Category: November2025

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Bravery & Boldness

Bravery: displaying courage, especially when facing danger or adversity. A brave person might face challenges head-on, despite feelings of fear.

Boldness: a daring spirit or the willingness to take risks. A bold individual doesn’t just face challenges but does so audaciously.

When we trust the Lord He will give us both bravery and boldness.

Think of David facing Goliath. Courage in the face of danger and the willingness to take the risk.

“ David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me using sword, spear, and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him. 46 Today the Lord will let me defeat you. I will kill you. I will cut off your head and feed your body to the birds and wild animals. And we will do the same thing to all the other Philistines too. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel. 47 All the people gathered here will know that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the Lord, and he will help us defeat all of you.” I Samuel 17:45-47 ERV

Bravery and Boldness has always been at the forefront of the life of those who followed God. Hundreds of years later, the Christians were facing persecution. They were imprisoned, beaten, and even killed.

“They were upset because of what Peter and John were teaching the people. By telling people about Jesus, the apostles were teaching that people will rise from death. 3 The Jewish leaders arrested Peter and John and put them in jail. It was already night, so they kept them in jail until the next day.,, 24 When the believers heard this, they all prayed to God with one purpose. They said… 28 These people who came together against Jesus made your plan happen. It was done because of your power and your will. 29 And now, Lord, listen to what they are saying. They are trying to make us afraid. We are your servants. Help us to say what you want us to say without fear. 30 Help us to be brave by showing us your power. Make sick people well. Cause miraculous signs and wonders to happen by the authority of Jesus, your holy servant.”

31 After the believers prayed, the place where they were meeting shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak God’s message without fear.” Acts 4 ERV

We may not experience arrest and beatings because we speak out for Jesus, but we may. We may lose friendships, business relationships and standing in social circles. It’s time for bravery and boldness.

The Apostle Paul penned these words: “I am not ashamed of the Good News. It is the power of God. It is the way He saves men from the punishment of their sins if they put their trust in Him. It is for the Jew first and for all other people also.” Romans 1:16 NLV

Be grateful that the Lord has called us to be brave and bold. It means that He is investing His power to change lives through us.

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Prepare Your Heart

Thanksgiving is coming soon and there is so much preparation still to be done.

I’m one of those who try to image myself being in the moment; I try to see what it must have been like to be with Noah on the ark, standing on the bank of the Red Sea when it parted, being with the shepherds when the angels announced Jesus birth, standing at the foot of the cross during the crucifixion.

I have also imagined what it must have been like at that first Thanksgiving.

These people had faced devastating trials during the first year in the new world. Peril by crossing the sea that cost so many lives, disease, malnutrition, harsh weather conditions, lack of knowledge of their surroundings and perils from the inhabitants of this land. They gave all they had to make this new world their home – some lost their spouses and children to death, heartbroken they had to continue to press on or die themselves. They had to build shelters and plant gardens. Their survival that first year was truly a time to give thanks! It was an expression of their very lives to stop and thank Him for His provision and protection one year later.

“Father, you so graciously brought those pilgrims through a year of hardship and struggle in this new land. They came with a desire to worship freely and seeking to build a land where men were equal. They willingly faced the perils of sea and land; weather and wild but they persevered with Your help and the help of their new found allies. Our hearts are grateful that because of their sacrifice we are able to call this land home.

We are also grateful that because of the sacrifice of Jesus we can call heaven home and spend eternity in Your presence. We are dependent on You and Your direction for our lives. As those early settlers that came to Plymouth Rock. We come to our Rock, the solid rock, Christ Jesus and in Him we find life.

Our desire is to let the light of Jesus shine from us so brightly that the world may see Your great love. This is our prayer to You, in Jesus name.”

The Apostle Paul desired that the light of the gospel shine through him and through us.

“We are not preaching about ourselves. Our message is that Jesus Christ is Lord. He also sent us to be your servants. 6 The Scriptures say, ‘God commanded light to shine in the dark.’ Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ. 7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. 8 We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. 9 In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again. 10-11 We face death every day because of Jesus. Our bodies show what his death was like, so that his life can also be seen in us. 12 This means that death is working in us, but life is working in you.” II Corinthians 4:5-12 CEV

Paul experienced the death of his daily needs and desires – comfort, security, safety, freedom; so that he could bring the message of new life in Christ to the world. As we finish our preparations for time with family and friends, let’s remember to do the same.

When we’re tired, hungry, inconvenienced by long lines and irritable people, let’s let the light of Jesus shine through us to bring the power of God to others. In us, the light of God is wanting to shine for all the world to see!

Embraced the season with A Prepared Heart!

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Opportunity for Praise

Dave and I are getting ready to head out for a ride in the desert this morning. After the rains late in September the desert is green and lush.

