Various Topics to Live the Good News

Reading in my Building Faith with Bible Pathway under the introduction to Ezekiel, I come upon this sentence – “After Jerusalem’s fall (in 586 B.C.,) Ezekiel began a message of hope, consolation, and reconstruction.” Reconstruction. That is what God does with us. It’s not exactly a beautiful word, like metamorphosis. Reconstruction is a rough word. You tear down all that isn’t right and healthy and solid in a building. You go all the way back to the foundation and the basics if necessary. You have to remove and haul off the debris. And all this before you can even begin …

I have a family member/friend who struggles often with defensiveness. I try to give of myself and work to find compromises between our differences, but she often attributes wrong motives to me. If I try to ask something of her, no matter how I ask it, or share my feelings, she gets all bristly and thinks I’m out to “get her.”  She has no understanding of how much I work at reaching out to her and loving her. It hurts. I think God must feel that way with us. He loves us and wants to share Himself with us. He …

The person who is victorious purposefully sets his compass towards God. He studies His word and clings desperately to God, knowing that in God is life and all good things – and the only sure way out of trouble. If we allow ourselves to drift – we are swept away from – not towards God. We think it is all God and we keep waiting for Him, but we have to do our part – seeking, asking, studying, praying (talking to God), receiving forgiveness, giving forgiveness, following His commands, and learning about this One who saves and loves fully, not …

I went downstairs for coffee early one morning at a conference in Denver and was very much looking forward to enjoying a quiet morning with God and His Word. I settled into a roomy, comfortable chair with my coffee and papers, books and pens. (I always hope to travel light – but never quite pull it off.)  Opening my books and settling back, I took a deep breath, enjoying my spot. Just then  two ladies came and decided that out of all the places they could sit, this was the perfect spot for the two of them – to talk. …

“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20 We want results. God wants faithfulness – regardless of the results that we do or don’t get. We want to rejoice in what we’ve done and in successful service – in something we can see, count, measure, touch. But what God counts as worthy is our relationship to Him. Have we believed Him? Are we faithful to Him? Are we being faithful and steadfast – waiting for Him – even when the waves and trials come crashing in on …

Would you like to do something with purpose? Something more for God? Would you like to develop your gifts and interests? I’m here to encourage you to “go for it.” What do you like to do? What one thing comes to mind and then you think, “But I could never do that.” That’s probably it. What’s the one thing that you think, “Someone should….” These are clues. And small is good. Ordinary is great. One person at a time is terrific. Even needing Jesus’ help is spot on. Be willing to put your toe in the water without knowing how it will work all work out, without knowing the …

A couple of years ago I traveled from Southwest Florida to Romania for a short mission trip with our church’s Recovery group called, Discovery. Yes – I was way out of my comfort zone. We had several meetings, prior to leaving, to help prepare us for what to expect and what we would be doing while there. One of our leaders shared the question that he gets asked the most: “When do we get to do the missionary stuff?” His response? “Be quiet, alert, and aware, you’re doing it now.” Then he shared the list of our most important missionary …

I did it! This is good news. With some coaching help from friends – I found, re-sized, titled, and added this froggy picture to my blog “all by myself.” I am getting better with technology. By experimenting and practicing, I am improving and growing. If I can learn technology – anybody I can. And if we can learn about technology, then we can grow and learn about God and His truths. Learn, discover, practice, try! There is so much I want to grow in, in my walk with God. There are so many things I want to share with you through this website. It’s nice to know there’s hope. Let’s remember one other important point. Let’s be careful not …