“Do not think I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17 Years ago, a dear friend once shared a certain struggle: she was gifted in the arts and possessed a passion for them, but felt God calling her down another…
Author: stefanielynn3@gmail.com
Jesus Knows, Part II
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 Betcha can’t! How often have children taunted one another with such words? How often have adults used words, or even tone, to convey doubt as to whether the ability even existed. What stirs up inside each of us as we hear these words?…
Jesus Knows, Part I
“Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to…
Resolution: Peace
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 What is the spiritual significance of New Year’s Resolutions? At the close of 2012, I stumbled upon a new and novel…
Christmas Characters, Part III
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’” Matthew 2:1-2 The Magi knew the King…
Christmas Characters, Part II
“But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years.” Luke 1: 7 Most of us do not immediately think of Elizabeth and Zechariah as Christmas characters. Yet, they are vital in their supporting roles to our main characters. Beyond this righteous couple becoming the parents of John the Baptist, who…
Christmas Characters, Part I
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:45 How might Mary, Mother of Jesus be described? A young girl. A highly favored girl. A girl who desired to do God’s will. Mary has a beautiful song found in Luke 1:47- 55. “and my spirit…
Perseverance Through the Wall
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving in the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:11-12 This past week I watched an interesting home improvement project in my house. The week of a holiday, a holiday we were hosting out-of-state family for three days, mind you,…
Thanksgiving: Thanking God in Tough Times
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 This week, those of us in the United States will celebrate Thanksgiving. We remember what the Pilgrims did, thanking God for seeing them through their first year here in their settlement. They…
Complacency in the Comfort Zone
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 Years ago, when I first began homeschooling, I received a gift. The gift was a simple coin enclosed in a pendant. But, that coin meant the world to me. I placed it on a…