I have a black Labrador Retriever who is now thirteen and I have learned that this age brings with it the groans. He never groaned before; however, this new season of life has me wondering what all the groans mean so that I can address it accordingly. Now the Bible talks about groans too. In … Continue reading Inwardly Groan
Tag: Grace
Spirit of Religious Duty
It is so easy to accept that you are never good enough. The world will tell you this constantly — so much so that it seems as if it is being played to you on loop. Even when you feel you may be in a safe place, a place where people won’t make you feel … Continue reading Spirit of Religious Duty
Permanent Access
Today’s verse is a great reminder for us all. Romans 5:2 says, “Our faith guarantees us permanent access into this marvelous kindness that has given us a perfect relationship with God. What incredible joy bursts forth within us as we keep on celebrating our hope of experiencing God’s glory! (TPT). Grace. How amazing?!? We have … Continue reading Permanent Access
No Matter Who
There is a lot of hate in the world. It didn’t start recently, but it certainly feels like people have more hatred today than they did twenty years ago. The Bible is clear about hatred. Hatred starts conflicts (Proverbs 10:12). You cannot say “I love God” and hate your brother (1 John 4:20). In fact, … Continue reading No Matter Who
The Merit of Observing
Many of us learn from our parents, our teachers, and society in general that if you do good things, you earn good things. This is somewhat true. I know that I have earned good grades for doing homework. I know I have a decent driving record for following the rules. I have had many opportunities … Continue reading The Merit of Observing
Flawless, Faithful, and Fair
Psalm 111:7 says, “All God accomplishes is flawless, faithful, and fair, and His every word proves trustworthy and true” (TPT). The CSB translates it this way: “The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His instructions are trustworthy.” In the world, we encounter a lot of people who let us down, who lie, … Continue reading Flawless, Faithful, and Fair
Honorably in Everything
Hebrews 13:18 says, “Pray for us, for we are convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves honorably in everything” (CSB). Today’s verse speaks of a desire to live honorably in everything. This means wanting to do what is right and good. We should all want to do what is right and … Continue reading Honorably in Everything
Established by Grace
What a warning we find in today’s verse. We read in Hebrews 13:9: “Don't be led astray by various kinds of strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be established by grace and not by food regulations, since those who observe them have not benefited (CSB). The writer of Hebrews is speaking … Continue reading Established by Grace
Hold It All Together
There was a time in life when I was a perfectionist. As I got older, I began giving myself more grace. I realized that I was lacking in many areas and my need to do something perfect went hand-in-hand with my desire for control. In controlling situations with a firm hand, I was able to … Continue reading Hold It All Together
Before You
Most people do not like to go first. I remember in high school, it was occasionally a good thing to volunteer to go first so you could get a little extra grace from your teacher when it comes to grading. Usually most people would hide in fear. Uncertain territory is not fun, at least not … Continue reading Before You