Well Worth My Soul

Faithful

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:11:00 GMT

It seems like all we hear or talk about is the trouble in our lives or our nation’s division.

Augustine had asked two questions of the world; “If there is no God, why is there so much good?

If there is a God, why is there so much evil?”

photo by Shae Weinreis

I wonder if I’ve spent my lifetime murmuring only the second question?

Why haven’t I wondered the first question? If I think God doesn’t care about the hurting, am I not believing the very first lie hissed in the Garden to Eve? The lie that deceives us all still,

“Does God really?”

Is it easier to blame Him? To say God doesn’t care when maybe the truth is that humanity doesn’t care?

He cared so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross for us.

The truth is God cares a whole lot more about us than we’ll ever care about Him.

Psalm 103:1-2,8

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

Psalm 107: 1

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Let us not forget the good thing he has done. (Part of this was taken by Ann Voskamp 1000 gifts)

Until next time, Pam

Familiar

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:41:29 GMT

What is familiar to you?

Your children's voice, your spouse, your daily routine, the road you travel? We have many things very familiar to us.

Webster defines familiar: common, well known, close association. The word origin from the Latin is, "the family footing."

What often happens in our family settings? We love each other, know each other, and care about each other, we surely enjoy one other.

Yet, quite possibly we are quicker tempered, irritated easily, and/or often more impatient with each other. After all, we are family.

In the Old Testament book of Malachi, the Lord warns Israel about despising His name, by offering polluted food upon His altar.

But you say, "How have we polluted you?" Malachi 1:1-14

Does our familiarity with the notion of who God is breed laziness, complacency, and/or lack of reverent fear?

We are living at a time and in a generation that can easily look up any kind of idea about God. Many have no and easily take God for granted.

In Malachi, God wanted the Israelites to realize how mighty He is, and when giving an offering, we are to do so with His greatness in mind.

The offerings Israel made, at this time, were not done with a right heart. They were becoming indifferent toward God and the way they conducted

their lives. They were treating the commandments of God with familiarity and carelessness. They came to look upon them as simply ordinary.

Thus, He says that He has no pleasure in Israel and would not accept their offerings.

Are we dishonoring God in our attitude?

In our deeds?

In our actions?

Are we becoming careless with God and His word?

Our familiarity with God as believers is only valuable as it pertains to the principles of God that never change.

It is all about our heart.

Until next time, Pam

What Are The Signs

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:10:23 GMT

You search the scriptures yet refuse to come to me.

We are days away from Easter, and I wonder have I seen His glory this advent season? Have I noticed the signs along the way?

Sunday our Pastor spoke on John 6 challenging us, "What are we seeking?" What is most on your mind, our hunger in the physical?

Or our parches soul?"

John 5:39-40 "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life."

The good wine saved until now; this was His first sign. Jesus manifested His glory and His disciples believed. So many signs clearly seen in the book of John, yet they continued to question the Savoir of the World. "Show us signs and wonders so we can believe."

John 6:22-30

"A large crowd was following Jesus because they saw the signs that He was doing on the sick." Do you believe, or will you follow just enough to see if your physical needs will get met and go no further.

What are you searching for?

Far too often we first seek the physical relief, water to quench the thirst, food for our growling stomach. Quickly ignoring the hunger and thirst deep within our soul.

What signs do you need to fully believe or have you just stopped looking?

John 6:40 "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."

Look up, don't miss it Easter is in plain sight.

Come follow Him.

Until next time. Pam

What Do You Do When the World's at War

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 12:32:39 GMT

What do you do when the world's at war?

Before we went to bed last night, the headlines read, "Many of Iran's missiles have been eliminated." It is day 14 and war is costly in so many ways. After decades of hostility, could the US and Iranian war be nearing its end.

As I pour my coffee to greet the new day, I am once again reminded of the many blessings that I have.

Why do I take so much life for granted when it is a gift.

A gift that the sun rose and this morning I opened my eyes to experience another day.

The very breath filling my lungs-is a gift.

"Nothing's as wildly dangerous as entitlement, when everything's a gift to be wildly thankful for." (Ann Voskamp)

"Nothing's as wildly dangerous as entitlement, when everything's a gift to be wildly thankful for."

Our health's not a given, freedoms not a given, family's not a given, but everything is a gift.

As I close my Bible to begin the day, I ponder Proverbs 4:20- 22 "My child pay attention to my words. Don't lose sight of them let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body."

And Hebrews 2:1 (NlT) "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it."

Pay Attention.

Pay Attention: to the light around you.

Pay Attention: to the faces who you love.

Pay Attention: to the laughter of your little ones.

Pay Attention: to the beautiful around you.

Soak it in, see the good.

Pay attention, for what you attend to tends to become your life. (Ann Voskamp)

Until next time, Pam

Lent

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:15:59 GMT

It is almost four years since the war began between Russia and Ukraine.

“War can drive us all into the wilderness. Missiles drop, and we drop to our knees. We are a world wildly looking for a way out. We’re a hurting world, desperately fleeing – we see it all over our news screens.” (Ann Voskamp)

What would you stuff in your backpack as the enemy invades your city?

Do hard times make strong leaders?

With the utmost respect for the Ukrainian women, they leave their husbands and lead their children to some sort of safety.

Do hard times make strong leaders?

I listen to the news; they speak of the Ukrainian leader giving his people great hope. I see the images of death and destruction. I see evil.

I bow my head and pray. Pray for a country I have never been. Pray for a people I do not know. But I pray.

I bow my head and pray.

We stand in the first week of the Lenton season feeling lost, for our world is thrown into the wilderness.

Lent is preparing the heart for Easter.

Mark 1:4-11

The wilderness is where John baptized and proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John baptized in water, but Jesus would all who believed, with the Holy Spirit.

Mark 1:9-11

The spirit immediately drove Jesus into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness for forty days.

Matthew 4:1-11

Lent is preparing the heart for what is next.

I am convinced, although this world is unstable, as believers in Christ, we are called to continue to do the next thing. It may be we continue to raise Godly children. Continue to be a Godly example at work. It may be sending extra funds to missionaries. Whatever this is for you, continue to help others build their faith.

Do what God has laid upon your heart.

Easter will come.

Easter will come. Salvation is a gift to all mankind. Whether you observe Lent or not let’s pay more attention to The One who bought your salvation, for Easter is coming soon.

“The promised answers to our prayers, may not be found in the promised lands. But in the wilderness.” (Ann Voskamp)

Until next time, Pam

Tiny Changes

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:03:37 GMT

Remarkable Change

I have set goals all my life, but I am learning to look at the systems, or the process to help me achieve them.

I had not considered that how we believe drives our actions. Behind every system of actions is a system of beliefs.

Every belief, including what we believe about ourselves is learned and conditioned through our experiences.

A habit is a behavior that has been repeated enough times to become automatic. The process of habit formation begins with trial and error.

Whenever you encounter a new situation in life, your brain has to make a decision. How do I respond to this?

The brain is now busy learning the most effective course of action. When we find the action that relieves the problem, we catalog the events in our brain. We now have a reward.

Whenever we face a problem repeatedly, our brain begins to automate the process of solving it.

As behavioral scientist Jason Hreha states, "Habits are, simply, reliable solutions to recurring problems in our environment."

Habits are mental short cuts learned from experience. Habits do not restrict freedom. They created it. Without good health habits, you may always be short on energy.

The Science of How Habits Work

First there is cue.

Cue triggers the brain to initiate a behavior.

Cravings are the second step, without some level of motivation or change we have no reason to act. What you crave is not the habit but the feeling of relief it provides.

The third step is response. The response is the actual habit you perform.

Finally, the response delivers a reward.

All behavior is driven by the desire to solve a problem. Sometimes the problem is something good, and sometimes the problem is that you are experiencing pain and you want relief.

Example: You wake up.

You want to feel alert.

You drink a cup of coffee.

You satisfy the craving to feel alert. Drinking coffee becomes associated with waking up.

Philippians 4: 6-9

Finally, brethren, whatever things have the character of truth, whatever things are worthy of reverence, whatever things are righteous. whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are attractive, these things make the subject of careful reflection. The things also which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things habitually practice, and the God of peace shall be with you. (Kenneth Wuest expanded translation)

Let us practice good habits.

Until next time, Pam

Atomic Habits

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:32:13 GMT

The New Year has begun.

With the New Year on our doorstep, we begin to analyze our life in some way or another.

It may be;

Our schedule.

Our time.

Our priorities.

Our health.

Our Spirituality.

I am listening to the book, "Atomic Habits." The chapter subtitle is what drew me to this book. "Why small habits make a big difference."

I have become aware of little ways I react to certain situations, often done out of habit, instead of processing what's before me, then prayerfully responding.

James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, defines habit, a compound interest of self- improvement.

Atomic meaning extremely small.

All big things begin small. We want to lose weight, altering our diet in one small way, we can achieve our goal

Setting a goal to write a book needs to begin with carving out time to write a paragraph or so every day.

