"For the Bread of God is He who comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world” (John 6:33, Amp). Who doesn't enjoy a slice of fresh, homemade bread with a slather of butter on top? The aroma is divine, and it's fresh, soft texture oozing with butter tantalizes the tastebuds. The enjoyment lasts only a brief moment, but can leave you with the desire for more. Just this week my daughter baked some fresh honey wheat bread from scratch and brought me a loaf. I was so exci

"He wondered at their unbelief" (Mark 6:6). Have you ever wondered if your faith or lack of faith astonishes or amazes Christ? What a great question to ponder as we approach yet another new year. In Matthew 8:5-13 , in the story of the centurion coming to Jesus for help, we see that Jesus was amazed at the man's great faith. After reading this account of this man's encounter with Jesus, I can't help but wonder...when I, myself, go to Jesus with a need or prayer concern, is He

"Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4, Amp). Here we are at the holiday season once again! There is the bustling of shopping, meal prepping, nostalgia, fun, gifts, service projects, wrapping, decorating,... and the list goes on. We get caught up in the traditions we have created with our families and friends.. But do we stop to really realize and reflect about why Christmas is so special? Who put the "Christ" in

" Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]" (Col. 3:2, Amp). Have you ever been held hostage by negative thoughts: expecting the worst, noticing only the worst in people or situations; having a general mistrust of others or their motives; allowing your feelings or emotions to define reality; or negative self-talk that may cause you to believe that you can't do an

" You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul (life), and with all your mind (thought, understanding), and with all your strength.   This is the second: ‘You shall [unselfishly] love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31, Amp). Well it is the Hallmark season of movies that always seem to have the same story line of romance and true love with a happy ever-after ending. So, what exactly is

“If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments" (John 14:15, Amp). Let's look at what true obedience looks like together. There are five points that show us what obedience looks like: A change of heart: a change on the inside out that stems from love and respect, not a fear of punishment or a desire for a reward. Trust and Faith: deeply trusting what we cannot see. Submission of the Will: surrendering our own will and plans to those of God's. Action: abidin

"O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His compassion and lovingkindness endure forever" (Ps. 107:1, Amp). As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we tend to reflect about what we are thankful for; Some even count their many blessings and share them with others. But what holds us back on being truly thankful each and every day? Could we possibly develop an 'attitude of gratitude' by thanking our heavenly Father on a daily basis for all He has done for us? As true c

" So then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of [our great] God" (1 Cor. 10:31, Amp). As I was listening to praise and worship music on an internet radio provider, I was annoyed by a certain commercial that kept interrupting over and over. It was an advertisement for consumers for "free" phones for the upcoming holidays. It was urging people to get newer, bigger, and better phones. It was featuring a particular phone that had an amazing camera o

"Therefore will I give thanks and praise You, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to Your name" (Ps.18:49, Amp). It seems like these day in our world, there is a special day for everything under the sun. There is quite an extensive list: Boss's Day, Secretaries Day, Nurses Day, Son or Daughter Day, Volunteer Day, Pie Day, and the list goes on. There is literally a day for something or someone to be recognized or celebrated every single calendar day. Even as I write t

"This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Ps. 118:24, RSV). This is the day, today is the day to experience an undeniable feeling to begin something new. This is the day to go with God in what He is guiding you to do, or where He is guiding you to go. This is the day to allow an ending to a negative habit or starting a positive one to grow within you. This is the day to invite the power of God, through the Holy Spirit, to move into your thou

"There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth" (Eccl. 3:1,The Message). We question time quite frequently on a regular basis throughout each day. We check our watches or our phones see what the time is. How much time do we need to get from point A to point B in our lives? We all have the same twenty-four hours, but what do we actually spend our time doing? Are we: working, conducting business, doing chores, running errands, scheduling or fu

The Word perspective is defined as a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. We all seem to have differing perspectives about various things. What do you really think about your life? Is your life in Christ? Have you ever taken the time to consider God's perspective? It is clearly presented in His word. Let's explore: First, He wants you to know the difference between right and wrong. He sets out His commandments and His will for your relat

" In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence" (Eph.3:12, NIV). No matter what...How bold is your...

" No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15, NKJV). I have a very dear friend that I have had since grade school. When she messages me, she always addresses me as her VBFF (very best friend forever). We are still BFF's (best friends forever) to this day! This got me to thinking about MVBFF (my very best friend forever),

" So that you will not be [spiritually] sluggish, but [will instead be] imitators of those who through faith [lean on God with absolute...

" Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment" ...

"Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the...

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by...

“I will follow You wherever You go” (Luke 9:57). "Let me know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths" (Ps.25:4). Today, according to...

" I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am...