Category:

Bible

About (specific portions of) the Bible and what it says to us today.

Empty Jars

written by Kelly

There is so much we can learn from Mary, the Mother of Jesus. She is often in the background but when we see her in scripture, she makes bold impacts! For example, when you think of the first miracle of Jesus do you think of Mary? Probably not…but her role was vital! It was her faith and trust in Jesus that lead to the miracle! She gave Him the opportunity to step in and fix a problem and we can do the same thing in our lives, leading to miraculous results!

June 4, 2019 Comments

Bible God Life

In the Shadow of a Hero

written by Myra Braswell

Across the big screen in a theater near you (and me), cinematographers have created larger than life avenging personalities for our entertainment and thrill. These characters are empowered with extravagant physical and mental abilities; and can defend the universe with their speed, strength, sharpness, and stamina. They embody capabilities that far exceed what is humanly possible and are virtually invincible.

When we face the most menacing of life’s obstacles, we often imagine ourselves being able to take on characteristics such as theirs; able to scale the tallest buildings, fly high above the rooftops, crush enemies beneath our feet, meld or transform into our surroundings or render ourselves invisible. Thus, conquering whatever life must throw at us in the most flamboyant manner and causing quite a stir in the process. The villains of life will have met their match and onlookers would watch in amazement! If only that were possible!

Everyday Hero

As a young girl I thought of my father as a bit of a super-hero. He seemed so brave, strong, fearless, and fabulous! He could absolutely do anything! I was totally in awe of him, and often walked around with my little feet slid down inside his combat boots trying to imagine being like him. He was tall, rugged, and a handsome military man with a commanding presence. He seemed so powerful to this little girl of 4 or 5. Whenever I needed anything, he could fix it! I knew that all would be righted again if I could just “tell my Daddy” about it, no matter what it was! I could crawl up in his lap, hear his reassuring words, feel his arms around me, and know that I was secure and loved.

Nothing delighted me more than to spend time with my super-hero. Whether I was watching him fix a car, tinker on a project, play his guitar, work in the yard, fly a helicopter, or stand in a pulpit to preach a sermon, he was SUPER! To this day, I have not known his equal. He was extraordinary, exceptional, and incredible to be around. Nothing could substitute for the feeling of being with this larger-than-life man! No villain, imagined or otherwise, could harm me just as long as I stayed in the shadow of my hero!

Just like that awe-struck child looking up at her Daddy, our heavenly Father longs to have us gaze into His presence with wide-eyed wonder, admiration, and awe. He longs to have us with Him, to dwell in safety and to stay by His side! He encourages us to rest in His shadow, away from all harm and danger! Psalm 91:1-4 says,

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress my God, in whom I trust.” Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

Just as an impressionable child idolizes and admires their earthly father, so our heavenly Father longs to have us feel about Him. He wants us to desire the sweetness of His fellowship and closeness; to listen intently when He speaks and thrill as He demonstrates His awesome power and presence in our lives. He is certainly worthy of our admiration and His power and might should indeed leave us awestruck and in wonder!

Better than Fiction

He is more than a Hollywood super-hero could ever capture and more than all imagination and creativity could ever portray. He is more than amazing, more than incredible, and more than our human frailty will ever comprehend! He is marvelous, miraculous, full of splendor, glory, power, and might! He is our Defender, our Warrior, Protector, God Almighty, our Heavenly Father, the true Super-Hero of all humanity! He has conquered our sin, triumphed over death, defeated hell, and the grave! He has thwarted the evil plans of our enemies, broken chains of despair and darkness; He is light eternal and He reigns victorious forevermore!

There has never been, nor will there ever be a Super-Hero greater! No, not in any theater, not on any stage; no one is more or better! He longs to write His autograph across the life pages of your heart and mine! He is hoping that you and I will realize that we have been given a front row seat for the best performance in history: His redemptive purchase of our very lives through the sacrifice of His own. Come near for an up-close and personal look! Come near and rest there; ever to remain in His shadow, the shadow of prevailing love and grace. Live in the shadow of a Hero, THE HERO, the Super-Hero Christ our Lord! Amen!

The Slow Drip

written by Kassie

Almost exactly one year ago, I moved back into the house I grew up in. It was my Mawmaw’s house. It had a tin roof that had rusted and been replaced in mismatched sheets of metal. The walls were lined in burgundy and hunter green wallpaper. Glass cherub figurines adorned every vacant shelf and surface.

Can you see it?

May 27, 2019 Comments

Bible Faith God Trust

He’s always there

written by Kaity

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5

Have you ever tried to put a baby to sleep and then leave the room? Whether you’re a mom, an older sibling or child care provider, you can probably relate to the following:

Child falls asleep peacefully in your arms after rocking, singing, feeding, bouncing, etc.
Child is transitioned to crib.
Child immediately wakes up after realizing you have abandoned them in their slumber
Begin steps 1-3 again until child falls asleep.

I’m always there

I have two children; both horrible sleepers unless they are snuggled up next to me. The ironic part of the whole, agonizing process of putting them to sleep is that I never really leave them. I’m always there, hovering, watching, checking their breathing, making sure they’re not too warm or not too cold. Even when I’m in another room, I’m obsessively checking the baby monitor, listening to every subtle sound. The child doesn’t understand that. They think they are completely alone because they don’t see us or feel our warm bodies. They don’t understand that their bodies need rest, sweet slumber and that we are doing what is best for them.

