Our story began years ago. As a young mother, counselor, and educator, Brenda saw the “theory” of Scripture doesn’t necessarily change a person’s real-life experience. That bothered her. So, she began exploring what it means to live by God’s Word – for real.
She asked God lots of questions, and life became a learning curve. How does Scripture change life? That was her personal launch question.
She discovered the power of Scripture becomes real by accepting the invitation to “Partner With God.” After becoming a Jesus follower, partnership happens every single day when you live to please God above self (living sacrifice).
The result? Transformation! Instead of losing yourself, you find yourself! Jesus said, “. . . Whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” (Mt. 10:38-40)
So, you begin to figure out who you are in Christ.
Brenda also discovered – God’s Word is alive and active. (Heb. 4:12)
Scripture contains tools, resources, action steps, and real-life examples you need. The content and principles of God’s Word are current, relevant, and practical.
So why is Scripture so critical to a Jesus follower?
Well, your time and energy are in great demand. Plus, life is hard. Holding everything together can be a drain. You need help.
Here’s how Scripture helps you.
Jesus is the Living Word – a Person. Scripture is God’s Written Word . . . like “Jesus on paper.”
So, when you take Scripture into your life by faith, you take God’s life off the pages into your soul. It gives you power to live your life well with noble character. Then you begin to have an Alive and Active Life.
That’s how our story began.
What about your story?
It’s Thanksgiving! Time for a “self-check” on gratitude. A mindset of gratitude makes a huge difference, even when things are difficult or painful.
So, if you had a Gratitude Scale that measured how thankful you are, where would you score on a scale 1-10?
Let’s explore “mindset of gratitude.” But first – let’s have some fun with that Gratitude Scale we mentioned. Read More …
I can’t think of a better way to begin this content – purpose-filled living – than to quote a good authority on the subject.
“Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days – when you heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you’re out of options, when the pain is great – and you turn to God alone.” (Rick Warren)
This insightful quote leads us into our discovery today. Read More …
Recently, I connected with a dear friend and learned about her struggle with cancer. Not only her courage to face cancer, but the tenacity and grit it takes to go through chemo treatments.
How I admire this friend. Each day, she rises into new courage as she manages these realities. Plus, she remains confident God will carry her through. At the same time, she is honest and authentic about her sufferings.
So, let’s dive into what it means to live with courage and confidence each day – no matter what your situation. Read More …
Someone’s hanging from a high ledge, ready to fall! They’re yelling for help and losing strength. Now, they hold on with only one hand. You know emergency teams will never make it in time. Frantically, you grab a nearby sturdy tarp and enlist five or six strong-looking by-standers to hold tightly on corners and sides – a “make-shift” life-net directly below. Realizing the person is about to fall, yet is filled with fear, you yell, “Let go. It’ll be OK.”
This is #6 in a series on hope. Read More …
As I consider today’s material: “Strong Hope,” I’m reminded of a Bible passage in one of my quiet times. Simply this.
First, if I were to make a list of all the struggles, issues, sorrows, and difficulties in my life so far –
Next, if I were to put a column of dates next to them (similar to what I have in my Bible) –
Then, if I were to record a verse or promise God gave me for that particular situation in a third column –
– I would have an amazing record of God’s faithfulness in my neediness. In fact, I’d have enough material to publish a book about strong hope.
This is #5 in a series on hope. Read More …
Have you ever desperately cried out “change me, Lord?” I have.
I vividly remember a time I said this many years ago. Challenges had piled up. Demands were high. Expectations even higher. I was pulled in too many directions. And I felt overwhelmed . . . Read More …
