All actions and words begin in our brain. So, if our mind loves the Lord our God it seems that our thoughts and actions will have a great starting point. In Jeremiah 31:33 the Lord declares, "I will put Mylaw in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people."
His Word has numerous scriptures regarding our eyes. It repeatedly tells us our eyes should be focused first and foremost on HIM.
I could not believe it. That verse went perfectly with jump ropes. The kids could all decorate a cut-out of themselves and I could place them on the jump ropes on the board along with that verse.
Human hearts, like natural rivers, tend to wander and become set in destructive paths. We formulate our own plans, pursue control of circumstances, and God sometimes allows us to go our own way. Other times He redirects the wellsprings of human hearts, specifically those in authority, for the good of His people.
As I looked in the mirror it hit me that hair or no hair, I was still God’s beautiful creation. I am more than just my hair. I am an heir to the Kingdom. God will be faithful to me regardless. I bought the wig. It sits on a chair in my bedroom. It is a reminder of God’s love for me and that I am not defined by my hair. He wants me to feel good about myself. As my hair in my brush accumulates, the wig is becoming more of a reality. But I know that God is with me every step of the way holding my hand. Hair or no hair, He loves us!
“Your first treatment is the hardest and longest. No need to apologize for crying,” the nurse said. I prayed, Jesus where are you? I know medically there’s no cure, but you can do all things-I need to know You are here.” I clutched mom’s cross necklace that I have worn every day since she passed. Jesus, I need You and I wish my parents were here.
Facing some dark days in my own life, I felt that God was speaking to me through that verse. Life can be like Holy Week yearlong-we must go through some dark Fridays and silent Saturdays to get to the beauty of a Sunday’s sunrise. But throughout it all, we can sing praises to Him.
Facing a dark season in my life made me think of those bugs. Even though they were trapped, they continued to let their light shine. They didn’t panic because they were still getting air from the holes in the lid of the jar.
When you're faced with a decision, what guides your response? Do you act based on emotion in the moment, or do you pause, pray, and thoughtfully consider your options? And when you sin—what’s your first reaction? Do you blame, ignore, make excuses, or repent?
That’s exactly what Jesus calls us to do. This is our assignment as His followers: to join Him in bringing healing and restoration to a world fractured by sin. When sin entered the garden, our perfect relationship with God was broken. But God sent Jesus to repair that relationship, and now we are called to reflect His image, to share the story of salvation, and to bring hope to the lost and hurting.
Sometimes, He calls us to a role for just a season. Other times, the assignment lasts for years, even a lifetime. When I was actively serving and encouraging women in vocational ministry—walking alongside women’s leaders while living life, parenting, church, and community—I came to realize that discipling and leading women wasn’t just something I did. It was a deep calling. And it still is.
The Bible warns us we have a spiritual enemy lurking too. And like the snakeskin, we can see warnings. Those might include conviction, a scripture that stands out, or a friend’s concern.
Are you spending time in God’s presence through prayer and worship? Are you being nourished through fellowship with other believers? How are you multiplying God’s kingdom by discipling others?
Faith works like tendrils, connecting us to Jesus, our trellis. When God draws us to Christ, faith coils around Him like a tendril finding its support. Connected to Jesus, we naturally produce fruit of the Spirit like love, joy, and patience.
Jeremiah 17:9 warns us that our hearts are deceitful. We can rationalize our hidden sin. We can overlook our blind spots. We can deceive ourselves into thinking we don’t need a Savior.
So much joy occurs in watching your baby take the first step! It is so exciting! Picture grandparents crowding around with the camera ready. Mommy, behind the baby, holding her up. Daddy, with outstretched arms, inviting his baby to walk toward him, encouraging her to take that first step… and each one after that!
