“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us … If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage” (Romans 12:6-8). How many times have you heard, or even said yourself, “I just don’t know what to…
When I was a teenager, I had a terrible habit of comparing myself to the people around me. It seemed every girl had better skin, a nicer nose, and smoother hair. Many young people had more friends, were better singers, and all were better at sports. As a Bible Quizzer,…
The Bible talks about tasting the Word of God and compares language to the vivid experience of a strong flavor (Psalm 119:103, Hebrews 6:5). I will never forget when an elder lady from a neighboring church hugged me and whispered an encouragement in my ear. I would have been embarrassed…
Every spring our yard bursts with beautiful flowers planted by the previous homeowner – roses, peonies, irises, daffodils, foxglove, and more. Of course, we have weeds too. We didn’t plant the blackberry vines, dandelions or thistles, yet they thrive wildly if we neglect them. Sometimes when I pull weeds, I…
Have to stopped to thank God lately for His grace? John 3:16-18 (The Message) says, This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have…
All of my life I’ve had a desire to be used by God. I knew that as a believer it was the only correct response to being freed from sin. If I love God, I am commissioned to tell others about the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ at Calvary. It…
When I was a kid, our family was not well off. For whatever reason, much of the time we just scraped by. But, my parent’s faith never wavered, and I learned many valuable lessons through those trying times. In particular, I remember a time when we didn’t have enough money to…
We are all at different stages in our walk with God. We are at different levels of maturity regarding our understanding of God’s Word and His purpose for our lives. Some have made a greater commitment to allow God to use them to further His kingdom. We are running this race together,…
“For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” (Romans 9:17, NKJV) Earlier this summer, I awoke with a feeling of intense gratitude and overwhelming sense of humility that God choses to use…