Behold, the Lion. Fear is a crazy thing. And no one is free from the struggle. I know, newsflash, right? But it’s a God-given emotion, meant to drive us back to Him. Whether it’s fear of being unable to find a parking space (anyone?) or fear of facing a cloaked and armed stranger in the dark, fear trips the self-preservation switch inside us somewhere. “Help! Self feels threatened!” A few years ago, about a week before attending a writer’s … Continue reading →
Paul’s Message to Believers about God’s Armor Paul tells Christians that our struggle is not with people, but, “…against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” He also says I need to put on all the armor of God so I can stand firm when the enemy sends his attacks my way. This armor will help me keep from walking in fear and allow me … Continue reading →
Five Steps for Taking Fear out of Conflict Resolution
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13 Does anyone else’s stomach turn just a bit when they hear the word, “Conflict”? I grew up in turmoil. Conflict always escalated and rarely found resolution. Loud hurtful words were often followed by a joke then that conflict got swept under the rug. Conflict wasn’t resolved. It was ignored and, hopefully, forgotten. Water … Continue reading →
Show and Tell: A Devotional
A Grandmother and Granddaughter “We taught the daycare children by example, and you were with me.” Mrs. Gertrude said, tickling her granddaughter, Sharon’s side. “I remember,” Sharon said, “but I’m twelve now!” Mrs. Gertrude smiled as her ‘little Sharon’ donned her best grown up imitation. “Do you remember our career center? You and your friends pretended to be scientists, engineers, beauticians, firefighters, or ballerinas by wearing hats. Then we’d share read-to-me books while we passed the featured hat around.” “It … Continue reading →
Why We’re Afraid to Explore Our Faith
My sweet mama. All my life, she’s been my spiritual mentor. A spiritual giant really. She’s been my Sunday School teacher and my Bible drills instructor. We’ve read a yearly Bible reading plan together. She served as the women’s ministry director at her church the same time I held the same role at mine. Often, when we talk on the phone, we dive into deep theological waters. We love Jesus and his church. She knows all the ways I’ve been … Continue reading →
Expected Visitor: A Devotional of Faith Beyond Fear
Expected Visitor Jenny expected a visitor, so as moonbeams danced through the curtains, she welcomed the day. She sipped cocoa, rocked in her easy chair, and thanked God for His Word. Her Bible was to her the best love-letter ever; each promise masterfully written for her. She thought about the Bible Study she attended two days ago, and how the group asked God to enable them to reach someone trapped in a cult religion. The leader prayed, “Lord Jesus, grant … Continue reading →
When I Run from My Fears
Runners know the inherent dangers of the sport. While we all face the possibility of injury, individual runners also grapple with location-based hazards. I’m a Florida-based runner, which means every so often, I run past signs like this one: As a friend of mine likes to point out, that sign is obviously meant for out-of-towners, because no self-respecting Floridian would willingly swim in that lake. We know while alligators do leave the water to travel, they’re not well-equipped to capture … Continue reading →
