Encouragement
If I Have Diplomas and Not Love, I am Nothing
If I have the language ever so perfectly and speak like a pundit and have not love that grips the heart, I am nothing.
If I have decorations and diplomas and am proficient in up-to-date methods and have not the touch of understanding love, I am nothing.
If I am able to worst my opponents in argument [...]
Love One Another as I Have loved you
Loving one another is the core of our Christian walk. The phrase “love one another” is repeated at least a dozen times in the NT. We are also commanded to submit to one another, encourage one another, care for one another, forgive one another, and edify one another.
Jesus taught “to love one another as I [...]
Moving from Religious Thinking to Relational Living
Wayne Jacobsen, books have been a real blessing to me for over 10 years. Wayne travels the world helping people break free of the bondage of religion and embrace an affectionate and life-changing relationship with the Father, through the work of the Son and in the power of the Spirit.
Wayne and Brad Cummings began [...]
On Earth as It Is in Heaven
Heaven is God’s dwelling place just as the believer’s body is God’s dwelling place. Because of the price Christ paid, God can dwell in us here on earth.
We pray “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Brad Young clarifies this passage:
The Hebrew imagery behind the phrase “in heaven [...]
Religion or Relationship?
What are We Seeking? Religion or Relationship?
God does not want a people who simply adhere to a set of rules no matter how well intended. God said in the book of Hosea, “For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6 ).
Sacrifices meant nothing [...]
The Impact of a Godly Parent
Charles Stanly’s powerful sermon this week is a must see. Pastor’s Stanly’s stories of his godly mother and grandmother (with slide show of his family and home) will motivate and encourage you. View by clicking on the video or go here for more video options.
Stanley’s mother was NOT perfect, she was a humble yet wise [...]
Spiritual Fruit Begins with Spiritual Rest
Fruit of the Spirit Friday - Spiritual Rest
Jesus said He would give rest to those who were weary and heavy laden. Spiritual rest is not lying down to take a nap. God didn’t rest on the seventh day because He was tired. His rest was a cessation of labor.
Rest is the opposite of work or [...]
Why I Don’t Go to Church Anymore!
Letter from Wayne Jacobsen: I do appreciate your concern for me and your willingness to raise issues that have caused you concern. I know the way I relate to the church is a bit unconventional and some even call it dangerous. Believe me, I understand that concern because I used to think that way myself and even taught others to as well.
51 comments | Continued
Breaking the Bondage of Legalism
The curious thing about legalism is that you might look at a legalist and a person walking in grace and at times not be able to tell them apart. They could very well be doing the same exact things. The difference lies not on the outside but on the inside, in the realm of motivation. Why is he or she doing it? A person is a legalist, therefore, not necessarily because of what they do or do not doubt do, but because of why they do or don’t do it.
6 comments | Continued
Having Sight But No Vision
“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”–Hellen Keller
Faith is about taking first steps toward doing God’s will, even when it seems very much impossible. Is that the kind of faith we show? Do we confess Jesus with out feet?
23 comments | Continued
Our Number One Job as Parents
Imagine a fish swimming in a river. The swimming fish is content in its environment. It is where it belongs; doing what it is made to do. Now imagine someone scooped the fish up in a net and placed in on the riverbank. What happens? The fish flip flops and struggles on the ground.
When we are walking in that purpose we are where we are meant to be – swimming in the river of living water. When we are not fulfilling that purpose we are frustrated..
11 comments | Continued
Psalm 91 Prayer
Psalm 91 has become known as the Protection and Shield Psalm.
Whatever is done, our heavenly Father’s will is done; and we have no reason to fear. Whatever trouble is for good. Set your eyes and love upon God in all your ways. By prayer constantly call upon Him.
He promises that he will, in due time, [...]
Do You Have Distorted View?
Imagine you are asked to do something for someone you did not know well. What if a stranger asked you for a ride into town? Or to take a package on a plane? But what if you knew the person intimately for many years. You knew their character, their morals, their motivations? What if the person was your father or husband? We will only submit when we trust. We only can only trust someone who has our best interest at heart. But many of us have a distorted view of God.
3 comments | ContinuedMary, Did You Know?
Mary, did you know That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Did you know That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered Will soon deliver you
How Do You View God? Loving Father or Angry Judge?
The ancient Greek’s viewed god as judgmental, angry, and elderly–detached from the world waiting just for someone to do something wrong. Sadly, this Greek view has permeated Western society.
Jesus’ disciples requested, “Teach us to pray.” He answered with a prayer beginning with the words “Our Father” (Mt 6:9-13).
Jesus called God Abba, a term of endearment [...]
Seven Links of Spiritual Encouragment
The Super Simple Spiritual Sunday Meme is simply a list of encouraging links I have enjoyed this week.
Seven Prayers a Day @Bring the Rain
Faith in Focus by Dwight Pyror
Faith of Christ @Baxter’s Ongoing Thoughts
What Makes You Weak? He is Stronger @ Laced with Grace
In the Comfort of my Home the Battle Rages @Life Nurturing [...]
