Category Devotional

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

The past; it creeps in, infiltrates thoughts, disrupts sleep, alters conversation, causes trouble in relationships, can ruin a perfectly good day, and sometimes derails a future filled with promise and hope.

So often I find myself re-living something from the past. Sometimes it’s a painful childhood memory, thoughts of a past relationship gone badly, or a negative, hurtful comment from a trusted person in my life.

I think of situations where I have failed miserably; moments in time I wish I would have handled differently, comments made without thinking first that I wish I could stuff back in my mouth, or even unkind thoughts I’d love to hide from God...

 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”                                                                         Matthew 22:36-39 NIV

Recently, I was watching a game show featuring newlyweds as contestants. The host commented on how loving many of the couples were to one another. One of the couples dated for many years prior to marriage and was showing a great deal of affection for one another...

  “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV

One of the most beautiful hymns ever written can be recited by most. Many non-believers know the first verse because it’s a standard song during Easter services and funerals. “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me; I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.”

We meet Jesus. We ask Him into our hearts and lives as a guidepost and anchor in times of distress. We become infatuated with the newness of our faith and the love we feel for our Lord and Savior, much like when we fall in love with another person. In time however, the infatuation period ends and real life hits us, sometimes hard...

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Romans 15:4-6 NASB

Over the years of being self employed, a wife, mother, small group leader, aspiring writer and public speaker, I’ve learned something very important about myself. I need and value encouragement! There, I said it; I need encouragement! Whew, I feel so much better now...