Growing in Grace

Photo Credit Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction. -Psalm 1:1-6 Psalm 1:1-6 paints a picture regarding how our thoughts shape our actions, and then our life and then our destiny. One way to keep our thoughts pure is to have a noble focus to occupy our attention. There is no better motto for life than "I must be about my Father's business." (Luke 2:49) Jesus always moved forward

Photo Credit We must pay careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.  -Hebrews 2:1 Not following the directions in real life can have severe consequences. When dealing with a holy God, you simply can't skip over important details in his directions. If you try to do God's will your own way, you fail God's test because you didn't follow his directions. Is your life one that reflects God's divine instructions from His word? God doesn't give directions to make your life more difficult. He gives directions because He loves you and wants you to succeed in living for Him. -From the Homeschool Mom's Bible ; Devotions by Janet Tatum; February 26; p. 234

My hubby and I went to see the movie Risen . We both thought it was good. My husband liked the "crime scene investigative" part of the beginning of the movie as the Roman centurion, Clavius, seeks to find out what happened to the body of Yeshua. I did find this part enjoyable as well since I like mystery and CSI-type TV shows and movies. But what really drew me in was that Clavius' search was more than just finding Yeshua's body. It was about finding Yeshua the Savior. Mary Magdalene tells Clavius he is searching for the wrong thing. And the more people Clavius speaks with, the more he begins to wonder if indeed he is searching for the right thing. He begins to be drawn to this man they call the Messiah. Clavius' first encounter with Yeshua in the upper room leaves him in awe. He can't help but follow the disciples in search of what it is that draws so many to this man. When Clavius has the chance to speak with Yeshua on-on-one, he doesn't know w

All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. -Proverbs 15:15-17 (NIV) This proverb is all about looking on the bright side even when times are tough. It's been said, "Suffering is inevitable, but misery is optional." "The best things in life aren't things." You can make the best of all circumstances if love is at the center of all you do. "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6, NKJV). Do you believe that? Even if your kids don't have all the material things you would like to give them, do you believe they can still have a great childhood? They can. Invite your kids' friends over for game night with popcorn and brownies. Guaranteed, they will have as much fun as they would on an expensive outing. Teen gir

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:31-32 Some thoughts on these verses: Bitterness develops over time as we nurse our anger and tell ourselves we have a good cause to be angry. Rage means "to boil". It is outbursts of anger. Anger is a held attitude with the purpose of revenge. Brawling/Clamor is loud angry words. Slander is speaking evil about someone to someone else who has no need to hear it. Malice is wickedness or ill will towards another person. Face up to your bitterness and anger as sin and confess it to God, asking His forgiveness. Accept responsibility for your sin rather than blame others. Replace bitterness and anger with kindness, compassion and forgiveness. We are new creatures in Christ and have been taught a new way of life. We are to put off the old man and put on the new