What makes you feel ashamed? I hate making dumb mistakes, like smarting off without thinking before I speak. In the past, I made many choices that I’m ashamed of. And I still do today if I don’t set my heart on Jesus.
All in Temptation
Fighting Back
What battles have you faced recently? A dispute with a friend or co-worker? A fight with a family member? A health fear?
A Secure Journey
We were on a walk when my dog suddenly slowed, and my attention was drawn to the street. There before me was a huge snake. Three things happened simultaneously: I jumped, I screamed, and I pulled my dog away—only to realize afterward that the snake was dead.
Don’t Trade in the Moment What You Want Most
Awhile back while watching THE BIBLE miniseries I was shocked and awakened when I realized the impact one person could make in history. Another astounding realization (that I could unfortunately relate to) was how often a person traded in a moment what they really needed the most.
God as my Deliverer
I noticed it in the inner courtyard of a home in North Africa’s Atlas Mountains. Its intricacy reminded me of a Tinker Toy creation. What a surprise to discover it was a handmade stick trap for snaring small birds—a common pastime for local boys while tending their goats.
Words Both Good and True: Day 5
The Letter of Jude is quite a read. It is one of the shortest books in the Bible—one chapter with twenty-eight verses—but verse for verse, it packs a punch.
Resisting the Forbidden
I noticed my Labrador standing perfectly still in a somewhat crouched position, half-in and half-out of the bathroom. Her gaze was fixed upon something. I questioned, “Chloe, what do you see?” She turned toward me, and then turned back, assuming the same position. As I came closer, I noticed her gaze was upon the trash can. Inside was an empty toilet paper roll—the forbidden thing she loves to shred and devour!
Coffee Verses Snakes
My first semester of college was an adjustment—little time alone and constant interruptions while studying. I was forced to work late into the night, and I stayed awake by munching on crackers, granola bars, Twinkies… Before long my clothes became tight. Imagine! So, I turned to black coffee as my stimulant. Initially, the taste was bitter. After one or two sips, I put it down. The next time, I could endure three or four sips, and so on, until I grew to love black coffee. Today it’s one of my favorite things in life. What was offensive at first became increasingly enjoyable the more I was exposed to it.
The Serpent's Lies
Pythons like to slither into holes. A young Portland woman discovered this when her pet BART crawled into the gauge hole of her earlobe. She reported that before she knew what was happening, he was halfway through. After the fire department was unsuccessful in removing BART, the hospital emergency room coaxed him to freedom.
The Bear That Came to Town
Last fall my husband and I spent a week in Avon, Colorado. One day while we were in a restaurant, we saw a crowd gathering outside around a crabapple tree. They were pointing toward the top of the tree and snapping pictures.
The Serpent's Lies
Pythons like to slither into holes. A young Portland woman discovered this when her pet BART crawled into the gauge hole of her earlobe. She reported that before she knew what was happening, he was halfway through. After the fire department was unsuccessful in removing BART, the hospital emergency room coaxed him to freedom.
Who, What, Why, Where, When?
This scripture, though short, packs a powerful message for me. I want to do the right thing. I do want to live by His strength and power. I found that asking a few simple questions could bring more meaning for me.
A Secure Journey
We were on a walk when my dog suddenly slowed, and my attention was drawn to the street. There before me was a huge snake. Three things happened simultaneously: I jumped, I screamed, and I pulled my dog away—only to realize afterward that the snake was dead. I recovered quickly, and we resumed our walk. The next morning as we walked, my thoughts were elsewhere—not upon that snake. When we came to the same spot, the exact same thing happened: I jumped, I screamed, and I pulled my dog away. This time a car was passing. I scared the driver so badly she slammed on her brakes. That snake was dead, but I forgot. Twice a snake that wasn’t life threatening interrupted my walk.
Buttons and Triggers
We talk about having our “buttons” pushed when someone says or does something that ignites powerful emotions. An array of ugly feelings burst forth when a sensitive spot in our souls is suddenly triggered. We all know at least one difficult person who provides opportunities for us to do the things we don’t want to do (Romans 7:15).
Trust in the LORD - acknowledge Him in all you ways
Decisions, decisions. When the bonds of trust between humans have been broken, changes in your life will force choices out into the open.
The Serpent's Lies
Pythons like to slither into holes. A young Portland woman discovered this when her pet BART crawled into the gauge hole of her earlobe.