Tag: faith

Ready to choose your Word?? Start with Prayer.

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Have you ever thought of having a Word for the year?  I started doing this in 2019.  I was asked to choose a word for the year and then a Bible verse or verses to support me in that focus.  I prayed and asked God to give me a word to focus upon for 2019. He gave me the word Trust.  Right then I was going through some things that required that I Trust in Him more than ever and not the world, things or people around me.  The verses I chose were Psalm 37:5, “Commit your way to the Lord;  trust in him and he will do this” and Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good,  a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

In 2020, God gave me the word Hope. I did not know a pandemic was coming but God did and it was the perfect word. In 2021 I found myself bogged down by the pandemic, life’s complexities with schooling my grandkids, working on Zoom and continued isolation. I felt I lacked something and the word God gave me was Joy. In 2022, God impressed upon me that I needed to seek Him and focus on Faith. In 2023, my word was Obedience. That word was wonderful and I saw spiritual growth in so many ways. In 2024, my word was Commit. As I recently reflected, God showed His faithfulness in different aspects of my life as I committed to serve Him. In 2025, I was moaning a lot over again and the aches and pains that were creeping into my life and clouding my perspective. God gave me the word Thankful. It only took about 3 months of keeping a thankfulness journal to turn my thinking around and lift my countenance.

So what about 2026? Actually, the word God has impressed upon me is diligent. I started praying and thinking about my word in mid-December and God impressed the word upon my heart. I fought it for several weeks- in denial that this was my word but came to realize it was my word for 2026 for sure. In the next few days, I will pray about 8-10 words related to diligent that will help to hone and sharpen my focus. They can be words that help you to see that aspect of your life more clearly or how it can be used in relationship to others.

Pray about your 1 Word. Ask God to give you direction and focus that can carry and motivate you throughout the year. If you have it, send me a response, I’d love to see it. I’ll blog more about the related words in a few days.

Linda

(After I got started with this, I discovered there is actually a book called One Word that will change your life. It is written by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton and Jimmy Page. It is a short book that explains how they arrived at this discovery and how God has used it in their lives both personally and corporately. I got mine on Amazon.)

Happy New Year, Can you Believe it is 2026?

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New Year, new beginnings, new goals, new diet??? What I have to look forward to and think about is my word for the year. I have done this several years running and have found it better than a goal. Goals you either do well or fail, with a word you have a driving force to look to each and every day.

Last year my word was Thankful. I started the year keeping a thankfulness journal until I realized I did not need it anymore as my focus was turned outward instead of inward each day. I continued with various things to keep me focused on thankfulness as the year progressed. I always end the year by writing a Christmas letter and letting people know how the word impacted my life for that year. It is amazing to me how God helps me choose just the right word and scriptures to make the word meaningful and productive in my life.

So how does the process of choosing a word begin? First, pray about what God wants your focus to be in the New Year. Ask Him for a word of direction to guide you. God is faithful and will provide. Don’t expect it to be instantaneous. Usually He impresses upon me the word He has for me over a series of day and events. Next, ask God to show you scriptures to claim during the year for that word. Search the scriptures and God will show you how you can define and refine this word. Then define the word yourself by choosing 8-10 words that remind you of your word or show your word in action.

That’s enough for now- pray and talk with God about your focus for 2026! I will leave you with my favorite New Year verse that I claim- Lamentation 3:21-23 “But this I call to mind,
    and therefore I have hope: 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end;23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Have a blessed New Year and depend upon His faithfulness!!

Linda

Jesus, Long awaited Savior, Arrives

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As you have gone through this Christmas season and relived the vibrant story of Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, the shepherds, the angels and even wicked King Herod, I pray you have seen the hand and character of God in all aspects of this story. This is the story of God’s Son’s arrival on earth and was totally orchestrated by God since the fall of man.

