10 Ways to Empower Those You Lead
Everyone plays the role of a leader. You’re a leader if you are a softball coach, charity board member, or a volunteer coordinator. We are…
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4 Ways to Face Rejection
“For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” John 7:5 (NLT) I’ve heard it said, “It’s none of your business what someone else thinks…
Change Leads to New Beginnings
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Change…
Getting to the Heart of the Matter
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (NASB) Having a “busy” personality, it’s always been a…
Throwing Stones
It’s a wildly popular sport on social media. It’s reported on the news and enthusiastically published in articles. Its origin is from an ancient law…
3 Reasons to Avoid “But”
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that…
Workout Your Faith
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 How do we workout our faith? Faith in…
How to Deal with Discouragement
We all get discouraged. At one time or another — over one thing or another. Discouragement seeks to continually assault our plans, our purposes, and…
Looking Through the Lens of Cynicism
Each of us has a lens we see life and people through. The filter on the lens shapes our perspectives. Often, our perspectives are skewed…
Listening Before Speaking
“The one who gives an answer before he listens— this is foolishness and disgrace for him.” Proverbs 18:13 Most of us have people in our…
God is Bigger Than Our Circumstances
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a…
Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zone
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you…
How to Know if You Are Teachable
Did you know having a teachable attitude makes us more likable by others, reduces conflicts in our life, grows us spiritually, personally and relationally,…
Sunday Mornings
On Sunday mornings, between the ages of four and ten, Mike recalls walking into a little brick house, in a small neighborhood just outside of…
Forcing vs. Trusting
Many of us are driven to make things happen in our life, at work, at home or in a relationship. There is nothing characteristically wrong…
4 Ways to Face Rejection
I’ve heard it said, “It’s none of your business what someone else thinks of you.” While I agree with this statement to a point,…
Responsibility- My Response to His Ability
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will…
Finding Balance
We all have unique personalities and ways of “doing life.” Some of us are patient and relaxed, while others are impatient and much more active.…
Forebodings
“All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a…
Embracing Grace
Grace is a concept we often have a hard time embracing. There are times when we find it difficult to extend grace to others and…
God’s Perspective is Bigger Than Our Own
As a girlfriend and I were walking, enjoying the beautiful spring day, our conversation ended up, as it always does, sharing about God and His…
Walking Where Jesus Walked – Intro
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
The Southern Steps (Day 1)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
The Garden of Gethsemane (Day 2)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
The Location of Caiaphas House (Day 3)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
The Upper Room (Day 4)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
The Location of Caiaphas House (Day 5)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
Skull Hill (Day 6)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
The Garden Tomb (Day 7)
7-series devotional covering the events of Holy week – from Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem to His resurrection.
More Than Enough
As long as we have blood running through our veins, our fallen nature will fight to claim its independence from God. We want to do…
Set Healthy Boundaries
“Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives. Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty. If you rescue them once, you…
Spiritual Injuries
“Teach me, and I will be silent; And show me how I have erred.” Job 6:24 Disappointment and confusion in my husband eyes told me everything…
Finding Freedom
Over the past few years, I’ve begun to analyze lingering un-forgiveness, insecurities, fears, and distorted beliefs I’ve clung to most of my life. In the…
Waiting for the Next…
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk…
Handling Hurt
I’ve often heard it said, “Hurt people – hurt people,” and I have to say, most often, this is the case. One of the hardest…
Feelings vs. Faith
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 Have you ever felt defeated in life or in your…
Are You Attached?
“I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take…
The Gift of Forgiveness
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 Do you realize that forgiving…
What’s Holding You Back?