My opportunity for praise comes from the fact that I won’t be riding a camel or crossing the Sahara. I praise the Lord for our comfy Jeep, dirt roads and the cool morning air.

Does that seem silly to you? To praise God for those insignificant things? Praise is the expression of appreciation, and I appreciate all the Lord has made and done, large and small. But mostly I praise Him for His love that endures forever.

Praising God for his goodness and love!

The sun came up, the birds are singing and God is still on the throne. I will praise Him for all eternity!

“Praise the Lord because he is good. His faithful love will last forever. 2 Praise the God of gods! His faithful love will last forever. 3 Praise the Lord of lords! His faithful love will last forever. 4 Praise him who alone does wonderful miracles! His faithful love will last forever.5 Praise the one who used wisdom to make the skies! His faithful love will last forever.

6 He spread the land over the sea. His faithful love will last forever. 7 He made the great lights. His faithful love will last forever. 8 He made the sun to rule the day. His faithful love will last forever. 9 He made the moon and stars to rule the night. His faithful love will last forever…

23 He remembered us when we were defeated. His faithful love will last forever. 24 He saved us from our enemies. His faithful love will last forever. 25 He provides food for all living things. His faithful love will last forever. 26 Praise the God of heaven! His faithful love will last forever.” Psalm 136 ERV

Be grateful! Each and every day is proof that God’s faithful love endures forever!!

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Words of Kindness

While Dave and I were in Greece several years back, we visited the island of Crete. One of the things I wanted to see most while we were there was the Church of Titus. Titus had traveled with Paul on one of the missionary journeys but instead of completing the trip with Paul, Titus stayed in Crete.

Paul left him there to evangelize the island.

We found the Church, it wasn’t one of the most elaborative we had seen in Greece but there was a sense of peace. It was a place of worship for the members of the community and those of us who were temporary travelers.

This morning, I was reading in the book of Titus. Paul was writing Titus from prison and giving him instruction for the new believers on Crete. Listen to these kind words of an aged apostle to his younger protege and to new followers of Christ.

“ Remind your people that they should always be under the authority of rulers and government leaders. They should obey these leaders and be ready to do good. 2 Tell them not to speak evil of anyone but to live in peace with others. They should be gentle and polite to everyone.

3 In the past we were foolish too. We did not obey, we were wrong, and we were slaves to the many things our bodies wanted and enjoyed. We lived doing evil and being jealous. People hated us and we hated each other. 4 But then the kindness and love of God our Savior was made known. 5 He saved us because of his mercy, not because of any good things we did. He saved us through the washing that made us new people. He saved us by making us new through the Holy Spirit. 6 God poured out to us that Holy Spirit fully through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 We were made right with God by his grace. God saved us so that we could be his children and look forward to receiving life that never ends. 8 This is a true statement.

And I want you to be sure that the people understand these things. Then those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing good. These things are good and will help everyone.” Titus 3:1-8 ERV

“I want you to be sure that the people understand these things. He saved us, He saved us, He saved us”!

These words came from a heart filled with kindness for the people of Crete and they are also for us.

Be ready to do good. Be gentle and polite. Live in peace because we used to be foolish too, but God made us right with Him by His grace. We are to use our lives for doing good.

Some of the kindest words I ever heard were these:

“But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:8 ERV

With our words of kindness, we show God’s love to the world. I’m grateful for His love!

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Keep Us From Falling

This morning, I woke up thinking about mountain goats. Strange right?

I’ve seen them on our trips through Glacier National Park and other places in Montana. They are majestic animals and their ability to scale the mountainside is unparalleled.

How do they keep from falling?

It’s a question we should ask ourselves from a spiritual point of view. Falling for deception, falling into complacency. Falling into routine. Falling away from our First Love.

“ God is strong and can keep you from falling. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and give you great joy. 25 He is the only God, the one who saves us. To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen.” Jude 1:24-25 ERV

God created each of us with a free will. We are free to choose whether we follow Christ or not. No one will be in heaven who was forced to be there against their will. But we must all yield our will to the Father so that we honor Him and live the best life that He has planned for us.

“ Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.” Romans 12:2 ERV

If we let Him, God will change our desires and our way of thinking to conform to what He knows is right and true.

“ Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. 9 And do what you learned and received from me—what I told you and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 ERV

When Jesus encountered people – those who needed physical healing, deliverance, forgiveness, those who needed the Father’s love, He would often say to them “Go your way and sin no more”. In other words, go on your way, changed by the power of God and change your lifestyle to honor Him.