The attribute I have chosen for this Christmas Day is glorious. The glory of God is the total of all His attributes. God’s glory is displayed in the beauty and wisdom of His creation. Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Throughout history , God has revealed His glory to His people through His power, mercy, grace, judgement, holiness, love and every other attributes. In the Old Testament we saw God’s glory in the cloud, known as the Shekinah glory, and He guided His people in the wilderness and filled the tabernacle and later the temple. In the New Testament, God’s glory is revealed in His Son Jesus Christ who reveals God’s glory completely.

Hebrews 1:2-4 describes Jesus the Son, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” Faith in the Son is essential as we are reminded in Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

So what is this faith? Hebrews 11:1 describes faith this way, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” It is intangible and yet we know we have is as the Holy Spirit confirms with our spirit that we belong to Him. Romans 8:16, “ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,” We also know this thing called faith is essential, Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

Make this the best Christmas ever by putting your faith in Jesus, the Son of God. He loves you and is waiting for you to come to Him.

Merry Christmas!! To God be the Glory, All things He has done!

Linda

Mary Praises Continue

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Mary’s Song of praise continues in Luke 1:46-49 as she looks to God in praise speaking of God’s care for Israel. Mary recognizes the power of God and His Sovereign nature.

Luke 1:46-49 “And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Only a sovereign God could show His strength and power from generation to generation. He has moved kings and kingdoms, given good things, been merciful to his people and interacted personally with Abraham. Being Sovereign means God controls all things. There is nothing outside of God’s wise control, even to the timing for each individual. What God plans happens. When God allows evil, we can trust He has planned to use it for His people’s good and His glory. God had perfect timing for His Son to come the first time and knows the perfect time for His return. All God has planned will come to pass as He alone has the power to make it happen. His will cannot be thwarted.

Mary knew this about God. She has seen His strength and power in Isabel’s history. She would have known about Moses, the escape from Egypt after the 10 plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the walls of Jericho falling down to the trumpet of God, their first king Saul and his hatred for beloved king David, their constant idol worship which led them into captivity for 70 years and the return as God promised. Mary had heard these stories read in the temple and knew the power of Almighty God to move in history. She knew God to be merciful and caring. She knew He was sovereign over all things.

What do you know about God? Can you talk about God’s character and how you have seen Him in your life? Mary knew first hand that God was real and she marveled that God had chosen her. I too marvel at how God uses individuals to accomplish His work. Each of us is important to God and can be a part of His work. Paul spoke of the importance of each believer in Romans 12:4-6a “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us,” In Christ we are all part of Him and have a purpose for His work and for supporting other believers. We are all gifted by God to help lift up, encourage and build up one another. Who do you need to encourage today? Can you send an email, a card or call with a word to show you care? Be open to God, like Mary, and look expectantly for ways God will use you to show the love of Jesus to the world.

Linda

God Knows Mary and He Knows Me too!

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I love the story of the angel’s encounter with Mary. Can you imagine as young girl of about 16 coming face to face with a heavenly being and that you have conversation with him? She is such a young woman of composure that even in her fear, she is able to speak coherently. Being tongue tied would not have been out of the question for me at that age. Listen carefully to Gabriel as he shows compassion and understanding towards this young woman.

Luke 1:26-38 “ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

The attribute I have chosen for this scripture is Personal. God sends Gabriel to meet Mary and he calls her by name. She is known to the God and specially chosen for this holy mission. We know that God knows us but really that is hard to take in and understand. The God of the universe knows me? Jesus confirmed this fact in John 10:14-15 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” and John 10:27-28 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Jesus says those who believe in Him are known to Him and to the Father. We will respond to His voice and follow Him. No one can take us away from Jesus! I know this makes me feel loved, affirmed and special in God’s eyes. I can imagine Gabriel calling Mary by name and speaking personally to her made her feel loved, cared for, recognized and humble.

She does ask Gabriel questions about how this is possible as she in not married and has not known a man. Her questions are not like Zechariah’s as she is not asking in a disbelieving manner but with sense of wonder at the possibility. Being a good Jewish girl, she would have know about the prophecies of a Messiah to come. She would have understood who Gabriel was talking about and knew she was a descendant in David’s lineage. I’m sure she was amazed to hear that her cousin Elizabeth was having a child when she was known to be barren. Taking all of this in, Mary ends the passage saying she is and will be a willing and a servant of God.

