And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.—To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.—Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.—I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in […]
photo credit: IMG_0526 EDIT by Rowley Taylor via photopin (license) “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.” Philippians 3:13 NASB We’ve often heard that one’s perception of God stems from the character and conduct of his/her earthly father. I tend to agree, yet that likelihood doesn’t diminish a mother’s role. Ordinarily, a child is comforted and nurtured in a mother’s arms. Her listening ear and wise counsel go far, providing tender guidance at pivotal times. A mother’s firm hand and confident discipline can shape […]
photo credit: 2015-10-28 fin via photopin (license) “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Rev. 22:13, NASB In the writing world, many beginnings and endings occur. The way an article, a chapter—or in my case, a lesson—starts and finishes is of utmost importance. In fact, the entire book should draw the reader in immediately, retain his/her interest throughout, and close so the reader is satisfied but wanting more. Did you know Jesus is the beginning and the end? […]
Dear Readers, Sometimes I struggle with discontentment. Lately, it’s been a hairstyle/hair color thing. I know—really a useless and vain topic to dwell on. But real. So yesterday the Holy Spirit brought thoughts of contentment to mind, which these verses articulate: “Godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment.” 1 Timothy 6:6, Nasb “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Philippians 4:11 Amen. Thank the Lord, I’m not feeling as dissatisfied or impulsive today. God is answering my […]
photo credit: Plastik Abfall via photopin (license) “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8, NASB Sometimes we rely on our qualifications–wrongly assuming superiority–when we should consider everything as worthless trash compared to knowing and gaining CHRIST.
As a young wife, Juana Mikels was vivacious, attractive, and multi-talented. She was also selfish. Leaving her husband of three years, she put her needs and desires first while placing her marriage vows behind. Choosing Him All Over Again: A Story of Romance & Redemption has re-awakened my desire to pursue unselfishness. Because I am selfish too. How many times have I put my needs and desires before Mark’s? Way. Too. Many. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you […]