The goal is the outcome we want, but just as importantly are the daily actions taken to get you there.

Colossians 3:23

"Whatever you do, work heartily for the Lord."

Until next time, Pam

What Is Christmas

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:12:24 GMT

If there never was a Savoir wrapped in a manger?

What is Christmas, I ask my 4–6-year-old students in Sunday School class.

It about buying the perfect gift.

Getting the perfect gift.

Eating with your family.

Playing with your cousins.

Its Baby Jesus' birthday.

I smile at their delight, their wonder.

Yes, I would have to say a lot of life is looked at through their lens these days.

John 3:16-17

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish

but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but in order that the world might be saved though him."

God the Father, Jesus the Son, The Holy Spirit. Three in One.

Our Creator sent His one and only Son from heaven to be born to earthly parents (Mary and Joseph).

To live among man giving us the greatest present ever.

The gift of Eternal Life.

John Wesley pointed out that it is a dark mystery how God could swoop down and become man and bridge the yawning gulf and join Himself to flesh and limit the limitless. Wesley also said that we should distinguish the act from the method by which the act was performed and not reject the fact because we do not know how it was done. (From Heaven by A.W. Tozer)

God gave God. That is the gift God always gives. Because nothing is greater, and we have no greater need.

But, if we're not careful we will miss it. We need to slow down enough to unwrap the greatest gift.

Slow down enough to be in His Word,

In His presence at His feet.

"Who can add to Christmas?

The perfect plan, God so loved the world.

The perfect gift, God gave His only Son.

The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of Faith is that you shall have everlasting life." (Corrie Ten Boon)

Thank you, God for the ultimate gift.

Let us not miss it.

Until next time. Pam

Where do you Run

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:13:12 GMT

Run to God's Word

John 4:46-54

So, Jesus came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water into wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill.

When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. So, Jesus said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." The official said to him. "Sir, come down before my child dies." Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. So, he asked them the hour he began to get better, and they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." The father knew that was the hour Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." And he himself believed, and all his household. This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.

Where do we run to in times of trouble?

Do we run to anything else that ultimately cannot satisfy or save our life?

The desperate father ran straight to Jesus begging for his boy's life to be saved. The father simply took God at His Word.

Where do you desperately want God to work a miracle?

Do you believe God's Word can work a miracle within you?

The father's boy walked back home by faith, fueled by the promises of God.

We can walk with His Word, breathe in His Word, lean on His Word, abide and meditate on His Word.

Whatever road you find yourself on, your road can be paved with His rock-solid promises.

Great desperation can be a great gift. That is if we run into the arms of our Lord and Savior.

(Part of this is taken from "Loved to Life," by Ann Voskamp)

Until next time. Pam

Come and See

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 13:13:34 GMT

In His Eyes

What are you looking for this Christmas?

A new outlook on life.

A new car.

A new career.

You fill in the blank.

Where you look will save - or - smother - your life.

Because where we focus our eyes is a matter of how we focus our heart.

Where the eye is fixed, so the heart is.

If we only look to what our hands can do, looking to what all you're striving to accomplish it will leave you empty.

John 1:35-38

The next day John was there again with two of His disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said. "Look the Lamb of God!"

When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?"

What do we really want?

What do we really want with this Jesus?

They continued to ask Jesus where are you staying, Jesus replies, "Come and see."

Each one of us has the open invitation to come and see Jesus.

But what do we really want?

Is Christ really what we want most?

Opening your eyes to Him, is opening yourself to the fullest.

No one looks into the eyes of our Lord and stays the same.

No one looks into the eyes of the Lord and stays the same.

Do you want the things that will fade or the things that are forever?

Who wants what merely glitters and shimmers for today, then blows away.

Who but Jesus would pay such a high price to love us.

There is only one way for peace and joy this Christmas - Come gaze into the eyes of the infinite love of God.

(Part of this is taken from the book, Loved to Life, by Ann Voskamp)

Until next time. Pam

Veteran's Day

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:30:01 GMT

November 11 is the observance of Veteran's Day. It is a celebration to honor American Veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Thank you, all for your past and present service to this great country.

"These places we live aren't merely geographical but are relational too.

What if we eschewed our own comfort- to be for others, the comfort of Christ." (Ann Voskamp)

This Bible verse can comfort us all in the uncertain times.

Joshua 1:9

Be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, "Freedom is not free. It is always purchased with a high price of sacrifice and suffering."

Until next time. Pam

Who I am

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:56:06 GMT

We were made for more.

I was one road away, one turn from quite possibly going down a wrong path in life.

How do we get on the dead-end roads

God, thank you I did not go that way.

Choices.

Circumstances.

One wrong turn in life.

One right turn in life, it all matters.

I could not get these questions out of my mind as I sat around a table of women, as they shared their stories of a past too horrifying to visualize.

I choked back tears, as she vaguely, detailed her path.

A story, that until today, she had never felt seen or heard, she felt she didn't matter to anyone.

Her story matters.

Your story matters.

My story matters.

God is in our story.

We may not see it or recognize Him until years later.

We all experienced disgrace, hurt, betrayal.

But then God entered into our stories.

He poured out His grace, love, and mercy over us.

He has given us a new name.

Beloved.

Forgiven.

Free.

New.

Loved.

Delighted in. (part of this is from Beauty for Ashes)

Secrets Can Keep Us Sick.

Secrets can keep us sick.

Romans 5:1-2 The Message

Tells us God has always wanted us to go through His open door, His path.

"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us- set us right with Him, make us fit for Him- we have it all together with God

because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment He has already thrown open His door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand- out in the wide-open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting out our praise."

Knowing who we are in God will help us fight off doubts or lies about our identity.

Let us remain in the truth of God.

Until next time. Pam.

Habit

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:33:40 GMT

Webster defines habit: a settled or regular tendency or practice

especially one that is hard to give up

to become automatic

There is a popular method suggesting that a habit can be formed in twenty-one days. The rule is simple enough.

Commit to a personal or professional goal for twenty-one days. After, three weeks, the pursuit of that goal should become a habit.

But mind you, it takes longer to undo an existing habit.

A habit can be a negative behavior pattern, and it often is tied to a lack of self-discipline

It may start as seemingly harmless behavior but over time it becomes- something we just plain do or don’t do.

We say we are trying to lose weight, but we eat that second treat anyway.

We tell ourselves we will start exercising but we don’t do that either.

We find plenty of time to watch a movie and no time for the other things.

Maybe it’s our quiet time with the Lord we shorten or neglect.

Our excuses seem rational and good. We have a good reason,

but then whatever it is happens again.

Then three times and before we know it, our habit is formed.

Can an occasional bad habit turn into an addiction?

Can too much time on our smartphones lead us to social media addiction?

Small bad habits often lead to bigger, more destructive habits.

The Bible talks much about the Christian life, being transformed by the renewing of their mind.

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking

Romans 12:1-2

The message states it very clearly.

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you:

Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating,

going-to-work and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering.

Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him.

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.

Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.

Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it.

Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity in you,

God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Let’s fix our attention on God.

Obey His teachings.

Be controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Most importantly, whatever we do, do it all to the glory of God.

(Parts of this is taken “The Right Kind of Strong” by Mary A. Kassian)

Until next time, Pam

Perspective

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 16:14:54 GMT

What's your perspective?

Define perspective: Coming to a conclusion or impression after viewing the items or points.

A certain attitude toward or way of thinking about something.

Our point of view.

Have you ever thought about what forms our perspectives on life?

Our Family dynamics.

Past experiences.

Economic Statis.

Color.

Social groups, friends.

Religion.

Environment.

Internet, news, books.

What is your perspective on Christianity?

Christians?

As believers in Jesus Christ how we stay grounded is crucial.

Psalm 19:7-8

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure,

making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right,

rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

God doesn't want lip service; He wants our heart.

Until next time. Pam

Loneliness

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 07:26:21 GMT

Nearly one out of three older Americans are lonely, according to a recent study. The study revealed that the biggest shift in loneliness rose among the younger generations.

Loneliness is distress caused by a lack of satisfactory relationships, not just being alone.

In fact, science proves mental illness is an actual change in the brain.

They say mental illness is caused by four factors that disrupts or changes the brain.

Biological; The things you inherit.
Psychological; How you think affects your behavior.
Social; The environmental factors of your life.
Spiritual; The secular world admits that a spiritual component is essential for proper health. They recognize friendships are important, small groups can be beneficial.

Don't you love it when science proves what God say's in scripture is correct.

Loneliness

is distress caused

by a lack of satisfactory

relationships,

not just being alone.

Also, scientists are discovering the generation that leans heavily on social media tends to feel more isolated.

Loneliness to the unbeliever is a symptom of our emotional, physical and spiritual separation from God, and we can only truly remedy this by seeking Christ as our Savior.

Loneliness to the believer can occur during the same emotional, physical, or spiritual situations, but these conditions do not separate us from God.

