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Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV) In our comparison-heavy society, it is hard to be confident. Mustering up courage is a monumental feat. Standing your ground in knowing that God is true, faithful and for us, can be a challenge and we can succumb to the challenge more than we realize. Not that we intentionally succumb, but we allow ourselves to entertain subtle lie

Do everything without complaining or arguing. Philippians 2:14 NIV I just wrote a mini devotional on this verse: Honestly, this verse, which John taught in class, has been in the back of my mind, mouth and heart since Sunday. So many times I have questioned myself about whether or not I was issuing forth a complaint, or if it was just passing along information. I may not always get the top grade, the best score, or even the most prizes - but folks, let me tell you - I

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 NIV It wasn’t until today, while listening to a sermon by Pastor Rich of Laguna Creek Calvary Chapel, Elk Grove, CA, that I realized where the Book of the Law should not depart. I have memorized this verse, sang this verse, read and reread this verse – and did not pick up on th

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 Picture a small child on the back of his daddy – riding piggy-back style. So much joy, laughter and fun. A tender moment between child and parent. This is exactly what I picture when I read that we are loved; we can and do, in fact, rest between His shoulders. We are so close to Jesus that we can feel His warm sk

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, and He enables me to go on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19 NIV About a month ago my husband and I were in East Africa, in a town along the Tanganyika Lake (the western side of Tanzania) serving the Lord and enjoying the people, the culture, the food, and lifestyle there. We saw so many beautiful sights – the faces of the smiling children, the students at the Bible college, the buddies and teachers w

For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37 NIV It was day one in my time with the leaders of the Kids’ Clubs in Kigoma, Tanzania. It was my first time meeting this incredible group of young men and I was encouraged to start with the idea of thinking big ideas. So, with that in mind, I posed the question – after passing out snacks of cookies, soda pop and digestives (if you know, you know, about these) – “What big ideas do you have for kids’ clubs?" They shared. T

If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all. Isaiah 7:9 NIV Having just returned from a time in Tanzania, Africa, I can now reflect on what I saw, experienced and testify to. I saw great faith. I saw people living out their normal lives following hard after God and being willing to chase Him, no matter the cost. I saw young men completely sold out for Christ. Giving their all to serve Him – whether it be teaching children (most of them street ch

It was just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love. John 13:1 NIV As I write this, it is Good Friday. This is the day Jesus became sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the day God’s full plan was put into action – at the great cost to Himself and His Son. It was the day where He showed the ones He chose, as wel

He leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23:2 NIV In this Psalm, our Shepherd leads, guides, is with us, prepares a table for us, is before our enemies, and is following behind us. Notice all the places God and His Son are. We are surrounded. We need God to be in front leading us like He did with the Israelites in the desert. Just as He did with Gideon, David, Paul, and Silas. We need Him behind us because we need the coverage, the assurance we are not left without pro

It is better to take refuge in the LORD that to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9 NLT No matter how much I desire to trust in people, I am reminded that it can be a slippery slope. Putting all my trust in people creates an expectation that cannot easily be met. I am not saying this with a broad brush, as the vast majority of my family and friends are completely for me and are in my corner, but when my expec

I am so thankful for God's Word! And for the instructions for practical Christian living we find within it's pages. Because of Jesus.

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” Luke 1:18 N IV Oh the doubters. The questioners. The I-will-not-believe-it-until-I-see-it crowd. We question everything. We doubt most. We don’t give the benefit of ‘the doubt’ to others – meaning we typically think the worst. We question God. We make excuses. We hear but do not respond, let alone act. We think He is not talking to us, or the words are t

I am drawing from the archives with this post with a DEVOTIONAL written for a magazine on June 29, 2022. The only thing that has changed is my feet are healed. Enjoy, and to God be the glory. LEADING WITH LOVE Since God chose you to be holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 Empathy. Sympathy. Compassion. Love. Mercy. Are they the same? Lately God has been

With Valentine's Day this month, many of us are thinking about love. And the Father, our heavenly Father, has great love for us. Here's just a quick look at that love described to us in Jeremiah. Because of Jesus.

Who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17 (NLT) The anticipation of a gift is pure delight - I think both for the giver and the receiver. The giver thought about, made or purchased, the gift. The receiver opens and enjoys the gift. It’s a win-win. I have loved all the gifts my family and friends have given me. Through the years I’ve received very meaningful gifts - handmade paintings, songs, jewelry, time, books and love. I treasure each one

“For I Myself will help you,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 41:14 NIV How many times have you been lost because you missed the exit, turn-off, sign, or forgot to get directions in the first place? Now, I know it is dated to think we use real paper maps anymore, but my GPS system has gotten me lost more than once, so because of that I like to have a general direction of where I am going, and I still like looking at a paper map now and then. One such place was while we were

I will be their God. Jeremiah 31:33 NIV Do you know who you are? Whom you belong to? What you have currently and what your inheritance is? Do you know your family – growing up one, current one and the extended one? Do you feel seen and heard? Known and sought after? These can be some tough questions. And they could require some careful, thought-out responses. Or, they could be easy as our next breath. Coming into this year – 2026 – I was in a tough spot. Lots

Praise God for the wonderful blessing of His Son and it is because of Him, we celebrate.

“No one can come to the Father who sent Me draws Him.” John 6:44 NIV How many of you were sent by your dad to do something? Clean your room? Pick up the backyard? Go to school? Find your best friend and ask forgiveness for an infraction which broke up the tight bond between you two? Dads just send their children places – whether we agree it’s a good thing or not. And a happy child is the obedient child. Jesus was an obedient Son – Although He was a Son, He lea

Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:7 NIV Knowing God's kingdom will be an eternal kingdom, His Son will be an absolute monarch, and this kingdom will never be conquered - these truths are powerful because what we see now is polar opposite to the various kingdoms, governments, and monarchies in our present day. We see land grabs, fighting, civil wars, death, power struggles, needless coups and more. All for the sake of power and contr