“You must be born again,” Jesus said.
I know people today who shudder at that statement. They don’t like the term “born again.” They think it’s too religious – or too churchy – or too judgmental.
Coffee with Kathi ~ John, Chapter 3
Coffee with Kathi ~ John, Chapter 2
#28 Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
You know how it is when you’ve gone someplace you were really looking forward to – then you head home. Oftentimes that drive home is simply a boring drive. There’s nothing more to see. Your trip is over and you just want to get home. I did not want to end this awesome month-long journey in that manner!
The Water and The Word
It has probably always occured, but it’s especially common during these recent seasons ~~ Christians “watering down” the Word of God.
I expect it from nonbelievers. They do it to rationalize sin, to explain compromise, and to find fault with Christ followers. When this happens, it doesn’t surprise me – or bother me – or even offend me. But and I am saddened and disturbed when believers “water down” the Word. I don’t expect it from the believer – from those who have supposedly trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior.
Heaven Hears . . .
Some years ago, when the beautiful Christmas season was upon us, Ron and I had finished our shopping: toys and clothes, specially selected by Nana and Papa for the grandchildren; and uniquely selected presents for our adult children, in hopes they would be pleased. The gifts were wrapped and placed under the tree, in papers coordinating with the ornaments! The house was decorated in anticipation of our beautiful family gathering on a hopefully snowy, Sunday, December afternoon. During this time, I celebrated the Savior’s birth, and I rejoiced in the influx of Christmas carols and classics playing on every Pandora, radio, or satellite station I heard. Yet my heart hurt, more during this season than at any throughout the year. Some of you understand. You’re feeling similar right now. I’m writing this especially for you.
Pangs of shame pierced me when I perceived that hurt, urging me to think on the good things and to praise God for all the joys of this season.
Pondering . . .
Mary kept all these things, treasured the very thought of them, and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19 paraphrased)
So much had happened. Mary had been visited by the Angel Gabriel,
Speak Life
We can count on God’s promises! Cherish each one. Make it personal. Write them down on lined paper – every promise in the Bible that you need., so that even if your mind seems cluttered with so many obstacles – even if you can’t always remember where each promise is found, you will be able to see the promises and speak the promises.
Perils along the Autumn Pathways
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Consider the paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4: 25-27
We Michiganders believe that nothing is more beautiful than a Michigan Autumn. We relish its jumble of colors; we inhale the spices of its drying leaves and crave its briskness on our faces. And, if possible, we abide in it – every possible moment of every possible day – captivated by its presence, knowing that we possess it only a short time.
#18 I Walk Among the Giants
I recently posted about the importance of deep roots, established and rooted in Jesus Christ. Additionally, another type of root system is also vital in the Christian life – that of “connection.” Scripturally taught throughout the New Testament, this lesson was reinforced in my mind when, of all places, Ron and I traveled through the beautiful Redwoods in Northern California. Let me explain . . .
From Oregon, we drove just a short distance south into California before gps instructed us to turn east onto Highway U.S. 199 toward our destination campground. I had booked three nights here, which I thought gave us two full days to go into the parks to see the beautiful Redwoods ~ our purpose in coming to this southernmost point of our journey. I assumed we would reach our campsite, set up, and visit the parks the next day, but – once we made that turn onto U.S. 199, we discovered were already in the Redwoods:
#2 Where you go, I will go . . .
The northwest has called us, and I invite you to come along!
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”
~ Rachel Carson