What about you? Does knowing Jesus knows you, cares and loves you make a difference in your life? Mary was willing to step out in faith and trust God with her life and her future to serve Him. Does that describe you? If not fully, make it a matter of prayer and know God is personal and you make a difference to Him. I love 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” He wants everyone to come to faith in Jesus and belong to His family. Who can you tell about Jesus, a personal God who loves you?

Linda

Zechariah Learns a Lesson

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Today’s portion of scripture is taken from Luke 1:8-20. We see Zechariah in the temple doing his priestly duties and is interrupted by the angel Gabriel who has a message from God. God knew it was Zechariah’s time to serve and He wanted him for a specific mission.

“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was” serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” 19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

The attribute I have chosen for this passage is Perfect. God is Perfect in all He does and says. In this story we see God’s perfect timing. He sent the angel Gabriel at the specific time in Israel’s history to bring good news of this son that Zechariah and Elizabeth would miraculously have, even though they were older, to be the forerunner of Jesus. Zechariah’s son would be filled with the Holy Spirit before his birth and live a righteous life leading many to repent and turn to God. Zechariah and Elizabeth were the perfect parents to train and teach their young son about God and His Word.

I am always amused when I read about Zechariah’s boldness in questioning the word of the heavenly being Gabriel. His unbelief moved him to ask, how can I know this to be true? It is not surprising that Gabriel was offended at Zechariah questioning his integrity and his message from God. The punishment was also perfect. It was severe but not harmful to Zechariah’s person but to his pride. It also allowed others to see that he had indeed had an encounter with a God. Gabriel made the punishment time limited so that he would again have the message confirmed when it came to pass and know the power of God. God is perfect in his ways and they are not our ways as we are reminded in Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God always has the perfect solution and His timing is flawless.

This coming John would be the forerunner, proclaiming the glory of God to come. Later when both men are grown, John has the privilege of baptizing Jesus and proclaiming Jesus’ purpose in the world. John 1:29 “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

I can rely upon God’s perfection in all His ways, plans and timing. I may not see or know the plan, but I can trust the planner. I don’t’ need to question the truthfulness of God’s Word as I know it is flawless and true in its perfection. Lean into God and trust His Word in a new way today.

Linda

Here Comes Advent… 1st Sunday of Advent 2025

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I am just like a little kid and have great anticipation when we enter the advent season. I love the lights, trees, decorations, gift giving, etc. but most of all I love the meaning for this season. Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins and reconcile us to God. He gave us a way to be right with Holy God and have a way to live with purpose that glorifies Him. This first Sunday of Advent we light the Hope candle. It speaks of this promised hope the Jews knew was coming in Messiah, Savior. They were looking forward to His coming and we are looking back as we know He has come.

Each day during the Advent Season, I will be blogging about scriptures that tell the Christmas Story. Each scripture tells us something about God and reflects His character. We can see God had a hand in the entire story and He is alive in each detail. As you read the scripture, ponder what attributes you see revealed. I have done so also and will be highlighting an attribute I saw. There is no right answer here as God’s character is vast and varied and He may show you a different aspect of who He is- that is good!

In the lighting of the Advent candle of Hope, I saw God’s patience and long-suffering towards mankind. The Jews were patiently waiting for God to appear. We know He has arrived when He sent His son Jesus. Jesus fulfills our greatest hope for mankind and the future we will have with Him. God patiently waits for as many as possible to turn to Him. While we wait, we are to tell others about Jesus so they too can partake in the Hope he provides. I claim 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” I claim this truth about God as I know God wants all to come to know Him.

As we enter this Advent Season, who do you know that needs Jesus? Perhaps this is the time to drop a well placed word, a card, or an act of kindness their way. God is patiently waiting for them to come to know Him. Be bold for Jesus as He is the reason for this season!

