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Beyond Better: A New Creation
We’re constantly bombarded with messages about self-improvement: better health, a better job, better relationships, a better home. But when is “better” ever enough? Perhaps we’re looking at it the wrong way. The Christian journey isn’t about becoming “better” versions of ourselves; it’s about becoming something entirely new. Romans 6:4 says, “We were buried with him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” This new life isn’t something we earn. Jesus doesn’t improve us—He makes us new. As author Chris Tiegreen put it: There’s nothing we can do to become…
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As I Wake
At daybreak, Lord, You hear my voice; at daybreak I plead my case to You and watch expectantly. Psalm 5:3 Last week I shared a link to a post I wrote for Encouraging.com. One was titled In the In the First Waking Moments. Check it out and then read another favorite quote that fits well with this thought. This is the quote that adds support my original post: The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If…
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Bitter Grip: The Cost of Unforgiveness
Have you ever thought, I just cannot forgive that person? The pain they caused feels too big, too evil. Forgiving them seems impossible. Does God really expect us to forgive in such cases? Charles Swindoll said… He’s right. When we refuse to forgive, we suffer more than they do. The person who hurt you may be unaware of your feelings, but you carry the burden every day. You have a right to be angry, but you don’t have to carry that weight. Hebrews 12:14-15 warns: Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord. Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God…
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A Candle or a Lighthouse?
Does your light shine like a lighthouse, or more like a candle? Do you use a large platform to share your faith, or do you quietly shine into the life of a neighbor? Many times while I was serving at LifeWay—a publisher of authors who often spoke on large platforms—women would ask me how to get on that platform. My question back was, “What are you doing now to share Jesus with women?” Their answer often revealed a glimpse of their heart—whether for the Lord or for themselves. Someone once said, “Don’t expect God to make you a lighthouse somewhere else if you can’t be a candle where you are.”…
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I CAN’T!
I CAN’T! How many times have you woken up in the morning and just wanted to tell God, “I just can’t”? Some days, and seasons, truly feel impossible to manage from a human standpoint. But as believers in Christ, we have access to a supernatural power that enables us to face anything the Lord allows into our lives. This truth is beautifully captured by Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru), who said: This resonates deeply with 1 Corinthians 15:57, which declares, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” It’s not our own strength, but Jesus’ power that allows…
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Facing Your “What-Ifs”
Kay Arthur was one of the most influential Bible teachers of our time—especially for women. For years, she stood out as one of the few who not only taught Scripture deeply but also equipped women to study the Bible inductively for themselves. Her impact is still being felt, and with her recent passing, many are reflecting on how her teaching shaped their spiritual journeys. One of Kay’s most memorable quotes has stayed with me: Wise words—but easier said than done, right? I’d hate to count how many times a day I worry first and then remember that the Lord is with me and promises to meet my needs. Still, there…
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The Challenge of a Complaint-Free Life
Complaining is the absolute worst possible thing you could do for your health. The worst!… For the next 7 days, I challenge you not to complain at all. Every time I read that quote from T. Harv Eker, I feel a pang of conviction. I wish I’d never read it! He challenges us to go seven days without a single complaint. It sounds so simple, yet why is it so incredibly hard? The Apostle Paul gives us a powerful reminder in Philippians 2. Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among…
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Two Responses: Our Choice
When you’re faced with a decision, what guides your response? Do you act based on emotion in the moment, or do you pause, pray, and thoughtfully consider your options? And when you sin—what’s your first reaction? Do you blame, ignore, make excuses, or repent? In 2 Samuel and 1 Kings, we read about two kings, David and his son Solomon, each with different responses to sin. After his impulsive and grievous sins of adultery and murder in 2 Samuel, David was confronted by the prophet Nathan. Instead of hiding or excusing his actions, he humbly confessed. In 2 Samuel 12:13, David said, “I have sinned against the LORD.” His repentance…
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Our Mission in Life: Serving God in Every Season
How do we know when God is finished with us—or with a specific assignment? Sometimes, He calls us to a role for just a season. Other times, the assignment lasts for years, even a lifetime. When I was actively serving and encouraging women—walking alongside them through life, parenting, work, and ministry—I came to realize that discipling and leading women wasn’t just something I did. It was a deep calling. And it still is. But when do we step back? When, if ever, do we stop serving? The truth is—we don’t. Our roles may shift. Our pace may slow. But our purpose remains. We serve Him until He calls us home.…
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God’s Enduring Desire: To Dwell Among Us
From the dawn of creation, God has expressed an unwavering desire to be with His people, longing to walk with us, guide us, and draw us into worship. This profound yearning for connection is a consistent thread woven throughout Scripture. Recently my F260 reading plan landed on 1 Kings 6. The plan’s commentary led me to think about how God has desired to dwell with His people from the beginning. We continue to see this desire throughout Scripture. A Journey Through God’s Dwelling Places (This list is from my reading plan but the comments are mine.): Photo by Igor Rodrigues on Unsplash Photo by Anton Mislawsky on Unsplash This incredible…
