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I was chatting with my sister yesterday evening by phone, and we got on the subject of God and faith and our relationship with the Lord. I was trying to encourage her during those times when we don’t know what God is doing in our lives. And somewhere in that conversation, the Lord ended up encouraging me.
For some reason, I thought about the prodigal son, that familiar parable we read about in the Bible. And I reminded my sister that though we as Christians know how all those Bible stories end, the folks who actually lived those stories had no clue how the road of faith would bend before them. They didn’t know how long they would have to wait for their breakthrough. Read the rest of this entry »
Even as you read this, I am probably heading over the top of your neighborhood, high in the clouds above on a big jet plane. Planes always make me think of eagles: strong and able to fly above the storms of life.
Maybe you are experiencing some turbulence right where you are. If it’s getting you down, remember that you need to turn those problems and worries over to the Lord. Problems sap your strength; trusting in the Lord renews it.
“But 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 and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV).
Have a safe landing wherever you are. Rest and peace are yours today in Christ Jesus.
– Laura J. Bagby
We spend much of our lives waiting, don’t we? Waiting for the mail. Waiting for our paycheck. Waiting for the school year to end. Waiting for the traffic light to change.
And just when we think all that waiting is over, we end up waiting again – this time for different things. I am not one who enjoys waiting. But if life consists largely of doing just that, I know it would benefit me to learn how to wait well. Read the rest of this entry »
Happy Columbus Day!
I forgot all about this holiday until I wondered why there was no mail in the mailbox and then a friend e-mailed me to remind me of the holiday. If I remember from school, we used to say, “Back in 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”
New discoveries. New voyages. New places. Read the rest of this entry »
Did you know that God loves you no matter if you are having a good day or a bad day, whether you are sick or well, whether you are a beaming success or a complete failure (in your eyes)?
It’s true!
I had this revelation today as I sat in the comfortable rocking chair in the living room, sipping Throat Coat tea, and crying before the Lord. The fact was, I wasn’t feeling so hot. And when I feel vulnerable like that, I often find myself confessing my wearisome state to the Lord. And I am typically also more prone to listen to what He has to say. Read the rest of this entry »
You know how with a typical word processing program you have the option to “find” the term you are searching for and then “replace” it with a better term? Well, as I was thinking about this very useful computer editing tool, I began considering its parallel to our spiritual lives.
There are key conditions that God wants us to find in our own hearts (He calls those sins) so that we can replace those foul feelings and behaviors with ones that are holy and pleasing to God. Read the rest of this entry »
We have all used the expression T.G.I.F. – “Thank God It’s Friday!” Now, let’s truly put it into practice. Since today is Friday, what are you thankful to God for today?
It’s good to pause a moment and consider the ways God has been working in our lives. It’s so easy to dwell on all those unresolved issues or niggling worries. A thankful heart brings us back to a spirit filled with faith. And that pleases God.
Let’s think about just three things we are grateful to the Lord for. Ready? Jot those down and praise God for them. You can even make your list a prayer.
While you are thinking, here’s my brief list:
- Lord, You got me out of bed today – and I woke up refreshed! Thank You for being ever watchful over me as I sleep and as I go about my day.
- Thanks, God, for opportunities to share my heart and ideas through writing. I thank You for every idea You have given me and the discipline to see it carried to completion. That’s all from You!
- In this season of major transition, Lord, You have been my Provider more than I ever knew that You could be. Thanks so much for Your care and faithfulness as You open the next door in my destiny walk with You.
The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “ in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (NASB).
Let’s do as God’s Word encourages us to do. In fact, let’s make every day T.G.I.T. – “Thank God It’s Today!”
– Laura J. Bagby