The Bible tells us that God will never leave us nor forsake us.

Deuteronomy 31:8

Romans 8:35-39

In fact, the Bible makes it clear; nothing can separate us from God.

“Does it mean God no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Whatever the cause of loneliness, for the Christian, the cure is always the same the comforting fellowship of Christ our Lord.

Until next time, Pam

A Good Recipe

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:30:00 GMT

These days are busy with harvest and the evening air whispers fall is approaching.

The grain is being combined as the tomatoes change color.

I sift through my canning recipes and discover this.

A GOOD RECIPE FOR LIFE

Ingredients:

1cup good thoughts

1cup kind deeds

2 cups sacrifice

2 cups forgiveness

2 cups well-beaten faults

Directions:

Mix thoroughly. Add years of joy, patience, and sympathy.

Flavor it with love and caring service.

Fold in 4 cups prayer and faith.

After pouring this into daily life, Bake at wellness temperature.

Serve with a smile anytime to satisfy the hungry soul.

Last step:

You cannot find these ingredients in a box or even your local Walmart.

Wholesome food choices are what you need.

So begin each day in God’s word cultivating your faith.

Pray for others, be quick to forgive.

Remember there are many blessings to be thankful for each day.

Above all, put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:14

Until next time, Pam

Shallow Substitute

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:31:42 GMT

Idolatry Is A Shallow Substitute For Christ

"But the water that I shall give him will become in him a foundation of water springing up into everlasting life."

John 4:14

God doesn't just give us satisfaction. Rather than giving us water, He establishes in us a fountain of living water.

That's why Jesus said in John 7:37-38 , "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.

He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart flows rivers of living water."

Imagine that you are adrift in a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean.

Your tongue clings to the roof of your mouth, your throat is parched, and your lips are cracked and bleeding.

You're dying for a drink of water while surrounded by it. The problem is, if you give in to the temptation,

if you lean over the side of the boat and gulp down mouthfuls of that water, you will feel an immediate

sense of relief and satisfaction that will be quickly followed by a ravaging thirst that is far worse than what you had before.

That's what we're facing in our world today-especially here in America. It's as though we were in a boat surrounded

by what looks like refreshing, thirst-quenching water, but it's full of salt. Everything outside of God in Christ is saltwater,

and only leaves you thirstier than you were before. (parts of this is taken by the book "Gospel Treason" by Brad Bigney)

It is easy to pursue things that I think make up the "good life" list.

God is not saying don't buy a new car or seek the new whatever it may be. Enjoy these things

but do not live for them, it won't satisfy,

Enjoy them.

Thank God for them.

Only God can satisfy.

Until next time. Pam

Present Tense

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 12:09:52 GMT

Is the Bible past tense to you or active present tense?

1 Kings 18:18-40

Elijah's question to Ahab, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah. "How long, will you go limping between two different opinions?

If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him."

And the people did not answer him a word.

Why are we hobbling between two opinions? Either we are following God, or we are chasing the lies of this world.

Throughout the book of Kings, we read something like this.

The king of Israel ruled this many years and he did what was evil in the Lord's sight, but not to the extent as his father. The kings may or may not tear down the sacred pillars of Baal. For the most part each king continued the sins, and the Lord repeatedly revealed himself to the kings through the prophets.

Why do we continue in the same sins?

What are we after?

The latest quick fix, the various fads, or maybe the newest popular item.

Meanwhile, the Bible is ridiculed as too simplistic, ineffective and old-fashioned to actually help us with our sin.

It has been said, "Biblical counseling is nothing more than quoting Bible verses at people with serious problems." (God's Solutions to Lifes Problems)

On the contrary, God's word gives clarity on how to address the problems of life and there is no problem more serious in our lives than the problem of sin. It is a universal problem.

The Bible is the best place to turn for the solution to the problems of life.

Until next time, Pam.

By Faith

Fri, 30 May 2025 11:40:02 GMT

Faith is a Settled Condition

What might be one way "busyness" blocks you from listening to/or hearing and communing with the Living God?

In the Holman Bible Dictionary, the Greek noun "pistis" is related to the verb "pisteuo" meaning I have faith, trust, believe.... but

primarily with the meaning "trust" or "confidence" in God.

In Mark 1:15 The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe in the gospel.

The word believe in this verse is the "form of faith" for which there is no English equivalent. We repent and believe; we turn to God.

Read Hebrews 11: 4-12

By faith... By faith... By faith. This phrase is the heartbeat of Hebrews 11 and each of these individuals lived in obedience to God,

even as they faced hardships.

From the moment Adam and Eve sinned, God's relationship with children became one of faith rather than their sight.

It always seems easier to live life out when we can see the roadblocks ahead.

Hebrews 11 points out for us the people of Faith. and because it is written down, we are able to see the fruits of their faithfulness.

What would be our "by faith" paragraph read?

Hebrews 11:13-16

"These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak this are making it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city."

By faith... we look to the salvation of Jesus Christ, fixing our eyes on Him.

With the faithful saints behind us and Jesus before us we can live out our faith.

Pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ.

Finish the race.

Keep the Faith.

Until next time, Pam

Human Nature

Thu, 22 May 2025 12:29:14 GMT

How well do we share?

Have you ever watched children play? Usually, the toy they want is the one being played with by another child.

When they do share it's most likely because they were prompted to.

In fact, they just might have a full bag of sliced apples and still want the one slice you have.

Do we as adults share very well?

We want the best. We want the most, and we want it now.

Human nature.

The reality just might be we think we're doing better than we really are.

If we don't keep a vigilant eye on our thoughts and desires and affections - we might be dominated by something other than God's will.

Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is desperately wicked."

Anger, irritability and verbal outbursts are all signs of a heart issue. So many times, I have seen this in myself. the conflict I may have could quite possibly be traced back to my own desires.

James 4:1-3 makes this very clear, "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.

You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."

John Piper states," Sin is what we do when we're not satisfied in God."

Let us remember life is better when we stay focused on God.

Until next time, Pam.

In Your Storm

wellworthmysoul@outlook.com (Pam Weinreis) — Sat, 03 May 2025 11:12:33 GMT

We aren't ever alone in our waves.

Is it true that our real distresses are often increased by our imaginary ones, the creatures of our own fancy,

John 6:16-21

"When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going."

We all want to get to the other side of our struggle. We not only want to get there, but we also would like the struggle to turn out our way. It is truly ok.

"But high waves smash relentlessly and whipping winds sting. You're bone weary from endless rowing. And it turns out? You have twelve baskets of leftover miracle food at your feet right there in your boat, right there in the midst of your storm - proof of the supernatural provision around you everywhere - and still have immeasurable fear in your heart." (Ann Voskamp

Like the disciples, we all want to get to the other side. Life is like waves, rising and crashing waves and grueling storms. Life is a process and there is more to the process than just riding it out. There is an accepting and trusting of not only the waves, but the ruler of the waves.

We aren't in our waves alone. We have a God that walks on the waves because this is our Father's world.

God will get you to the other side, and He will change you from the inside.

Storms transform.

Let Him in the boat.

(Parts of this is from "Loved to Life" by Ann Voskamp)

Until next time, Pam

Easter Changes Everything

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:41:39 GMT

Easter Changes Everything

The Old Testament book of Numbers is a book filled with laws, Regulations not to be just an imposition upon the people, but instructions to follow.

They were told to always remember the commandments of the Lord our God, to treasure them, apply them.

These rules covered the sins of man, and the sins are many.

(Matthew Henry Commentary)

"The weakness of the Law through the flesh. The law discovers sin, but could not destroy it, checked it but could not conquer it."

Romans 8:3 "For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh."

We have always been unable to keep the law. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Yet all who believe in the Easter story, (Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and His resurrection) can be born-again.

Start again, and never to be the same again.

John 3: 1-15

All the born-again get new hearts and new minds, reborn as citizens of a new Kingdom.

There is no other way to actually be a Christian. If you want to be a true Christian, you must truly be born again.

There is no other overwhelming feeling than caring for a newborn.

With two precious grandbabies due to be born in the next months, I am once again struck with the fact that there is absolutely no way a newborn would live without someone caring for their needs.

Ann Voskamp likens our spiritual rebirth to a newborn.

"Like a newborn babe keeps looking for the face looking for her, so every soul know it has been reborn when, in a world of distractions, it keeps looking toward the Father, seeking the Father's smile, meeting the Father's smile with wild delight. Our home is in His eyes.

Like a newborn, knowing she's dependent on her caregiver for everything that will keep her truly alive, you know you're reborn when you keep reaching to attach to your Father, looking where He looks in the world, talking like He does, imitating what He does.

Just as no person ever controlled how or when they were born, no person controls how they are born again; being born again is a work of God alone.

Until next time. Pam

The Journey

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:42:41 GMT

The journey of the Israelites

The book of Numbers takes the reader on a long and windy path through the desert of excruciating details. In this book, the people of Israel

tested God's patience over and over again. In turn God tested their faithfulness and endurance.