“The love of Christ controls us, because we know that one person died for everyone. So all have died. 15 He died for all so that those who live would not continue to live for themselves. He died for them and was raised from death so that they would live for him. 16 From this time on we don’t think of anyone as the world thinks of people. It is true that in the past we thought of Christ as the world thinks. But we don’t think that way now. 17 When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new!” II Corinthians 5:14-17 ERV

Many times, I pray. “Father, forgive me for doing that again. I am truly sorry, I give you my will. I desire to do those things that please you. You have made me new”.

Repentance is the conviction of the Holy Spirit, reminding us that we were created for better things in Christ.

Let me leave you with these thoughts:

“God is the one who gives me strength. He clears the path I need to take. 33 He makes my feet as steady as those of a deer. Even on steep mountains he keeps me from falling.” Psalm 18:32-33 ERV

“Lord, you be the judge and prove that I have lived a pure life. I have depended on you, Lord, to keep me from falling.” Psalm 26:1 ERV

God created the mountain goat to be able to scale rocky mountain sides. He is more than able to keep us from falling when we submit our will to Him!

Be thankful for steady feet.

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In Times of Trouble

In times of trouble I am thankful!

“I love you, Lord! You are my strength. 2 The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, my place of safety. He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection. He is my shield; by his power I am saved. He is my hiding place high in the hills. 3 I called to the Lord for help, and he saved me from my enemies! He is worthy of my praise!
4 Death had its ropes wrapped around me. A deadly flood was carrying me away. 5 The ropes of the grave wrapped around me. Death set its trap right there in front of me. 6 In my trouble I called to the Lord. Yes, I cried out to my God for help. There in his temple he heard my voice. He heard my cry for help…” Psalm 18:1-6 ERV

I’m never sure when I begin my morning writings who the Lord is wanting to speak to, I always know He has a message for me and I hope the words of the Bible are touching you as well.

I have been through those times when I felt death grip me. I have been through the valley of the shadow of death for me and those in my family. And I cried out for help and I KNOW He heard my cry.

“Lord, you are faithful to those who are faithful. You are good to those who are good.
26 You never do wrong to those who have done no wrong. But you outsmart the wicked, no matter how clever they are. 27 You help those who are humble, but you humiliate the proud.
28 Lord, you provide the flame for my lamp. You, God, turn the darkness around me into light. 29 With your help I can defeat an army. If my God is with me, I can climb over enemy walls.

30 God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in him. 31 There is no God except the Lord. There is no Rock except our God. 32 God is the one who gives me strength. He clears the path I need to take.33 He makes my feet as steady as those of a deer. Even on steep mountains he keeps me from falling.
34 He trains me for war so that my arms can bend the most powerful bow. 35 Lord, you have given me your shield to protect me. You support me with your right hand. It is your help that has made me great.” Psalm 18:25-35 ERV

Every wall that the enemy has set to hedge you in God has given you the strength to climb over. He has given you protection and support. He is an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Once again the words of a song are coming up in my heart.

“All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God” Bethel Music

In times of trouble lift your voice and sing of the goodness of God.

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Through Loving Eyes

Do you ever have problems with being critical or judgmental? Finding fault before finding the good? Ya, me neither! But we all know someone who is like that.

Are you glad that our heavenly Father isn’t like that? Oh yes, He sees our flaws and our shortcomings but He uses His strength and love to help us grow and overcome.

“Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. 9 But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life’s blood, we will also be kept safe from God’s anger.” Romans 5:6-9 CEV

Our Father isn’t willing for any of us to perish – and surely in all of time, in all the world, there could have been someone, some where who could have really irritated Him enough that He would have, could have said – “Nope, not offering you salvation. I just don’t like you.” but He didn’t.

“The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.” II Peter 3:9 CEV

“16 God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

“The Scriptures say that no one who has faith will be disappointed, 12 no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13 All who call out to the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:11-13 CEV

Where we see faults, the Father sees a child worth dying for.

Transformation is having that kind of mindset. Looking for the value and worth in a person as God does and then letting the Holy Spirit bring the correction and change.

” Don’t make God’s Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins. 31 Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. 32 Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” Ephesians 4:30-32 CEV

I wish I could tell you that I have this down, that I am free from criticism but if I did that it would be a lie. I can tell you that I am convicted more than I ever have been about the words I say. God is working in my life on a daily basis.

Paul says in I Corinthians 13 that love thinks no evil but is patient and kind. I will pray for you and ask that you pray for me. I desire to live God’s word to the fullest in every area of my life.

“God doesn’t intend to punish us, but wants us to be saved by our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Christ died for us, so that we could live with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. 11 That’s why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing…14 My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn’t living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone. 15 Don’t be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else.” I Thessalonians 5:10-15 CEV

Lord let my words encourage and build up others today. Let me see others through Your loving eyes!

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What Has Jesus Done?

That’s the question I have for you this morning. What has Jesus done for you and who have you told?

I was reading about the demon-possessed man who had lived in graveyards, been chained at various times, lost his mind and walked around naked. He had an encounter with Jesus and Jesus set him free.