For years I allowed hurt and fear to keep me from pursuing the life God was urging me to embrace. I let emotional baggage paralyze…
8 Ways to Handle Conflict at Work
Have you ever wanted to respond to a conflict at work through uncivilized means on the person who makes your work life miserable? I have…
A Leader Worth Following
Leadership involves influence and we all influence others in one way or another. Either for better or for worse. Whether with family, friends, co-workers, or…
Remembering Who You Are
“He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them– he remains faithful forever.” Psalm 146:6 When my sons were young,…
Relationships: Before You Throw in the Towel
When marriage, family, or a friendship gets difficult or messy, it’s tempting to think about giving up on the person you’re struggling with. Sometimes we…
Four Ways to Experiencing Knowledge
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.” Proverbs 18:15 Just like we exercise our bodies to stay fit…
35 Reason to Go to Church
“… not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”…
Pass It On
When you’ve learned something you are excited about — you talk about it. When you discover a better way of doing things — you show…
Overcoming Roadblocks
Hiding our Roadblocks drains our energy for life and keeps us from reaching our God-given potential. Roadblocks are not unique to just a few of…
Get to the Heart of Your Emotions
Having a “busy” personality makes it challenging for me to slow down and take inventory of what’s really going on inside. For years, my response…
Tapestry of Our Life
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are…
Are You Committed?
Our Commitments impact everything we do. Each day, we are given a full twenty-four hours to work with. But, if you are like me, you…
Free Falling Faith
One bright day, I was casually sitting in an outdoor dining area when I noticed a cloud, it was quickly moving across the sky and…
Time To Get Healthy!
Many of us have made resolutions for this coming year. Mine include riding my bike more often, spending more time with family and friends, eating…
The Path That Leads Home
“Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your…
What’s Your Resolution?
This is the time of year we set resolutions. We make commitments to do — or not to do certain things during the coming year.…
The Ultimate Gift
Over the past few weeks, we’ve gathered to share gifts in celebration of Christ’s birth. But, of all the gifts you received — what was…
Analyzing Attitudes
An attitude can be described as a way we feel or think about someone or something and is almost always reflected in our behavior. We…
Christmas- A Season Of Fake Hope?
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow…
The Key to Stress Management
Where do you go when you find yourself frustrated, stressed, or overwhelmed? I don’t know about you, but there have been many times in my…
Heartaches and Holidays
Does it seem like life’s disappointments all pile up this time of year? Aloneness, the grief of a lost loved one, financial hardship, sickness, or…
Joy to the World
All we have to do is turn on the news and we are assaulted by negativity. Very seldom do we ever see or hear anything…
When Dead Dreams Are Resurrected
“Truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies,…
Salvation to Sanctification
“For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7 From the moment we surrender our lives to…
Second Chances
Have you ever needed a second chance? If you are like me, you thank God for second chances and for accounts in the Bible of…
A Thanksgiving Prayer
Is it me — or did we just celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas a few months ago? It seems as if these two holidays come around…
What Do Your Clothes Say About You?
It was the late 80’s and early 90’s when Madonna, Prince, and Janet Jackson led the fashion trends. I was far from God at that…
Overcoming Roadblocks
Throughout life, we all experience two kinds of Roadblocks. External Roadblocks are physical barriers, circumstances, or people that hinder us from pursuing God’s plans for our lives. Internal Roadblocks are…
No Pain No Gain
All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize. 1 Corinthians 9:25 Are you a self-starter when it comes to going…
Harvesting Hope
Hope is the necessary ingredient for thriving. It’s the foundation we need to heal our relationships, undertake challenges, and pursue our God-given dreams. No matter…
When Our Plan B is God’s Plan A
Plan A was the plan my mom put her entire godly faith in, plan B was never really discussed, except one time. She laid on…
Give Grace
“See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it…
Unanswered Prayers
“He makes everything work out according to His plan.” Ephesians 1:11 I can relate to Garth Brooks’ famous song “Unanswered prayers.” The chorus of the song…
Daring to Dream
When is the last time you dreamed? Dreaming focuses on the future, it sees beyond our current circumstances and looks toward the possibilities of what…
Imagine the Bigger Picture of Your Life
Some time ago, God revealed to me that He is a big picture God and that He is equally detailed too. Why should this matter?…
What’s Your Foundation?