Though the people failed many times, God continued to show His own faithfulness by His constant presence leading the way: though a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

Numbers 13

The Lord said to Moses, "Send the men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel." Moses sent 12 spies, 40 days later

the report tells of a land flowing with milk and honey and abundant fruit, (just as the Lord had said) but the people in the land are very large, far to

large to conquer, says the majority.

How quickly we forget God's promises.

(photo credit: Jodi Benson)

How quickly we forget the promises of God.

40 years later, a new generation of Israelites stand in the very same place. Moses is given detailed instruction on entering the land of Canaan.

God speaks to Moses of the many dangers of not following God's plan completely.

Their 40 years in the wilderness, the idols and/or temptations that the world that the world brings were out of sight. They focused on God.

"But now that they were to pass over Jordan they were entering again into temptation, and therefore, they are strictly charged utterly to destroy all remnants of idolatry." (Matthew Henry commentary)

If they let the Canaanites live among them, the Israelites would learn their ways and slowly fall into step with the wrong way.

If we do not drive out the sin in our lives, sin will drive us out. If we do not put to death our lusts, our lust could quite possibly be the death of our soul.

Where you look is where you love.

Let us be an obedient people.

Until next time, Pam.

Come and See

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:16:13 GMT

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have the light of life.

The Lenten season is a week in, and already you may long for a do over day.

Lent is the 40-day period leading up to Easter. It is not just a list to abstain from so we can check off the box.

It is not about self-denial but coming and seeing what you really want most.

To know our Lord.

To come and see.

You may think Lent is for our Catholic friends.

Any time we can cultivate a closer relationship with God, taking the time to detach from worldly distractions, this is beneficial.

"Jesus says to you in this moment, 'Come and see; because Jesus knows that whatever you see, you cannot unsee.'

Because: what you gaze on is what you fall in love with.

Stare at screens long enough and you may just fall in love with self-image and/or stuff.

But genuinely seeking Him always leads to following Him." (part of this is from Ann Voskamp)

Matthew4:19-20

"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men

. Immediately they left their nets and followed Him."

John 10:27

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

Come follow Jesus.

Until next time, Pam

The Promise

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:32:39 GMT

I will give land to your descendants.

The call of Abraham.

Genesis 12: 1-9 The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your fathers' family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you. I will give you land to your descendants."

Abram was 75 years old and Sari his beautiful wife was barren.

Genesis 15:1-6

Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision telling Abram he would have a son of his own who would be his heir. Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.

Life gets messy and we get impatient, especially when we are waiting for God to do something in our lives.

How often do we try it our way.

Genesis 16

Sarai, Abram's wife isn't much different from us. So, Sarai, said to Abram, "The Lord has prevented me from having children. Go have relationship with my maid servant. Perhaps I can have a child through her." Abram agreed. (This happened 10 years after they settled in Canaan.)

What are you waiting on God for?

Would we be patient after 10 years?

Wouldn't we try it our way?

I have always read this story with Abram, Sarai and God in mind but today I was struck in a different way.

What did Hagar think?

Did she want relationship with Abram?

Isn't it so interesting how God uses each one of us in every story.

Nothing is wasted.

Hagar the maidservant is with child.

Sarai now jealous treats her harshly.

Hagar now looks down upon Sarai.

Does our own fleshy wisdom get in the way of God's plan.

All of a sudden does Hagar, with child, feel entitled to more than being a maid servant?

Nevertheless, Hagar runs away, and God meets her in her distress. The angel of the Lord tells her to return and submit to Sarai's authority.

Hagar sets her face homeward, and the angel of the Lord meets her where she's at and encourages her.

Providence.

God sees Hagar.

God sees you.

God has a plan.

Let us move forward.

Until next time. Pam.

Proverbs

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 21:36:52 GMT

Wisdom and Discipline.

Today, as we inaugurate the 47th President and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day we are reminded of his efforts towards equality, peace and community.

Those who know the truth should spread the Word. We as believers have the truth and the truth will set us free.

Websters Unabridged 1945 Dictionary states that truth is the quality or state of being true and faithful.

American should learn the truth about...

Psalm 119:160

Speaks to God, "The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgements is everlasting."

Truth is everything that aligns with ultimate reality as designed and defined by God.

We may not agree or believe this to be truth, but that will not change what is true.

Proverbs 1:1-6

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.

These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.

The farther we veer from Christianity as a nation, the more depraved the people will become

and the more unstable the nation will be. (New America magazine)

Let us get back to God.

Until next time. Pam

The Mystery

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 12:23:17 GMT

The mystery so large becomes the Baby so small.

One of my favorite things is teaching Sunday School (our church calls it Bible and Life.)

I like the challenge of the older teens.

I thoroughly enjoy the middle school's age energy.

This year I get the pleasure of teaching 4-year-olds to 6-year-olds.

I am amazed at their willingness to just believe, their simple beautiful prayers.

The Bible talks in Matthew "about faith like a child."

Matthew 18:3-4

"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Do you believe in the mystery of Christmas?

The mystery, the mystery that gave up the heavens that were not even large enough to contain Him and lets Himself be held in a hand.

The infinite God becomes and infant.

God, the Creator of everything sent His Son out of heaven and into our World to walk as we walk and live as we live, yet perfect.

This Child, Jesus, was the rescuer God had been promising His children since everything went wrong back in the garden of Eden.

We are a people plagued by hurry. Let's not speed by it or rush through his season.

Let us pause, ponder and seek the miracle of the Advent.

Wait for the coming of the God in the manger.

The Gift.

Until next time. Pam

Thanksgiving

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 04:53:00 GMT

It is the month set aside for thanks.

I am struggling, and I still get turned around.

Is my dwelling on the past or fretting over the future keeping me from the present?

Is my anxiousness masked by anger?

Do I discount this moment?

Am I truly grateful,

or have I slapped a sloppy brush of thanksgiving

over my life, leaving me thankful for very few things in my life?

C.S. Lewis said. ” If you think of this world as a place intended simply for our happiness, you find it quite intolerable:

Think of it as a place of training and correction, and it’s not so bad. It might even be good.”

How do I live in awe when life can seem so mundane?

Live simple. Isn’t this how children live?

They are awed at the moon, delighted with a ball. Life is a surprise.

A child has no expectations.

When did I trade my awe for expectations?

Expectations can kill a relationship – Especially with God.

Psalm 7:17

I will give thanks to the Lord, the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

So I write my thankfulness list and am surprised by how truly full my life is.

This day
My husband
My children
My grandchildren
Salvation

Hebrews 12:28

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable,

let us be thankful and please God by worshipping him with holy fear and awe.

I continue to number and am once again surprised by joy.

Let us discover joy by being thankful.

( Parts of this are from Ann Voskamp)

Until next time. Pam

Thanks But No-Thanks

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:03:24 GMT

The study of Numbers

I have been in the book of Numbers for a few months now. Sadly, enough I don't find myself much different from the complaining Israelites.

I complain and complain some more.

Numbers 13 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel."

God tells them I am giving you this land, a land of milk and honey.

The twelve spies bring back the report, we came to the land which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is the fruit,

However, the people are strong and of great height, the cities are very large. We are like grasshoppers.

Why do we look at so much of life through the lens of our own strength?

Had the Israelites brought themselves out of Egypt?

Despite all the miracles the people of Israel had seen they could not believe the Lord would deliver them.

Going back to Egypt was always the better option in their minds.

Thousands of years later, we really haven't changed.

Where do you put your trust?

What do you cling to?

What is your hope invested in?

Psalm 118: 8-9

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust man.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust princes.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.

Let us keep our eyes on the Savior.

(Parts of this is taken from the study of Numbers by Lauren Chandler)

Until next time. Pam

The Heart

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:13:21 GMT

The Heart is the Compass

Why do we sin the way we do?

Why do we get hung up where we get hung up?

Why do I find myself going back to the same sin again and again?

Does there seem to be a circle in your life that's repeated over and over throughout a person's lifetime?

Let's start with our hearts. "Your heart is the compass that points to where you run under pressure." (Brad Bigney)

Our thoughts are the control center that the Bible speaks about, and Scripture uses the words heart and mind interchangeably.

1 Corinthians 10:13-14

Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.

God is faithful,

and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability,

but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape,

that you may be able to endure it.

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

Did you catch verse 14? Flee from idolatry.

We can run away from temptation.

Paul understood something inspired by the Holy Spirit.

He knew that when the pressure is on us, when we are tempted, we want to find an outlet,

a relief, a place of refuge.

So, if we're not on guard, our first thought and our first inclination is to run to something earthly instead of God.

Do we turn to work, food, pills, alcohol, our phones, and/or anger?

Do we demand our spouses to fix it? Or do we turn to God?

When pressure comes and stuff happens, and you find yourself turning to certain things and you might think that the pressure created the issue.

But the issue was already there, the pressure just revealed it.

We can repent, turn to God's word.

Look to God in your problems.