The demons went into a herd of pigs who then ran off a cliff and drown in the sea, but that’s a story for another day.

The men taking care of the pigs went into town and told the owners what had happened to the pigs and to the man. They came out to see for themselves. There they found the man sitting at Jesus’ feet. He was clothed and in his right mind. The towns people were frightened and told Jesus and his disciples to leave. The man wanted to go with Jesus but Jesus told him “No, stay here and tell everyone what has happened to you”.

” 37 All those who lived in the area around Gerasa asked Jesus to go away because they were afraid. So Jesus got into the boat to go back to Galilee. 38 The man he had healed begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 ‘Go back home and tell people what God did for you.‘ So the man went all over town telling what Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:37-39 ERV

It was the testimony of people just like this man, telling his story, that brought the crowds to see Jesus. The leper, the blind man, the woman with the adulterous past, the woman’s whose son was raised from the dead, all gave testimony to what Jesus had done.

I love the account of the man who was born blind. The religious leaders were trying to discredit Jesus, and they spent a great deal of time questioning this man. They even questioned his parents.

“25 The man answered, ‘I don’t know if he is a sinner. But I do know this: I was blind, and now I can see.‘ 26 They asked, ‘What did he do to you? How did he heal your eyes?’ 27 He answered, ‘I have already told you that. But you would not listen to me. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to be his followers too?’…30 The man answered, ‘This is really strange! You don’t know where he comes from, but he healed my eyes.'” John 9:25-30 ERV

Jesus spoke to Mary in the garden after His resurrection and He told her to “go tell Peter and the disciples that I am risen”.

Before Jesus went back into heaven He said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

Let me ask you again. What has Jesus done for you? Go tell someone, they need to hear your story. Tell it as an act of gratitude and thanksgiving.

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Thankful for Comfort & Rest

The other morning the Lord reminded me of this picture that was taken six years ago. Let me give you the back story.

Our youngest daughter and family had come to visit for the weekend. We had been playing and going non-stop for 2 days. Our granddaughter was two at the time. She was having so much fun, she didn’t want to quit but we knew she needed rest. I got her to sit in my lap while her mother and I visited at the kitchen table.

She would fuss, squirm, try to get down but I held her close. Eventually, she fell asleep and got the rest she so desperately needed.

About 30 years before that her mother was the one who needed the rest. She had awakened in the middle of the night and cried out. I got up and tried to comfort her while she was still in her crib. That didn’t work, so I picked her up and carried her to the living room where I tried to rock her back to sleep. Sleep didn’t come, instead she strained in my arms trying to get me to carry her to another room. We went to the kitchen but she wasn’t content there. On to the family room; no, that wasn’t the place either. We made it back to the living room where I sat down, she cuddled in and I rocked her to sleep.

I said a soft prayer. “Lord, this is where we started. Why couldn’t she have just rested here to begin with?” To that, the Holy Spirit ministered to my heart, “and why can’t you be content when I tell you to rest?”

Ouch!

The Lord doesn’t want us to be stressed, anxious, exhausted, dismayed or consumed with worry. He wants us to rest in Him.

“ For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering].” Hebrews 2:18 AMPC

Just like an attentive mother, Jesus has made Himself available to run to our cry – to assist and relieve us in time of trouble.

“For thus says the Lord: Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; then you will be nursed, you will be carried on her hip and trotted [lovingly bounced up and down] on her [God’s maternal] knees. 13 As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:12-13 AMPC

Peace and comfort!

“Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. 8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath; fret not yourself—it tends only to evildoing.” Psalm 37:7-8 AMPC

The Lord longs to comfort us as a mother with her child. We need to let Him hold us tight, cuddle in and receive comfort. Be still – rest – and fret not! Be grateful for His comfort!

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Fall Back

Tomorrow is the start of daylight savings time for most of our nation but not here in Arizona. We don’t “fall back”, we stay the course. We are the same in Spring or Fall. So nice!

Thankful for things that don’t change. The last few days there have been continuous reminders to “fall back”. Now I have to remember what time it is in Houston where my brother lives, and in California where our son lives…

YUK!

I like it when things done change.

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Don’t be fooled by any kind of strange teachings.” Hebrews 13:8-9a

There are always new thoughts, new ideas. new doctrines and mantras BUT only one is infallible and perfect.

JESUS NEVER CHANGES!

Can I get a big Amen?

This is the kind of “fall back” that I am glad to see.

“I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. 3 When my enemies turn back, They shall fall and perish at Your presence. 4 For You have maintained my right and my cause; You sat on the throne judging in righteousness.” Psalm 9:2-4 NJKV

Put the faithfulness of God on your list of things to be thankful for and go out and enjoy this day!

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