-
When You Don’t Think Your Prayer Is Effective
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.—James 5:17-18 (NIV) Housecleaning is my secret super power. Not because… -
When You Need The Simple Wisdom Of Prudence
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.—Proverbs 12:16 (NIV) Her words pierced my heart. For days I’d been happily planning for her annual visit—down to the last perfect detail. But she had other ideas, and some of them didn’t include me. Her agenda did more than crush my expectations, it… -
Learning How to Trust the Promptings of The Holy Spirit
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth—John 16:13 (NIV) “You’ll like this better,” he insisted as he brushed away my concerns, “you’ll see.” The nail technician then proceeded to apply the product—which I don’t like—to my nails. This was now the third time he had confidently… -
The Surprising Way Jesus Responds To Our Needs
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”— Mark 5:34 (NIV) I didn’t know how to respond. My friend had kindly offered to prepare a meal for us to share. But recent health issues have caused me to follow a special diet. Not wanting… -
How To Experience God’s Power Through The Holy Spirit
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.—2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) “This one’s not working,” my four-year-old friend pointed to a bulb placed on the edge of her Lite-Brite Toy. “It’s working,” I reassured her. As I moved the bulb to the center, we watched… -
Learning How To Not Quench The Holy Spirit
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.—1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (NIV) Confused, I stared at the pretty arrangement of white flowers circling one single pink rose. For weeks I had prayed, “Lord, if he’s the one, have… -
Superior Gifts Are Found At God’s Throne Of Grace
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.—Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) My barely-awake eyes finally focused on the number on the scale. The realization hit hard. Despite all of my efforts, the scale had barely moved from… -
The Simple Way The Holy Spirit Creates Joy
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.—1 Thessalonians 1:6 (NIV) Recently a friend shared with me that she resists being real with others. Whenever she feels discouraged, frustrated, or hurt, she shrugs it off… -
Learning To Love The Power Of Surrender
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”—2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV) Hot tears of frustration rolled down my cheeks as I poured my heart out to the Lord. For weeks I prayed to achieve a personal goal. I adopted a plan, followed it perfectly,…