James 1:4

If anyone lacks wisdom. let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Let us draw unto God.

Until next time, Pam

Breaking News

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 12:26:18 GMT

The world counts down to the election day.

Who will be the 47th President of the United States?

Donald Trump

Kamala Harris

The decision of American voters will be profoundly consequential for everyone, one newspaper writes.

Another states, "A Harris victory would offer some hope."

Still another pens, "The world can't afford another four years of the same."

Where is the trust in the media?

We do our part, we pray, we try to stay educated, we vote, we pray.

God's word in contrast, provides us with many answers for the topic of the day.

Jeremiah 24:23

Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him?

declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.

Romans 13:

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For, there is no authority except from God,

and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgement.

For the hour of salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.

So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light,

Let us walk properly as in the daytime and put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

I will leave you with one more thought from the Bible.

Daniel 2: 21-23

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.

He changes times and seasons:

He removes kings and sets up kings.

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.

God is in control.

Let us continue to pray.

Until next time, Pam

Follow The Trail

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:07:42 GMT

We are a people where people are distracted. (T.S.Elliot)

Are we distracting ourselves into spiritual oblivion?

God had given the Israelites in the Old Testament a front-row seat to His glory and power. So why are the Israelites building a golden calf?

We ask what's wrong with them?

God had just led them through the Red Sea, parting the waters, wiping out the Egyptians.

God was on the move, right there for them to see, yet just a few weeks later, at Mount Sinai, they think God's forgotten them.

So, they build a golden calf. (part of this is taken from the book "Gospel Treason")

Exodus 32

We think what's wrong with these people. But we don't see it in our own lives.

We don't remember the last good and glorious thing God did for us by the time the next trial hits.

All we seem to see is the moment.

The Israelite's thought Moses wasn't coming back, so we had better take care of ourselves.

God is glorious and He is powerful.

But He's not always on our timetable. So, we think we have to take care of ourselves.

Everything we turn to other than God is a poor substitute.

Brad Bigney in the book Gospel Treason gives a short list of questions to self-check our hearts.

If I follow the trail of my time, money and affections what do you see?
Am I willing to sin to get it?
Where is the chaos in my life?
Am I willing to sin if I think I may lose it?
Do I run to anything other than God?

What gets you probably won't bother me and vice versa.

Let us seek the things from above.

Until next time, Pam

Labor Day

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:26:02 GMT

Labor Day Honors the Workers

To this day it still makes me smile at the thought of Labor Day.

Growing up my dad had us kids believing that Labor Day was the last weekend of the summer

to "get all your laboring chores done" so we worked hard to finish up any undone projects.

(photo taken 13 years ago) ( time goes by quickly)

Labor Day honors the contribution of workers in every field to maintain our country's strength and prosperity.

The Bible makes it clear we are to work, and it is a blessing to enjoy our labor.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

What gain has the worker from his toil?

I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with, He has made everything beautiful in its time.

I perceived that there was nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live.

Find joy in each day.

But....

John 6:27

Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.

Whatever your work may be, put God in the center.

Commit your work onto the Lord and your plans will be established.

Whether you work or play this Labor Day do it for the Lord.

Until next time, Pam

It's A Matter Of Choice

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:43:05 GMT

What's driving your choices?

The average adult makes approximately 122 informed choices every day, according to the "psychology-based app, Noom."

Choice; it is a conscious decision to choose the thought, the decision to eat, the decision to open your phone, ect...

You decide.

What drives your choices?

The news of the day. Your bank account. Your job. Other people.

What Is Your Direction in Life

Our achievements were never meant to give us our identity. Our identity must begin with who we are in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:9-10

"For by grace you have been saved, though faith.

And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Joshua 24:14-15 Makes it very clear you choose whether you will follow God or will you follow other gods.

Who or what will you follow today? You choose.

Matthew 6:19-37

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break and steal,

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be."

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other."

You choose.

Do we have "identity amnesia" forgetting who we are in Christ Jesus.

Let us remember.

Until next time, Pam

Gathering Fruit

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 12:35:52 GMT

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

I took the time to enjoy picking chokecherries yesterday. The early morning breeze was cool after the hot days.

My bucket filled quickly; I was amazed by God's provision. As I moved from bush to bush, I noticed the larger chokecherries were towards the top of the bushes where I couldn't reach, nor did I want to do any extra work to gather them.

As I continued to pick the lower hanging fruit, I wondered if this is how I do my spiritual life.

Hurried and rushed grabbing the quick and easy spiritual food. A sermon or pod cast as I continue on with my day.

All these tools are excellent, but I am digging into the Word of God so I may hear from God. Am I only addressing the easy issues in my life.

Am I missing out.

One of the synonyms for hurry, according to the Thesaurus, is shallowness.

Philippians 2:12-13

God's word tells us to work out our salvation with a wholesome, serious caution and trembling. (Kenneth Wuest, expanded New Testament Translation)

Psalm 119: 1-75

"Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statues; and I will keep it, to the end.

Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.

Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain.

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments."

Let us not live in shallow faith.

Until next time, Pam

What We Hear

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 12:57:05 GMT

What are you hearing these days?

We live in a world filled with noise: the hum of the washer-dryer, the constant running of the fridge, the TV broadcasting, and our phones...

Our workplace.

People talking,

There are noises everywhere.

What noises are you listening to?

What we hear, will fill our minds and we will think on it to some extent.

Information on almost anything is a download away, but not all information brings wisdom.

Knowledge can exist without wisdom.

Webster defines wisdom: the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgement as to action,

Discernment or insight.

The Bible clearly states that Christ is wisdom.

God wants us to have knowledge of Him and what He commands, but equally knowing is not all there is to wisdom.

Wisdom is a gift from God.

James 1:5

"If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Proverbs 1:7

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

1 Corinthians 1:27-30

The Bible says the only thing we contribute to our redemption is the sin that made it necessary.

So, no one, however mighty, "might boast" in God. The gospel levels humanity and exalts God.

Knowledge memorizes scripture, wisdom obeys them.

Let us obey.

Until next time, Pam

God Breathed

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 11:31:05 GMT

David said, "The Lord is my Rock," he knew this by faith.

Psalm 18:1-3

(A Psalm of David. He sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul.)

"I love you Lord: you are my strength.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;

my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.

He is my shield, the power that saves me,

and my place of safety.

I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,

and He saved me from my enemies." When David said the Lord is my Rock, he knew this to be true before, but he knew it by faith.

Now years later, David sang it from a perspective by experience.

Have you thought about your faith experiences?

Are you journaling your story with God?

God chose to reveal Himself to us throughout the Bible enabling us, through the Holy Spirit,

to embedded God's Word in our heart and embody it into our lives.

It is living and effective inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting,

for training in righteousness. Hebrews 4:12

In 2 Timothy 3:14-16 Paul uses the term, "Breathed out by God" meaning "God" and "breathed."

The writings themselves are words spoken by God.

All scripture, meaning all scripture, is breathed out by God.

These scripture passages tell us that God has given us the Bible to make us wise unto spiritual matters.

Therefore, let us turn to the Bible to find the answers to life's questions.

Until next time, Pam

Help My Unbelief

Thu, 09 May 2024 11:52:39 GMT

Faith is the title deed of things hoped for.

Is your faith resilient and sturdy?

The definition of resilient: able to withstand difficult conditions.

Or today do you feel like your faith is wavering a bit?

Faith is not merely holding to certain teachings, such as that God exists,

but rather it is a strong conviction that the world around us is part of a greater plan.

God's plan.

Faith means that although at times the world looks chaotic and uncontrolled, we know deep down this chaotic world is not our home.

Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created

by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

Do we say we have faith, yet our unawareness leads us to go through the motions of a religious activity as enough.

Far too often, we live indirectly off of our Pastor's or other leaders' spirituality and relate to God while busily "on the run."

What challenges keep you from slowing down your life to be with God?

The New Testament reveals that faith and hope go hand in hand for the followers of Jesus.

Our faith is the title deed of things hoped for: it's proof that what we believe is real, as well as the certainty that our hopes will become actualized in heaven. (Part of this paragraph is from, Without Wavering, by Alexandra Hoover}

Hebrews 11:1-2 {The Message} Eugene Peterson writes, "The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm

foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguishes our ancestors,

sets them above the crowd."

How's your foundation?

Whether it's firm, shaky, or sinking we can live in the fact that faith is a gift.

God is the Creator and Giver of it.

We can surrender each day to Jesus.

We can believe in His promises and allow Him to use us for the good works He has planned.

Let us grow in faith and help our unbelief.

Until next time. Pam

Retreat Or Risk

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:55:59 GMT

Do You Believe The Gospel

How should followers of Christ today live in an American or any culture that seems to be intentionally increasingly anti-Christian?

Has life really changed that much over the years? Wasn't Christianity born into a culture of opposition two thousand years ago?

Across the centuries, Christians in countless cultures have lived out their faith in settings where belief in the Bible has been viewed as offensive and the commitment to Christ has proven to be costly.

