 |
| Original image courtesy Teresa Garrett-Martin of Homespun Photography |
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Faith & Works
 |
| original image courtesy pixabay.com |
There are some who would argue that this verse suggests that in order to prove one is faithful that they must DO "works". Which would then imply that we must do something (ie: acts of service) in order to earn our way into heaven.
But there is nothing we could ever do to earn our way into heaven. That's the beauty of Jesus' sacrifice. He gave his life for us freely, and there is nothing we could ever do or give that could repay that kind of gift. I interpret this verse as saying that our faith causes us to live lives of service, not because we have to but because we want to.
I can also interpret this verse to be saying that if someone says they have faith, but does not show it through their acts (the way they live), that their faith is non-existent or, at the very least, questionable.
This verse reminds me of another verse (John 13:35) which inspired the song "They'll Know We Are Christians".
Please understand that this is a very simplified version of what I believe/feel about this verse. Please feel free to share your own thoughts.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
Peace
 |
| original image courtesy pixabay.com |
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
Sunday, February 09, 2014
Saturday, February 08, 2014
Friday, February 07, 2014
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
Monday, February 03, 2014
Sunday, February 02, 2014
Saturday, February 01, 2014
Pray for Everyone
 |
| original image courtesy pixabay.com |
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
Partnership
 |
Original image courtesy Teresa Garrett-Martin of Homespun Photography
|
I believe this applies both ways.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
Slow to Anger
 |
| original image courtesy pixabay.com |
James 1:19, "My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger", is a verse many of us have heard in one form or another. But it is verse 20 that completes the thought and explains why we should be slow to anger.
Our anger does not accomplish God's righteousness, and if it doesn't accomplish that, what, if anything, does it accomplish? Oh, how I wish I had the answer. Maybe it would help me be even slower to anger.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
My Rescuer
 |
| original image courtesy pixabay.com |
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Friday, January 17, 2014
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
A Reminder
 |
| Original image courtesy Teresa Garrett-Martin of Homespun Photography |
I try to remind myself of this often. Not to make myself feel bad, but to remind myself that my sins are no less wrong than the sins of anyone else. My sins (less than generous thoughts about certain people or situations, coveting the belongings of friends, etc) act as a hammer pounding the nails into the hands of Jesus just the same as the sins of anyone else.
It also reminds me that no matter the sins (in truth or just my perception) of someone, God still loves them. I know this because, despite my sins, I know He still loves me.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Monday, January 13, 2014
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Be Strong & Courageous
 |
| Original image courtesy Teresa Garrett-Martin of Homespun Photography |
It is the beginning of a new year and many of us have made resolutions to be "better" (at or about something) in the coming months. Many of these resolutions require us to do things that are challenging for us. For me it is to eat fewer carbs, because it may help decrease the amount of inflammation I experience with my arthritis/spondylitis. Doesn't sound like much of a challenge to some, but boy do I love those carbs, especially in the form of french fries and chocolate (but not together).
It is comforting to know that wherever we are, or whatever we are attempting to do that God is with us.
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Monday, January 06, 2014
A Work in Progress
 |
| Original image courtesy PDPhoto.org |
Sometimes it's hard to believe this, both about ourselves and about others. The process is often painful and messy, but if we believe that His plan is holy and perfect, then it will be worth the struggle.
Sunday, January 05, 2014
Seeking Wisdom
 |
| original image courtesy PDPhoto.org |
I find myself asking God for wisdom ALL the time. Sometimes it doesn't feel like I do receive that wisdom as this verse says, but if I truly reflect on the situation it's usually because I'm not "hearing" what I want to hear. I guess that in addition to wisdom, I should also be praying for an open heart and mind when it comes to accepting that wisdom.
Saturday, January 04, 2014
A Humbling Thought
What an amazing thing to remember. God chose us to be His holy children before He created anything else. People may have been the last of the things He created, but we weren't an after thought. He had us in mind before He created a single speck of dust.
Friday, January 03, 2014
A Friendly Reminder
1 John 1:3 is one of my favorite verses, and the "motto" for this blog. Not only is it a reminder to me that God created the whole heavens and earth, but that everything on them since the beginning of time is also His creation. I used an image of my own crafting space as the back drop for this verse, because while I love to create things, I also try to remember that He is the one creating the ideas for my crafts.
Thursday, January 02, 2014
Delighting in Instruction
Today's verse is Psalm 1:2. In the first Psalm, the writer contrasts the life of a faithful person with the life of a non-faithful person. While it is not my intent to do that when I post a bible verse, I do hope to take time to immerse myself in the instruction of my Lord and to meditate on the lessons His words have for me.