Linda

God Controls Peace- Rest in Him

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Today’s verse about the Lord finding delight in man gives me hope in the character of man. Proverbs 16:7

“When a man’s ways please the Lord,
    he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

When I first read this I focused on the peace that comes from pleasing God. Then I realized that when God is pleased with my behavior, He can and does make even my enemies be at peace with me. This is about God and His knowing my behavior and making others around me to cause peace to happen with me. Does this come as a surprise to you that God can cause others to be peaceful? Jesus told us in John 14:27 “ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” His peace is not regular peace, but peace that will allow us to live for him and be unafraid! We have a lot of evidence that God can and does cause things to happen. He brought the world into being, he created man and woman, he caused there to be a way to reconcile us to Him and so much more. God is a mover and a shaker and His will cannot be thwarted. Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Since we know this about God, why not focus on what God wants us to do and leave the world, its problems of unpeaceful-Ness to Him. In Titus we find and admonition for good behavior because we know Christ and want to please Him as we wait for His return. Titus 2:11-13 “ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” Because we have Christ within us, we are empowered to live for Him.

Let the turmoil of this world be left to the world and focus on living an upright, spirit-filled life for Jesus. God promises that He will cause our enemies to be at peace with us. Trust Him for the future as He knows how it will end and He wins!

Linda

Whom are you Reflecting in your Character?

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I have had an inordinately busy week. I wonder if others see me as frantic, calm, focused or scattered? How do I want them to perceive me? This is a question for reflection as we consider- How do others perceive you, your actions and your character? Everyone likes to be looked upon favorably. I would suggest that what we need to be more concerned about is how God perceives us, our deeds and character. In 1 Kings 10:6-9 records the words of the visiting Queen of Sheba as she meets King Solomon. “And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, 7 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. 8 Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.” 

She extols Solomon’s wisdom, prosperity and his ruling with justice and righteousness. In verse 9, she says this must be because God delights in him. She was right as All of the attributes Solomon exhibited were given by God. Solomon had asked God for wisdom so he could rule the nation of God’s people with justice. 1 Kings 3: 9-13. “ Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” 10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.” 

This example from scripture forces us to examine our own lives and ask what attributes has God given me that I might serve him. When we accept Jesus as Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. Besides the gifts of faith and eternal life, God enhances our character and begins to make us more and more like Jesus. Galatians 5:22-23 lists some of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” What attributes are you seeing in your own life? How have they changed over time? It pleases God when we use our godly attributes to engage with our world. Just like Solomon, others see how we are blessed by God as we seek to reflect His character in our lives.

Linda

God Delight Ends with Blessing

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When we obey God, He delights in us. Joshua reminded rebellious Israel that the land God was bringing them to was because of his delight in them. Number 4:8 “ If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey.” If they would just persist in following God and trusting in Him, they would receive what He had promised. Likewise in Deuteronomy 30:9 Moses reiterates this, “The Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers,” God wants to bless us with His best, but what is the cost? 1 Samuel 15:22 nails the answer, “Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—    empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing,  not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what God tells you.” The Message translation makes it clear that God wants obedience over any show of allegiance or pretense. The ESV and NIV use the word delight in this verse, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,  as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”

What delights the Lord God enough that He would shower them and us with blessings? God desires obedience. Those that follow Him will be blessed. God made this promise to Abraham when He called him to follow him in Genesis 12:2-3 “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Abraham obeyed God and went where God directed. The promise was that all of the earth- all of us would be blessed through him. We see this fulfilled in Christ. Galatians 3:14 “so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,” We see through Abraham that obedience lead to blessings in his life and then into ours. Christ is the ultimate blessing and through Him we can be a blessing to others as we walk in obedience.

Through today’s scriptures we see that obedience (listening and doing what God desires) brings blessing and blessings are a way God shows His delight in us. How are you doing with your obedience to Him? Do you search the scriptures for the way He desires that you live? Do you pray and ask the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your daily life? Proverbs 10:22 says “The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” You will know when you are blessed by God as His blessings make us rich- body, soul and mind and there is no sorrow or regret with the blessing.

Linda