So, how should followers of Christ live today?

Our answer to this question determines how we live in today's world.

Either we retreat from Christ, or we risk following Christ by countering the culture.

Most of us will not reject God outright instead we hold to a belief of the Bible but choose to live in the comfortable confines of a silent faith.

If we don't retreat, only one option remains: We risk.

Neutrality is not a possibility.

Webster defines retreat: 1. An act or process, or withdrawing,

Withdrawing from conflict seems logical, keeping quiet at your workplace when a touchy religious topic is being discussed.

Keeping to ourselves has its place for sure, but when we know we should speak the truth we know, but we remain silent.

Do we just want to keep our blinders on and not get involved in others' lives, or will we risk.

Our Holy Scriptures give us a clear answer to this question, through a question a lawyer asked Jesus. "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

Jesus answered, "What is written in the Law?" The lawyer answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." And Jesus replies, "You have answered correctly, do this and you will live."

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Luke 10:29-37

Jesus tells us a parable of a man going from Jerusalem to Jericho. He is attacked by robbers who strip him and beat him.

A priest and a Levite pass by without helping.

But a Samaritan (a group of people despised by the Jews) came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.

He took him to an inn and asked the innkeeper to care for him.

Which of these men took a risk?

The one that showed mercy and care. Can we go and do likewise?

Getting involved, taking a risk may just be a pleasant hello, or a kind act of any. We cannot serve two masters.

Let us be risk takers for Jesus Christ.

Until next time, Pam

Life That Is Truly Life

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 17:52:17 GMT

Life That is Truly Life

Is our society consumer based?

Did you know that only a century ago 90 percent of Americans were farmers? Life was hard, but simpler too. They mostly lived off the land and traded with neighbors whatever else they needed. Money was rarely used. And most of the things they owned fell into the category of needs,

not wants.

Today only 2 percent of Americans work agriculture. The last century has radically reshaped the American economy. People moved to cities for jobs, where goods were produced.

After the wars, politicians and businessmen worked hard to remake the American economy. It was said their goal was to get the simple farmers children to spend their time and money buying up the latest thing. To grow a generation of consumers.

To Grow a Generation of Consumers

(photo credit Jody Benson)

The Apple Vision Pro headset became available for purchase last week. Since, I am not tech savvy, I looked into this new computer.

(Parts of this is from the internet)

Apple Vision Pro headset is a clunky, computer you wear on your face. Starting price is $3,499.

The headset tracks your eyes, scans your hand movement and maps the room, while your apps from Microsoft are available. This computer generates an environment with scenes and objects that appear real, making the user feel they are immersed in their surroundings, allowing us to interact with the computer just as we do in the real world, by talking to a virtual human.

What is the principal of virtual reality?

(I quote)

The basic idea of virtual technology is an end - to an end mechanism that replaces the natural environment with a deceptive real-looking simulation.

The Bible has much to say about getting caught up in the world of distractions.

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as in the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Nothing can replace the need for intentional face to face relationships.

Whatever side of the spectrum you may be on with technology, let us enjoy each moment if life. Let's not be in such a hurry to rush onto the next thing. There's so much here to see, to enjoy. So, whether we work, or play let us do it for the Lord.

Until next time, Pam

Un-Hurry Your Life

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 13:54:18 GMT

Have you ever considered "boredom" as good for you?

Is boredom good for your kids?

Do you remember a time when instant access to the internet, YouTube, tic-toc, and/or snapchat wasn't an immediate go to?

How about this, waiting at the railroad tracks, waiting in traffic, sitting in a movie theater before the show with nothing for your mind to do but wander, listen, visit or just be quiet?

Instead, do we fill the empty minutes checking emails, answering texts, checking Facebook, reading tweets and/or watching random videos?

We all have to do some of this, but is this new normal of hurried digital distraction robbing our ability to be present?

Present with God.

Present with people.

Present in our own souls.

"The noise of this world makes us deaf to the voice of God."

The noise of this world makes us deaf to the voice of God, drowning out the one input we most need. (John Mark Comer, "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry")

The Bible gives us examples of how Jesus practiced being quiet, finding silence.

Mark 1:35-36

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Mark 6:30-32

The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure, even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.

Let's begin turning down the external noise, and work on the mental chatter running in our heads.

We can replace self - noise with healthy self - talk.

Let us enter into some quiet time and get centered, by being in touch with God and yourself.

Extra reading: Luke 6:12 Luke 9:18-22

Until next time, Pam

Show me the way in 2024

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 12:55:00 GMT

When the year's end feels a bit impossible.

Are you weary from long days? A pace that leaves you weary.

As we continue to face unknowns and heartaches, I am desperately made aware of my need for the Lord.

Show me the way from your Word.

The solution to an over busy life is not more time. It is to slow down and simplify our lives around what really matters.

How do we live deliberately, slowing down, simplifying, right in the middle of the chaos of the noisy, fast-paced, digital world we call home?

The answer is easy: but the process is difficult and daily: follow Jesus.

To many this answer may feel a bit mundane,

Read your Bible.

Be with Jesus.

Become like Jesus.,

Model all of your life after Jesus.

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Eugene Peterson's paraphrase of these same verses in The Message:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out by religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

People all over the world-outside the church and in-are looking for an escape, a way out from under the weight of life this side of Eden.

But there is no escaping. The best the world can offer is a temporary distraction.

Jesus doesn't offer us an escape. He offers us much more, equipment.

He offers us a way to bear the weight of this world.

At his side.

At his pace.

Unhurried, present in the moment, full of love and joy and peace.

(Parts of this is taken from, "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry")

Until next time, Pam

Anyone Feeling This

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 19:47:17 GMT

I'm in a Hurry To Get Things Done

Do you recall the 1980's hit from Alabama, "I'm In a Hurry?" The chorus catches anyone's ear.

"I'm in a hurry to get things done, I rush and rush until life's no fun.

All I really gotta do is live and die, but I'm in a hurry and don't know why.

I am not writing about the busy life or a life of hard work. I am writing about the pace we continue to keep and a mindset we have formed.

Webster defines Hurry:

1. To move or act more quickly than normal.

2. A behavior pattern characterized by continual rushing and anxiousness.

3. A general feeling in which a person feels chronically short of time, and so tends to perform every task faster and to get more flustered when encountering any kind of delay.

Anyone feeling this?

The book, "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry," has a little self-inventory available. I will pen some of them and you decide if any of these examples ring true for you. I was surprised how many I can struggle with when it comes to hurry.

Irritability- You get mad, frustrated, or just annoyed way too easily. Little, normal things irk you. People have to tiptoe around your ongoing low-grade negativity, if not anger.
Hypersensitivity- All it takes is a minor comment to hurt your feelings, a little turn of events can throw you into an emotional funk and ruin your day. Minor things quickly escalate to major emotional events. Depending on your personality, this might show up as anger or nitpickyness or anxiety or depression or just tiredness.
Restlessness- When you actually do try to slow down and rest, you can't relax. You have quiet time with God but can't focus your mind.
Workaholic (or just nonstop activity)- You just don't know when to stop. Or worse, how to. Another hour, another day, another week. Result: When the day does end you have nothing left to give to your spouse, children, or loved ones. They get the grouchy, overtired you.
Emotional numbness- You don't enter into another's pain, you just don't have time for it.

Anyone feeling this?

If hurry is a mindset, once again through scripture reading, we can retrain our minds. Oh, it takes much practice.

Deuteronomy: 31:6 "Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."

Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Proverbs 19:21 "There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the Lord's counsel-that will stand."

The poet Mary Oliver, wrote: "Worship and joy start with the capacity to turn our minds' attention toward the God who is always with us in the now."

Now is the time to start.

Until next time, Pam.

Distracted From Distractions

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 22:53:27 GMT

Are we a people, "distracted from distractions?"

I like the little booklet, "Tyranny of the Urgent," written by Charles E. Hummel. He cries out for a thirty-hour day, confident that people work harder and quite possibly enjoy life less.

Hard work doesn't hurt anyone. In fact, many of us thrive at a hard task. Mr. Hummel continues by explaining that the problem lies not in the task but in the prioritization of our tasks. The urgent task needs to be done now, yet often the important task can wait. Thus becomes the tyranny of the urgent. The part of his booklet that always makes me smile is the date it was first penned, 1967.

Fast forward to 2023 how are we doing with the hurry in our lives?

(Parts taken from the book "Hurry")

"We, for every kind of reason, good and bad, are distracting ourselves into spiritual oblivion.

It is not that we have anything against God it is just that we are habitually too preoccupied to have the need for growing in Christ to show up on our radar screens. We are more busy than bad, more distracted than nonspiritual, and more interested in other things."

The book continues," For many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it."

For many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version

of it.

Do you see what's at stake here? We move so fast through life that we're stressed out, on edge, quick to snap at our family. Could it be that an over busy, digitally distracted life of speed quite possibly is the greatest threat spiritually to our modern world?

