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Years ago when I heard someone say that God spoke to them, I thought, Really? But as I studied the Bible I discovered…Yes, God really does speak! You might be asking like I did, “How in the world do you hear Him?” I found that as you study God’s Word you can sure hear God’s heart in His living and active Word. If you’re in a Bible study you know the blessing of hearing God’s encouragement, guidance, love, and power. If you’re not in a Bible study, you don’t want to miss the blessing of hearing God speak through the pages of the Bible. His Word produces change, saves, gives peace, delivers and makes satan run.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Heb. 4:12

I need to be reminded often of how powerful God is. One sure way is to watch Carl at the potter’s wheel take a lump of clay and shape it into a beautiful vessel. As I watch, I can’t help but think of God’s grace and transforming power. The gradual transformation as the clay is prepared, centered, pulled up and then fired in the kiln helps me see what it may feel like being in the hands of Our Master Potter. When I think of myself being transformed, it sure would be nice if becoming more like Jesus was spontaneous and without the firings. Although it’s interesting that in the firings the clay is transformed into a stronger vessel. I’m encouraged knowing that becoming more like Jesus in a life-long, gracious, transforming process. Will you climb up on God’s potter wheel with me? Let’s experience together His transforming power of remaking, renewing and rejoicing.

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Phil. 4: 19:20

When we feel we can’t go one more step, He supplies the strength to go on.

When the money runs out, He still takes care of us.

When we’re scared, He give us the courage to face our biggest fear.

When weakness sets in and obstacles are big, His power enables us to overcome.

Thank You Jesus.

She is clothed with strength and dignity. Proverbs 31:25

This morning I read a devotional called “The Past is Over.” I was encouraged. I hope in some way you’re encouraged too.

When we turn from our sins and place our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, our past sins are forgiven and forgotten. He can help us not to dwell on the past wrongs some people have done to us. Jesus can take the sting away from past hurts and give us a new future.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:18-19

The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. Hab.3:19

Has there ever been a time when you felt weak but you had to be strong? I’d have to answer, “Yes, many times.” Like when I felt weak but knew I had to be strong when caring for a newborn, dealing with the death of Mother and when my husband had a stroke. Looking back I am amazed how the Lord gave me physical and emotional strength. God is teaching me that weakness can provide an opportunity for God’s divine power to be felt and seen. If you’re feeling weak but you need to be strong, choose to roll your weakness onto God’s strong shoulders. Giving God your weakness ushers in His strength. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor. 12:10

My fraternal twin sister gave me this doubled squash. This picture makes me smile and reminds me of how twins do life together. Before birth we shared life “squashed together” for 9 months. God determined when we would share the same birthday and make our entrance together into the world. My sister was first and I followed 10 minutes later. We are still connected in many ways and our love for each other is forever.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever. Psalm 100:5

On that Saturday before Resurrection Sunday when Jesus’ body was placed in a cold tomb; people must have thought God was silent. Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt like God was silent? Sometimes unanswered prayers can make you feel the silence. Whenever God seems silent, I encourage you to go back and let God speak to you through His living and active Word.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matt. 6:33

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28

“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” Psalm 91:14

God knows your wishes, thoughts, where you live and what you need. Here’s a picture of some special friends that prove to me that God knows what I need. God has blessed me by placing these “sisters in Christ” in my life. We laugh, cry, celebrate life and pray together. Sharing life with friends who walk in the truth of God’s Word and will pray for you, is a blessing you don’t want to miss. God sure knows what we need.

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139:1-2

I don’t think even in my younger years I would have done what my son and grandchildren are doing in this picture. Their facial expressions and body movements clearly states they are overcomers and free! They sure look happy conquering fear and jumping off that cliff. Pain and suffering is real in this world which makes conquering fear a challenge. But Jesus’ pain and suffering and His horrible death proved His unconquerable love for you. If there comes a time when you feel something is too big, too hard or too scary, remember you too are an overcomer and free in Jesus Christ. You are more than a conqueror!

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37,39