Focus on the Provider

So much like our relationship with God. There we are, crying and carrying on, complaining that we want our Father. We yell that we can’t hear Him. We yell that we want out of our situation or that we know our own needs.

If we were just quiet for a moment, we might actually sense His presence. We might understand that He never leaves or forsakes us. We may feel His breath in the breeze or hear a quiet whisper in our hearts. Instead of focusing on our problems, we might focus on the Provider, understanding He knows what is best, and knows our needs even before we do.

A Faith That Rises And Ascends Mountains

written by Stephanie

Have you been brought to a place in your life that feels like a mountain and you know you just don’t have the courage to climb it?

May 20, 2019 Comments

Bible God Jesus Life Lifestyle Trust

Footprints in the sand

written by Willemien

He gave it all

A few weeks ago we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus and we thought about the sacrifice He brought for all of us. Jesus was crucified and took all our sin, shame and guilt on His shoulders. He took the punishment so that we could be set free. He gave it all so that we could be free.

May 17, 2019 Comments

Biblical women Family Joy Relationships womanhood

Celebrating those women

written by Ashley

Have you ever compared yourself to any of the women in the Bible? Did you know 93 women were recorded for their spoken words and 49 of those women were named. So, if we finger through the Bible those numbers do not seem like that many compared to what we see women doing in today’s world. Keep in mind the majority of the women that were named were the women who showed some type of prominence and often stepped out of the ordinary according to Hebrew times.

Thanking the women who played a role in your life

May 12^th is Mother’s Day and this day tends to draw me out of the ordinary circle of just celebrating only birth mothers. I find myself thinking of all the women who have played a role in my life and who have been a huge part in shaping me into the woman I am today. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Proverbs 31:28-29 says “Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” What noble things have the women in your life done for you, or what noble things have you done for others? I think we, as women, get so caught up in our “checklists” that we lose track of time and miss out on opportunities to bless others. Or perhaps you tend to get wrapped up in the fact you do not get the praise you deserve, but let’s not let that interrupt your praise for others.

Women need to be encouraged and reminded of how wonderful they are. Do me a favor, remind one woman in your life today how wonderful she is.

The women we need in our corner

How about the Mary Magdalene’s of our lives? The women that often do not get the recognition they deserve because they are just always there. Those are the women that have been through the good, bad, and ugly with you. The women that have stuck by your side perhaps during their own conflictions, but never muttered a word. Those are the women we need in our corner!

Have you found yourself in a sticky situation or maybe just on the verge of making a bad decision? Did you have a Miriam who saved you from the consequences? Remember Miriam was Moses’ older sister who helped save him after being left in a basket by his mother to protect him from being killed. Did you tell your Miriam how thankful you were that she took the time to save you from the “what if”?

“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” Proverbs 31:25-26

Surround yourself with the Hannah’s who remain faithful and believe in YOU. Women need to be believed in, told they are brave, smart, and capable of accomplishing any dream that they have.

Celebrate all of the women who got your back

This Mother’s Day, I encourage you to celebrate ALL women who have birthed you, inspired you, loved you, supported you, encouraged you, believed in you, protected you, was patient with you, prayed for you, and last but not least always there for you. Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women, who have her back.”

To the women reading this, “Uncover your dreams and your passions, and share them with the world; your ideas, your voice, but most importantly your presence, because you are a gift to the world.”

Andrea Pennington

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:2-3

May 12, 2019 Comments

Bible Biblical women Faith God Trust

Remaining steady and unshakable

written by Kelly

The story of Joshua, the walls of Jericho, the spies and the unshakable Rahab is one of my favorites in scripture. I have heard it told and read it a million times. If you are not familiar with it, please take time to read it (Joshua 6: 1-27).

May 8, 2019 Comments

Biblical women Faith Trust

Do not allow fear to paralyze you

written by Deinah

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
Proverbs 31: 25

The future can be exciting as well as very intimidating. Whether it is looking into starting a new job, moving to another country, or trying to meet your goals in a certain time frame, it can make you feel small but simultaneously encouraging you to press through in order to reach your goal.

Strong and Courageous

Esther was a woman clothed in strength and dignity. She was the one chosen by God to save the Israelites from an ethnic cleansing that was about to take place. She was strong, courageous, and there was nothing that was going to stop her from standing against the edict of the king, even though she was well aware that she could have been killed in the process. You see, in those days, no man or woman were allowed step into the presence of the king without an invitation. However, even so, in all boldness she entered in and pleaded for her people, just like God instructed her to do. And guess what, she survived because the Lord was with her.

Uncertainty and Fear

The uncertainty of what could go wrong brings on fear that can either motivate us or paralyze us. Esther was uncertain of what was going to happen to her. Nevertheless, she did not allow fear to paralyze her. On the contrary, she allowed it to motivate her to step forward in all boldness. I can’t imagine how terrified Esther must have been the moment she appeared uninvited before the king. However, one thing I am certain of is that she knew God was with her and therefore confidently walked in such way to fulfill her purpose.

The Future

The future will always be exciting and intimidating, but

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord will fulfill His promises to Her”
Luke 1:45

So whether you have the next five years of your life planned out or not, trust Him. His plan for your life is perfect and the good work he has started in you he shall complete. Your life is in His hand!