Luke 10:38-42 reminds us how easily we can become distracted.

"As Jesus and his disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me."

"But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! there is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."

These verses are a good reminder of what distractions and worry can do if we allow hurry to choke out our ability to distinguish between the urgent and important.

Take some time this week to simply sit at the feet of our Savior.

Read HIs word. Seek Him and it will be well with your soul.

Until next time, Pam

New Birth

Sat, 27 May 2023 13:26:00 GMT

The warmth of the sunshine does something for our souls. It seems to lift the spirit. Signs of spring are slowly showing up. The Little Missouri River’s running out of its banks. Baby calves scatter the hillsides. Green grass begs to grow.

Just days before the Holy Week, our eighth grandchild is born. The overwhelming love spills out of my eyes as we hold this perfect God-given gift—the newness of her cry, her hands, her round face.

One of God’s greatest gifts is the offer of new life.

One of God’s greatest gifts is new life.

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Weeks later, I read in the Book of John how Jesus appears to His disciples.

John 20:19-23

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

The Disciples lived out their new lives in Christ. They saw Jesus do many miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this Book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in Him, You will have life by the power of His name.

Have you accepted God’s new life today? If not, please read Pastor Ben’s AAA to Salvation under the Salvation tab.

You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me. John 20:29b

Just believe.

Until next time, Pam.

Peaceful Living

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 13:59:00 GMT

Most of the world’s discussion about peace today centers around the absence of wars between nations.

We are past the anniversary of the Ukraine war; this world does not seem peaceful.

But the Bible focuses on a different kind of peace.

A personal peace that is not dependent on what is happening around us.

A personal peace that is not dependent on

what is happening around us.

The Peace Of God from the God of Peace.

Are people seeking the answer to peace?

Are we seeing a spiritual sickness, an emptiness?

Can we really find personal peace with God?

Yes, we can, but we must look in the right place.

John 14: 27

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

The Bible has a lot to say about peace. An internal peace even in the absence of external peace.

Let us seek the road map to peace.

Until next time. Pam

Hope was Born

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 15:10:00 GMT

The days before the eve of our Christ child’s birthday, the wind blizzards across much of the United States, canceling 1000’s flights and displacing millions of hopeful people anticipating Christmas.

As water pipes freeze, furnaces are maxed with wind chills of -55*, and herds of cattle crowd together, seeking relief.

Many people work endlessly during the storm.

Does your Hope of Christmas fade?

Tonight we cannot see the stars shine.

There is no splendor filling the sky.

Yet, God is always in control, even when it seems the world is out of control.

Yet, God is always in control, even when it

seems the world is out of control.

Scripture reveals the story foretold, those years of silence between the Old and New Testament.

A great multitude breaks the silence of angels praising God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:8-21

For behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which is God with us).

Matthew 1:18-25

Christmas morning, 2023, we remember Hope was born on this day. Our Savior and King.

Until next time, Pam.

Seek and Search

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:10:00 GMT

God has given His people instructions for flourishing.

Deuteronomy 4:2

You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.

You shall not add to the word that I

command you.

Just before entering the promised land, Moses told the people to keep God’s commandments because Israel was to stand apart from other nations.

So as believers in Jesus Christ, are we not to stand apart today?

Another word for stand apart is: abstain, refrain from or omit to do something.

In other words, we are to live differently from the world.

Deuteronomy 4:6-8

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on your doorposts of your house and on your gates.

This Christmas season, how are you doing at living differently from the world?

Do you have peace?

Are you joyful?

Is there a calmness to your day?

It is a struggle, yet it is possible with Christ Jesus as our Lord.

I read this yesterday, and I will leave it with you to ponder.

“The way you view your condition before salvation makes a big difference in the way you view the worth of your salvation.”

(God’s Solution to Lifes Problems)

Merry Christmas.

Until next time. Pam

What is Christmas

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:23:00 GMT

What is Christmas?

If there never was a Savior wrapped in a manger.

What is Christmas without Christ?

We remember how the story goes yet, we find ourselves

caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas preparations.

Have we lost the reason that we celebrate each year?

The Birth Of Christ

Luke 2:1-20

Luke 2: 7-12

She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger

because there was no lodging available for them. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby,

guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the

Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said.

“I bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem,

the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign:

You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

I almost tear up as I once again read what Jesus has done for you and me.

Jesus was born to bring us life.

Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will

be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.

Acts 4:12

John 3:16

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son,

so everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Yet, There’s the ache for those no longer here on earth. There’s the loneliness of relationships broken. The longing for peace on earth and joy.

Isn’t this the very reason the Word became human and made his home among us?

He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.

He came to seek and save the lost.

John1:14

Let us remember how the story goes.

It is all about a Savior wrapped in a manger. This is Christmas because of Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas.

(Parts of this is taken by a song “This Is Christmas”)

Until next time, Pam

Truth 101

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 13:24:00 GMT

The day an elderly, kind man shared with me his knowledge of the one who raised me. He knew of his hard work at ranching. He knew of his love for the land. He knew of his hunting and trapping adventures.

We reminisced about days past.

He then said enough of my stories, “how do you remember your dad?”

I recounted his teasing spirit. His quiet nature. His love for sweets. His strong work ethic. His knowledge. His pride in his grandchildren. I smile fondly, knowing I can tell so much more.

The trapper friend and I bid farewell. Yet, I am left surprised I didn’t recognize how much the one who raised me spoke the truth in a calm level headed manner. The truth on world issues. The truth of God.

Truth is a universal topic that we all seek

to know and understand.

Truth is a universal topic that we all seek to know and understand. However, the truth is revealed when we spend time in God’s word and prayer.

The Bible shows the significance of the truth in Biblical times and our modern-day lives.

“The truth is religious and moral people need the same salvation as someone who never attends church and has lived with no regard for any standard or creed.” (Allistair Begg, Truth For Life)

The Greek word for “truth” is Aletheia , which literally means to un-hide or hiding nothing. It conveys the thought that truth is always there, always open and available to all to see, with nothing hidden or obscured.

(Definition found @Got Questions)

John 14:6

Jesus said to him (Thomas), ” I am the way and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Salvation only comes through Jesus Christ.

1John 5:11-12

“And this is the testimony that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

We have only one story to tell, but it is the only story we or anyone needs. Today, through faith in Christ Jesus, you can be a child of God.

Until next time, Pam.

The Road Less Traveled

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 13:04:00 GMT

Driving is unavoidable in our rural area. Therefore, I choose the route to town depending on the day.

I travel a particular road if it’s raining. I choose another if I need cell service. I choose yet another if I’m late and drive faster, for that road is less traveled.

I noticed that one section of the road shows up on our GPS as an unidentifiable road.

What road do you travel?

Do you automatically seek the fastest or simplest route?

Is it easier to continue along the same road we’ve always known, so we can mindlessly travel?

It is difficult to seek out the road less traveled in life.

Some may even believe that all roads lead to the same place. The starting and ending point are the same, but the paths may differ.

The Bible does not always match the culture. Does the Bible teach that all religious roads lead to the same place?

Scripture talks about roads, often using “path’ and “way” as synonyms for life.

Proverbs 14:12

It teaches one can take the wrong road: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

Matthew 7:13-14

Jesus said,” Enter by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

He reduced life to two options: a difficult, narrow road to heaven and an easy broad road to hell.

Because of who Jesus is,

Christianity is not just another religion.

It is presumptuous for any man to invent a religion and then tell others they can be saved or condemned by it. Only Jesus can say, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Because of who Jesus is,

Christianity is not just another religion.

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Ponder the path of your feet. Proverbs 4:26a

(Paragraph was taken from an article, “Do all roads lead to heaven.”)

Until next time, Pam.

Information Overload

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 12:27:00 GMT

The 21st century has been called the era of science and technology (and now data), especially with technological developments over the last few decades.

The world wide web, www. has made information from around the globe widely available.

If used correctly, it would save us time.

We can navigate new places with ease.

We can send instant messages.

We can share photos and videos as never before.

Modern technology has given us better communication means.

We can inquire about anything that comes across our minds.

The average person spends 6-8 hours on their phone a day.

The average person spends 6-8 hours

on their phone a day.

How many hours do you spend on your phone?

We cannot imagine a life without the technology on our phones.

Are we wiser people?

Has technology made us better communicators?

(Photo by Jody Benson)

Every day, more and more people are using text or instant messages and/or other instant networking sites to

communicate with one another.

Every day fewer and fewer people choose to meet in person or even talk on the phone.

Facebook CEO himself clearly states, “Facebook exists to connect every person in the world.” In 2004 when Facebook was created, it was for the local connection, but today, we can have a global connection through a more robust network.

Due to the technology through apps we can photoshop any picture creating a perfect world for others to see.

However, in reality, we live far from a picture-perfect world. A world of busyness, messy homes, lawns needing to be mowed, kids needing attention, and dirty dishes. The list could go on.