If you were building a house, you would never start framing until a solid foundation was properly in place. So why not approach your spiritual…
Self-Talk is Serious Business
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what…
Walking With God
Do you ever stop to think about what it means to walk with God? In Genesis 5:21-24 we read of a man named Enoch who began walking…
It’s Your Move
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth,…
How Are You Communicating?
A primary element of every good relationship is healthy communication. Better communication leads to better relationships. That’s why it’s imperative we avoid the four main…
Inquiring of the Lord
Once again David inquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him. 1 Samuel 23:4 I love reading the life story of King David in…
Finding Certainty in Confusion
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33 Even under the best conditions, climbing a mountain like Mount Everest is…
The Art of Surrender
Is it time to surrender? Are you striving for something you just can’t seem to obtain or resisting something you just can’t seem to elude?…
Your Life’s Assignment
My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord. Acts 20:24 When I was just out…
Storms Can Bring Out Our Best
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and…
The Courage to Jump
“Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,”…
Who Do You Say I Am?
Who do people say we are? How do family, friends, and coworkers describe us to others? According to a 2016 Barna Research Group survey, about…
The Speed of Life
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Time flies! Seems like yesterday my boys were in elementary…
What’s Your Calling
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him…
A Pruning Story
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can…
Patience for the Fast Lane
I’ve always been warned to avoid praying for patience, otherwise, I will surely be given ample opportunities to learn it. Well, I guess I’ve been…
Change Leads to New Beginnings
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Change comes…
Encountering Temptation
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.…
What Do You Believe About Your God-Given Purpose?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a…
To Tell the Truth
“… If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31,32 I was clueless to all the lies I had embraced throughout the years, especially those I believed…
Peace in the Wind and Waves
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 While I was walking the…
How to Keep a Courageous Focus
No matter what life circumstance we are facing, it’s critically important we exhibit courage when determining our focus. Our focus is a choice. We can…
The Things That Dreams Are Made Of
Recently I heard a song called, The Things That Dreams Are Made Of, by The Human League. The lyrics took me back to my decade’s…
Courage is- Being Honest With Ourselves and Others
Do you get defensive when others attempt to share the truth with you? Or, do you find it hard to tell the truth, when you…
Are You Asking the Right Questions?
“For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45 There have…
The Power of a Word
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18:21a Do you ever stop and think about the words you say in response to…
Looking Through the Lens of Cynicism
Each of us has a lens we see life and people through. The filter on the lens shapes our perspectives. Often, our perspectives are skewed…
Are We Entitled?
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12…
A Living Hope
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection…
Learning to Unlearn
Over the past five years, I’ve spent a good bit of time revisiting the twists and turns of my last fifty years. Much of that…
God- Protect Me From Myself
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians…
Are You in a Whirlwind?
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 We all desire to show our “best selves” to others. But God…
Are You a SAGE Con?
Ok –– I’m sure I’m not the only one who had no clue “what” or “who” a SAGE Con is –– right? When I ran…
Jesus Knows Me
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.” Jeremiah 1:5 We’re all familiar with the children’s song “Jesus loves me, this I know”.…
Who’s Changing Who?
“In reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,…
The Weight of Waiting
“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31 Waiting is never easy. Invariably, when I’m in a hurry, I’ll choose the slowest checkout line at the store or…
Learning to Live Without Masks
“And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”…
The Difference in Joy and Happiness
“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 I started thinking about joy versus happiness. I pondered “joy” because some of my circumstances…
Talking to God
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 There is a…
Workout Your Faith
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 I don’t get overly excited about going…
Engaging God’s Word
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the…
Self-Made Prisons
God has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free. Luke 4:18 Each…
What Are You Waiting For?
“… with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2,3 I was…
The Gift of Forgiveness
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 Do you realize that forgiving…
Remembering Mom
This Mother’s Day, I have so much to be thankful for. I was blessed to have a wonderful mother, to become a mother to two…
