Proverbs 16:31 states, “Grey hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” I remember the first time I saw a grey hair on my head. I was in my 20’s—so, I was a little dramatic and I totally freaked out. I felt like I had aged 40 years in a single moment. Why did I feel this way? I think that there is a certain stigma in North America that grey hair is degrading, but that is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible teaches that grey hair is an honor. As a child, my…
1 Peter 5:6-7, Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Stress. Just the word alone has connotations that evoke a sense of worry. Many of us, especially if you’re a woman, like to be in control. For instance, if someone is creating havoc in our life, then “they need to change.” Without ill intentions, we may begin to manipulate a situation—we think, “If I’m nice to that person who is causing me stress, maybe they won’t be critical of me anymore.” When we allow control to rule our life and that someone doesn’t do something we want him or her to do, it can quickly lead to anger. It’s a hard lesson to learn, but it takes more power to refrain from anger, than to respond with anger. God did not create us to control other people and their actions—not even God controls us, because He has given us the power of choice. The only kind of control God has given to us is self-control. Galatians 5:22-23. What is a trigger for stress for you? I think it is vital knowing ourselves,…
Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths” Colossians 4:6: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt Countless scriptures are charging us to speak life, and yet, we have a hard time doing that sometimes, especially when we talk to ourselves, or about ourselves. There have been times when I think my best days have already happened. Have you ever felt like that? I thought my life was over when I turned 30 because I was not married. And, to be honest, I felt that way because of the projection of other people’s expectations of my life. I was well-traveled, educated, and had strong, life-long friendships… but that didn’t matter to anyone because I was single. I was constantly sticking up for myself, explaining myself, and trying to get others to understand I wasn’t miserable, but patiently waiting on God. But, none of what I thought mattered much in other people’s eyes. And, that is the problem with other people’s opinions, they try to take your life into their own hands. It wasn’t until I met with the Lord in prayer, and…
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13, KJV. We misquote the above scripture when we say, “God won’t give us more than we can bear,” because this verse says that God will not tempt you above what you can bear. There is a big difference between those two statements. Maybe you have survived a circumstance…
Shame is a worldwide issue; it creeps into people’s minds at midnight, during a happy moment with family, or even when we sit in a pew at church. Shame is a device of the enemy that hinders us from running after God because it oftentimes causes us to run from Him. Today, you may feel encumbered by the shame of your past or missed opportunities due to uncontrollable circumstances. What is one thing that will combat shame? Forgiveness. The word forgive means to release. What do you need to release into God’s hands today? 1 John 1:9 states, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You may feel that the sin that hinders your freedom is too much for God, but Romans 5:20 explains that where sin abounds, grace much more abounds. Grace is abundant for you today. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they hid from the presence of God because of the shame they felt, but God sought after them to bring restoration. Yes, your sin may separate you from God, but it does not separate God from you!…
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 Several months ago, my family went on a quick five-day getaway to Myrtle Beach. It was pure sunshine and smiles until one morning, we woke to rain. So, we loaded the kids in the car and drove them to an indoor play venue with endless stations to dress up, play dentist, go on rocket ships, and get wildly lost in our imaginations. Even my husband and I were having a blast. My daughter found the music station and immediately picked up a tambourine. At the top of her lungs, she began to sing, “Jesus loves me this I know…” My heart was so proud! And then, my heart sank… we are in public—she is singing Christian songs out loud—I should tell her to stop singing. In her world of worship, she had no idea that I was having a war of thoughts in my mind. She was loving Jesus, exactly how I’ve been teaching her, and expressing her devotion exactly how she should—without shame. I…