You are currently browsing the category archive for the ‘Book of the Bible’ category.
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
I was reading over the comments from yesterday’s Twelfth Hour Answers and something dawned on me. I kept thinking about the word emergency. And suddenly, I saw something. If you creatively break the word down into its parts, you get “emerge and see.”
And that is exactly what happens in the story of Lazarus later in the book of John chapter 11.
We learned yesterday how Jesus weeps with us when we mourn a loss, even when His greater purpose is to bring a miracle of life into our dead circumstances. We see Him do this with Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. And we experience the same thing in our own lives when He suddenly shows up right when we think it’s too late for a dramatic change.
Now, we get to the rest of the story – the part where the emergency turns into the “emerge and see.” Read the rest of this entry »
Ever feel bewildered like Mary and Martha felt when they learned that Jesus didn’t come to heal their brother Lazarus as He had promised? (See John 11:1-32.) Ever felt like in that moment of utter disbelieve, your world just came crashing down? I have. In fact, I felt that way today.
Sitting at my kitchen table with a mountain of problems pushing at my peace of mind, I found myself teary-eyed and very much in the state of Martha. She couldn’t understand why Jesus didn’t show up at her brother’s time of need. At the moment of crisis, Jesus was a no-show. When Jesus did finally make it to the house – four days after Lazarus had died and that was purposeful – Martha was beside herself. I can imagine her being grief-stricken yet too weary to demand anything of the Lord. Simply in need of an explanation, she offered, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (vs. 21, NIV). Read the rest of this entry »
I just now got back from my weekly Beth Moore Bible study with several close-knit girlfriends. We are studying Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman, and this lesson could not have come at a more vital time in my life, what with its emphasis on overcoming in the midst of personal and national crisis.
Tonight, we looked a lot at a particular Scripture passage. It’s the most often quoted verse in the book of Esther, and you can find it in Esther 4:14.
“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?” (Amplified). Read the rest of this entry »
After experiencing chronic foot discomfort every morning for the last couple of months, I decided that my running shoes just might be the culprit.
I shared this information with my athletic friend Jana, and she told me all about this running shoe store where they find just the right shoe to correct any foot problems. She mentioned that it was highly likely I was running in ill-fitting shoes and that with a new, perfectly fitted version, I would be back to normal in no time.
Having the proper gear is important if you want to run without injury. Same goes for being suited properly if you want to run the race of faith without injury to your soul and spirit. Read the rest of this entry »
Taking a mini fall retreat today with a couple of my girlfriends and I am so excited!
It’s good to stop and breathe a little, to get away from the hustle and bustle and just relax in the presence of some God-loving gals and laugh a lot.
I hope that you are also taking time for a thoughtful break during this fall season. Life passes us by too quickly. God wants us to enjoy His beauty and His good gifts with friends who can encourage our walk with the Savior.
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel” (Proverbs 27:9, NIV).
– Laura