Sweet Fruit of Intimacy with God
Fruit of the Spirit Friday
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest…
I delight to sit in his shade,
and his fruit is sweet to my taste. (So 2:3).
Solomon compares love to a surprise apple tree in the forest being a delightful sweet treat. He speaks of sitting in the shade as a metaphor for [...]
Sharing Spiritual Sunday Links
The Super Simple Spiritual Sunday Meme is simply a list of encouraging links I have enjoyed this week.
Waiting on You Lord by Jaque Dixon @Walking Therein
Wrinkle in Time by Baxter Kruger @Baxter’s Ongoing Thoughts (Get free ebooks and audio by Baxter @Perichoresis )
Acknowledge Sin, Gain Freedom by Esthermay Bentley-Goossen @Heart of a Pastor’s Wife
Getting [...]
My Mouth Needs a Backspace
Fruit of the Spirit Friday
My Mouth Needs a Backspace
We can measure the fruit of the spirit by what comes out of our mouths. Scary, huh?
I know you imagine only kind and loving, caring, words and praise come out of my mouth but sometimes complaints come out, sometimes anger and bitterness fly out.
It’s like Paul describes [...]
Long Suffering - The 4th Fruit of the Holy Spirit
Fruit of the Spirit Friday - Long Suffering
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)
One of the main definitions of the word long suffering is that it is referring to patience. And patience is another sorely needed quality in the fast paced world in [...]
His Fruit is Sweet to My Taste
Fruit of the Spirit Friday
Solomon compares a loving relationship to a delightful treat of a surprise apple tree in the forest.
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest…
I delight to sit in his shade,
and his fruit is sweet to my taste. (Song 2:3).
How do we define a loving relationship? Some believe God is [...]
No Branch Can Bear Fruit By Itself: Remain in Him
Fruit of the Spirit Friday
I’ve been pruning hickory trees in our yard–cutting and cleansing for better growth and health. It reminded me of the uncomfortable and sometimes painful pruning we go through during sanctification.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, [...]
Condemnation or Conviction?
Fruit of the Spirit Friday
I vividly remember the first time I read Paul’s passage in Romans 7:15-17. I was breathless. I was a baby Christian in my 20s. “That’s me!” I cried.
I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.Now if [...]
Changing Seasons & Spiritual Encouragement
We are going through a lot of changes. As a result, you may not see me here as often. I’ll be writing as the Lord leads.
Changes
Changes in Marriage: My hubby retired this year, so we are getting to know each other 24/7. It is a blessing. We have coffee together every morning on the porch [...]
8 comments | ContinuedThe 8 Rs to Freedom
Fruit of the Spirit Friday: Joy and Peace
Do you ever have thoughts that take you into a downward spiral? I used to go into a downward spiral in my thoughts once a month around “that time.” I would throw a pity party complete with tissues, comfort food (usually chocolate), singing the blues music, and dark [...]
7 comments | ContinuedRooted and Grounded in Love
He loves me. He loves me. He loves me. Understanding His love is will produce fruit of God’s Spirit in our life. We can be rooted in the love of Christ, anchored in Him, supported by Him. Deep roots = firm foundations.
…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and [...]
Taking Every Thought Captive
How do you think good and praiseworthy things in the midst of turmoil, when you have been wronged, when life is overwhelming, when the dog has an accident on your rug, when there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done and your mother-in-law drops in unannounced with housekeeping advice?
9 comments | Continued
Go With the Strength You Have
The angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” Gideon replied in doubt and in an accusatory tone with questions:
“But sir,” Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us [...]
Is Your Yoke Pleasant?
Have you ever felt no matter how much you strive to please God that you consistently fail? No matter how hard you try you feel like you are running in place? There are many tired, cynical, well-intended Christians wearing masks determined to work on their sin to achieve an intimate relationship with God.
Jesus said His [...]
Spiritual Lesson from a Run-Away Horse
I have a mental defect. I don’t do left and right very well. I cannot make a two-sided copy of a document on a copy machine to save my life.
When my children were in car seats I could never remember which one went into the right and left car seat (after 4 years!.) I recognize [...]
Are We Fighting the Wrong Battle?
I’m reading Soul Talk: The Language God Longs for Us to Speak by Larry Crabb. It’s a look at how we can help each other through relying on Christ within us, through spirit-led conversation, deepening relationships. Here is a thought-provoking excerpt:
We’re fighting the wrong battle. We’re excited about the things that bore God, things that [...]
My Redeemer Lives
This incredible video is about the relationship between a father and son…. and God’s relationship with us, a beautiful testimony of God’s love for us and how we are utterly incapable of anything good without him. He carries us, leads us, drives us. He took all our burdens upon Himself.
Dick and Rick Hoyt are a [...]




When homeschoolers are asked about this book, one word continues to come up over and over–Wow! Read the excerpt today to see what all the wow is about. 500 pages!








