – but, I admit this body doesn’t always feel like it.

More Like a Mess –

I don’t know about you, but I find myself seeking His mercies and strength more and more as I weather the consequences of the lack of self care and/or good habits, or simply the aging process on this earthly body. I pray for His help and healing of what feels more like a mess than a fearfully and wonderfully made body. While I know I cannot undo the aging process or the role my choices have played on this body, I am equally certain that to live in regret and fear or misery is not glorifying to God and only robs me of the rich and satisfying life that Christ came to give, which is exactly what the enemy wants. His purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. He wants us to be miserable and to turn away from God.

Satan Has No Authority Here

Even as I was writing about the enemy’s purpose – I was reminded of an old song that declares satan has no authority over me, for this habitation was created by God and for God’s glory. All authority belongs to God – who fearfully and wonderfully created us. And, this same Creator works all things, including our messes and poor choices, together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose – and this for His glory.

Check out today's inspiration @ 'our daily verse'

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The Spirit God Gave

Today’s Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

In Paul’s day, it was Timothy that seemed to need the encouragement that God didn’t want him to live in fear of doing the work He was called to do. Instead, Paul reminded Timothy, that the Spirit God had given them, and all believers, was one that filled them with power, love, and self-discipline. In other words, Timothy had no reason to be timid for he had been empowered to live out His calling. The same is true for us today.

My first remembered experience with this verse was at VBS, not one that I attended but one I was co-leading. I was tired and stressed from some personal things going on in my life, I wasn’t feeling prepared, and definitely not strong enough to lead, love, and deal with all that goes into VBS as I had committed to do. Today’s verse “just happened to be” the theme verse for the week. God knew that just like Timothy, I needed to remember that while I might be nervous and feel too weak to lead, He had given me His Spirit – equipping me with not only the power to lead, but with love for the kids and all involved, as well as the discipline to stay committed and focused on Him, and boldly share the Gospel with the children. And, as a bonus, He daily renewed my strength and filled me with immeasurable joy when I was able to personally lead one of the children to the Lord.

Check out today's inspiration @ 'our daily verse'