Did you know God created each of us for a specific purpose? It’s true, God designed us for unique callings in His kingdom plans. But if you are like me, you probably think, “Nope, not me. I am nothing special. I’ve never had formal Biblical training. What if I don’t know what to say?” I am not like the great women of the Bible. I am not like Deborah–called and courageous.”
I do it all the time. Maybe you do, too. I speak negative words about myself. Sometimes, I make a joke: “Oops, I did it again! I am so clumsy!” Sometimes, I grumble in frustration: “I’m so scatterbrained. I must be having a senior moment.” But sometimes, I am just not kind to myself: “I’m so fat, ugly, stupid…”
But, dear one, our words have power.
Has anyone ever told you, “God will never give you more than you can handle?” This phrase is often used to express encouragement during difficulties and to comfort people grieving the loss of a loved one. But if I am…
I saw this inspiring quote on Social Media: “Be bold enough to use your voice, brave enough to listen to your heart, and strong enough to live the life you’ve always imagined.“ Initially, I thought, “Wow, that’s good.” But the more I thought about it, the more I realized this is instructing us to put our hope in ourselves. And I thought, “Nope, that’s not where I want to put my hope. I want to put my hope in God.”
I always believed that to be a good Christian, I must follow the instructions of the Bible rather than sin. I must set a good example to please God and bring others to Christ. However, I believed that until I read the story of Rahab. Then, I realized we are redeemed like Rahab.
Please don’t misunderstand. God wants us to be obedient and let our light shine so others will see His glory. That’s why He gave us the Bible—his love letter. We will have less trouble in our lives when we follow the Bible’s instructions. It’s similar to a parent making rules for their children; rules intended to help keep them safe and make good choices. For example, parents instruct their children not to touch a hot stove because they desire to protect them from harm.
But just as a parent lovingly forgives their children for making mistakes or disobedience, God gives us grace and mercy.
Have you ever read something that made you stop in your tracks? Recently, I read this phrase on a social media meme: “You’re not failing; you’re learning.” It hit me so hard I began to cry because I knew God was speaking to my heart. The omnipotent (all-powerful) and omniscient (all-knowing) God showed up in my ordinary scrolling.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “God’s grace”? My first thought is “a beautiful, unearned gift of salvation and forgiveness.” But recently, God has begun challenging my long-held belief of grace being a one-time gift we receive when we are saved. Perhaps you also desire more understanding about God’s generous gift of grace.
I have a fear problem.
A couple of years ago, I was in a terrible car accident on a rainy day. I totaled my car and broke my back.
And now I have an unbelievable fear of driving, especially in the rain.
I’ve seen the phrase “Pray like Hannah” written on T-shirts and cups. So, what does that mean? What can we learn about prayer from Hannah?
My biggest question was, “Why God?” But my biggest mistake was allowing my questioning heart, hurt, and anger to distance me from the only One who could direct my steps in dealing with this difficulty.
