Well, it’s time! The last two Scripture dissections, God’s Timing and God’s Humor, we left something completely unresolved. The famine! And really – that’s an important development. We built up to it, showing how people suffered intolerably for three years. Now, Elijah introduces he’s back! And then introduces it’s God’s timing to end the famine. So, here is the amazing story – with a couple of twists and some teaching points.
Have you had the joy of watching little kids when they get in front of a mirror? They have heart-warming and sometimes hilarious interactions. These little ones have such authenticity and vulnerability as they interact with “themselves” in the mirror. What about you? When you look in the mirror, who do you see? Do you value the reflection of that person? Are you authentically being “you” each day? It’s time to treasure your valuable life like God does.
What situation comes to your mind when you hear that old saying – “God has a sense of humor?” I have numerous scenarios that come to mind. Oddly, it seems God’s humor is at play more often than we realize. And it’s a brilliant sense of humor. As humans, we try to develop a sense of humor, especially in teen years. And since we are made in God’s image, the quality of humor is there to be developed. I want to look at God’s humor as we continue Part 2 of our Scripture dissection of 1 Kings 18. (See Part 1 in a recent article – God’s Timing.)
We live with boundaries every day. Some examples: Your yard ends, and the neighbor’s yard begins. Countries have boundaries to define territory. Speed limits keep traffic in check to prevent accidents. The zoo has walls, cages, and glass to keep children safe as they enjoy animals. Walls and doors form rooms – helpful when you need to sleep or take a shower. Banks with safes protect money. Oceans caress the beach only to a certain distance. If boundaries are so common all around us, then why is it hard to place and keep boundaries to protect our hearts and minds? Afterall, boundaries help.
I remember as a kid how excited I was when school let out for summer. That meant – freedom and fun. Then there’s the happy childhood memory of when I received a beautiful “Little Girl Lotion-Perfume” set from my grandmother at Christmas. As an adult, I’ve been thrilled when I owe less taxes than I thought – or get an extra bonus day off work. And at any age, there’s the joy of seeing new daffodils, tulips, and lilacs starting to share color and fragrance in spring. But nothing compares to how thrilled I was when I discovered a “Thinking Grid” in my Bible – a resource for better thinking! Read More …
You’ve experienced this, and so have I! You reach to someone in friendship, but there’s no reach back. Most of the time, that’s OK. But sometimes, when your heart is more deeply invested in a person, it’s painful when they don’t want to be a friend back. You just have to accept it. I think there are practical take-aways from this scenario as we consider our relationship with God.
Easter week is here! As a result, people love to celebrate with joyful traditions, activities, reflections, and food. Since this week is the highest pinnacle of celebration for Jesus followers (perhaps second only to Christmas), we celebrate the amazing, simple reality – we have Jesus!
NOTE: there’s a meaningful, FREE, easy-to-use Easter week devotional focus/activity at the bottom of this content. Click for more information and to
Meaningful! Brief! Fun! Refreshing! Read or Listen! FREE!
Starts Monday through Easter Sunday.
Because this content is concise, quality material – busy people with full schedules can easily participate.
Since this material is designed to help manage your busy schedule, you can just click on the player above each day’s content. It will look like this image. (This picture is not an active player.)
We’re also published on popular podcast apps, so connect with your preferred app. If you’re already signed up with the Alive and Active Life Podcast, you’ll receive each day’s content in your feed. If you need help, here are instructions to SIGN UP.
Brief Daily Focus – Using a short reflective thought to focus your heart for Easter, each day explores a special role Jesus has in your life. It’s very encouraging!
Here’s a list of topics we will cover, one each day:
As you explore these special roles, you can know without a doubt that God’s love for you is sincere!
“When You Run Out of Ideas of Where to Hide An Easter Basket.”
Since Easter brings hope, joy, and cheer . . . take this opportunity to prepare your heart!
Since Day #3 Fun Activity uses Resurrection Eggs to tell the Easter story with a little reminder token in each egg, to get your set before Wednesday’s Fun Activity:
Incidentally, it’s really fun to make your own set! But it’s also simple. By filling empty plastic eggs with little items, each part of the Easter story can be told. Since the online set (above link) shows detailed pictures of items needed, use that example. And not only kids love this set, but every age!
However, if you decide not to make or order this tool, our content gives additional options for an activity.
In addition to this Easter resource, visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God.
It’s also not too late to receive weekly encouragement in your inbox. Sign up on our email list.
I had my annual visit with my doctor. (Have you had yours?) We sometimes have conversations about long-term health. Apparently, I’m right on target for getting another year older!
How about you? At some point this year, you will become another year older. So – Happy Birthday!
Although you and I don’t have control over the inevitable aging process – we can make some good decisions.
Meaningful! Brief! Fun! Refreshing! Read or Listen! FREE!
Starts Monday through Easter Sunday.
Because this content is concise, quality material – busy people with full schedules can easily participate.
Since this material is designed to help manage your busy schedule, you can just click on the player above each day’s content. It will look like this image. (This picture is not an active player.)
We’re also published on popular podcast apps, so connect with your preferred app. If you’re already signed up with the Alive and Active Life Podcast, you’ll receive each day’s content in your feed. If you need help, here are instructions to SIGN UP.
Brief Daily Focus – Using a short reflective thought to focus your heart for Easter, each day explores a special role Jesus has in your life. It’s very encouraging!
Here’s a list of topics we will cover, one each day:
As you explore these special roles, you can know without a doubt that God’s love for you is sincere!
“When You Run Out of Ideas of Where to Hide An Easter Basket.”
Since Easter brings hope, joy, and cheer . . . take this opportunity to prepare your heart!
Since Day #3 Fun Activity uses Resurrection Eggs to tell the Easter story with a little reminder token in each egg, get your set before Wednesday’s Fun Activity:
Incidentally, it’s really fun to make your own set! But it’s also simple. By filling empty plastic eggs with little items, each part of the Easter story can be told. Since the online set (above link) shows detailed pictures of items needed, use that example. And not only kids love this set, but every age!
However, if you decide not to make or order this tool, our content gives additional options for an activity.
You’ll be glad you did!
In addition to this Easter resource, visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God.
Incidentally, you can receive weekly encouragement in your inbox. Sign up on our email list.
Subscribe below to receive encouraging articles and podcasts in your inbox that help you apply God’s Word practically each day!
Why not refresh your walk with Jesus and renew your commitment to Bible Study?
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