(Photo by Richy W)

All of this said, the Bible urges us to seek wisdom above all things.

Proverbs 4:7

To seek Godly wisdom. Be very careful how you live – not as unwise but wise, making the most out of every opportunity.

Ephesians 5:15-16

The wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. God wants us to seek wisdom through the scriptures, making us wise unto salvation. We will trade earthly value for biblical value, preparing ourselves and others for eternity.

2Timothy 3:15-17

Pastor Scott penned, “Never before are we a people drowning in information and opinions while starving for true wisdom.”

Let’s spread the truth.

Until next time, Pam.

Reputation

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 11:41:00 GMT

Every day you are shaping your reputation.

And as a Christian, every day, you are sharing Christ’s reputation too.

So what do our lives say about Christ as we do life as His disciples?

Who or what is influencing your life?

Who do you influence today?

(PHOTO BY KATIE WEINREIS)

Webster defines reputation:

as a belief or opinion about someone or

something/ a good name.

The Bible tells us of one man whose reputation withstood many trials. Daniel

Daniel 6

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom 120 satraps (a governor) to be throughout the whole kingdom and over them three high officials, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these straps should give account so that the king might not suffer any loss. Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and straps because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the high officials and the straps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel, but they could find no ground because he was faithful. So the high officials agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction that whoever makes a petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. So King Darius signed the injunction.

I wonder how I would have handled such a document.

When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house, where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day, prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

As he had done previously.

Daniel already had established a reputation long before the ordinance had been signed.

I have heard a gentleman in our church say, It takes a lifetime to establish a reputation, and it takes about five minutes to destroy one.

Ecclesiastes 7:1a

A good name is better than precious ointment,

A reputation like this is not gained in five minutes or even five days but slowly and steadily in the ebb and flow of life.

What kind of reputation are you forming?

Until next time, Pam

You Choose

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 18:17:00 GMT

It wasn’t this bad in the beginning. Isn’t that what most of us say of our tiny sin.

Our first decisions. Our first wonder. Our first choices. They are critical.

Our first decisions. Our first wonder.

Our first choices. They are critical.

Romans 6:16 NLT Don’t you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive His approval.

If only we’d known where those first bad decisions would have led us, maybe we’d have chosen differently.

In our culture, addiction has become the most common way to deal with pain. We watch television incessantly. We keep busy running from one activity to another, we overeat, we take pills, we get angry, we indulge in alcohol, and we grumble. Then, we do about anything to avoid the pain.

Sadly, as a result of denying and minimizing our sins over the years, we become less human, empty Christian shells with pretty painted smiley faces.

Is God our last resort?

Are we indifferent to sin?

Especially the ones around us – but not really affecting our day-to-day life.

Is the American way of busyness keeping us on edge, lacking compassion, or discontented?

We are to live our lives as the rest of the world – working, experiencing joy and sorrow, marrying, buying things, and using them – but always with an awareness that these things in themselves are not our lives.

We are marked by eternity, free from the dominating power of things. Yet, so quickly along our journey with Christ, we get attached to behaviors, habits, things, and people.

God’s purpose for us is to have a loving union with Him, joyfully detaching from certain behaviors and activities for the purpose of a more intimate, loving attachment to God.

We are to enjoy the world and all God’s gifts without being ensnared by them. It has rightly been said that those who are the most detached on the journey are best able to taste the purest joy in the beauty of created things.

1 Peter 2:11-12 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

(Parts of this taken from “Emotionally Healthy Spiritually” by Peter Scazzero)

Until next time, Pam.

Look Alike’s

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 12:35:00 GMT

The rancher and I purchased tickets to listen to an Elvis impersonator a while back. Printed on the tickets assured us he was one of the greatest impersonators.

He spoke of the Elvis in the 1950s and sang like the Elvis of the 60s, as he danced like the Elvis of the 70s. It was as if Elvis himself was entertaining us. This man shared with the audience how he studied Elvis’ moves, his voice, and his attitudes so he could become like him.

After the show, the rancher and I shared the elevator with Elvis. As we chatted I was surprised at how much he sounded and acted like Elvis off stage. I couldn’t help but wonder how it would be to live your whole life trying to be someone else.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we are to live in obedience to Him, seeking to imitate and model our lives after Christ.

Ephesians 5:1

The Bible is our handbook, the how-to guide of Christ. We are to read it, practice it, and live it. Christ has left an example so that we might follow in His steps.

1Peter 2:21

Until next time, Pam

This isn’t Fair

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 15:46:00 GMT

How many times have you said or thought, “This isn’t fair?”

Often we say, “this isn’t fair,” based on what we think we deserve.

Let’s define deserve; Do something or have or show qualities worthy of reward or punishment. Rightly receive something good or bad.

Our group of ladies is studying a Bible study called Missing Pieces. Jennifer Rothschild, the author, has a lesson on “It’s Not Fair.” She directs us to

Matthew 20:1-7

The master of the house went out early in the morning to hire laborers. Then, after agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. During the third hour, the sixth hour, the ninth, and the eleventh hour the master continued to hire laborers. When those hired about the eleventh hour received a denarius, the first workers were sure they would get more, but they each received a denarius. So they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, “These last workers only worked an hour, and they get equal pay. Did we not do the bulk of work in the heat of the day? Why would you be so unfair, master?” The master replied, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree to work for a denarius? Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?”

I wonder if they still went away feeling frustrated by what seemed unfair?

At first thought, the wage doesn’t seem fair because all the workers weren’t treated equally.

Fairness and equality are not synonymous.

I like the definition of fair: marked by impartiality and honesty: without self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism.

Doesn’t that sound like our God?

I wonder if we say, “This isn’t fair,” based on what we think we deserve? Do I deserve this difficulty?

In the Truth for Life devotional, Alistair Begg writes, “We live in a society permeated by discontent. The real issue, though, is not so much the society we live in but the state of our own hearts and minds.”

Romans 5:8

But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(Photo credit Amy Northrop)

Let’s turn in our Bibles to the greatest, “It’s Not Fair.” scripture, and what this means for you and me?

Luke 23:32-43

The scripture depicts the crucifixion of Christ and the two others, who were criminals. The first criminal rails at Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we are receiving the due reward of our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.”

Jesus was scoffed, mocked, beaten and bloodied, kicked, whipped, spit on, ridiculed, despised, and stripped from His clothes. He was forced to carry a cross. A cross He didn’t deserve. He had spikes driven in His hands and feet. Jesus went through all of this for you and for me. The scripture verifies His love.

Luke 23:42-43

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

I ask you, “Where’s the fairness in this?”

Until next time, Pam

Your Compass

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 13:16:00 GMT

I came across my oldest son’s compass. I still smile as I remember giving it to him, as he told me I needed it more than he did because he knew everything about this ranch. He was ten and probably correct.

A compass works because Earth is a vast magnet. A magnet has two main centers of force, called poles – one on each end. Lines of magnetic force connect these poles (which are on the top and bottom of a globe). The compass needle acts like these bits of metal. It points north because it lines up with Earth’s lines of magnetic force. (Britannica Encyclopedia)

Most phones today have a compass. What if your phone magnet motion sensor is wrong?

What if you hold a compass the wrong way? Will you not be led astray?

As believers in Jesus Christ, what should our moral compass look like?

Scripture should be our motion sensor in every situation, yet too often, it seems we have become a people where “self is god” and our feelings are the guide.

So ultimately, do we want a compass that points only to ourselves?

In Matthew 2, we read of the birth of Jesus Christ and how troubled King Herod became.

Herod summoned the wise men to find this baby to destroy him secretly. But, unfortunately, Herod’s compass only pointed to himself and his kingship.

As we continue to read Matthew 2:9-12

After listening to the King, the wise men went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they fell and worshiped him.

Then opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

The wise men were guided to look for the King of the Jews by a miraculous “star of Bethlehem.”

We are told that the magi (meaning wise men) were men from the East, most likely Persia or modern-day Iran. This means they may have traveled 800 to 900 miles to see the Christ Child. Most likely, they knew the writings of Daniel and Isaiah, which gives a timeline for the birth of the Messiah. ( Part of this is taken from Gotquestions.com)

The magi’s compass was a physical star.

The magi were men who read and believed God’s word.

Sought Jesus.

Recognized the worth of Christ.

Humbled themselves to worship Jesus.

Obeyed God rather than man.

Let’s seek the Savior this Christmas.

Until next time, Pam

Sunday Morning Coming Down

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 14:39:00 GMT

Last Friday night, the rancher and I went to the “Ring of Fire” performance. Which we thoroughly enjoyed. One of the musicians sang a catchy tune. “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”

Days later, I still have this song in my head, so I look up the lyrics.

(Photocopied from the internet)

Chorus: “On the Sunday morning sidewalk, wishing Lord that I was stoned.

‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday, makes a body feel alone.

And there’s nothin’ short of dyin’ half as lonesome as the sound

On the sleepin’ city sidewalks, Sunday mornin, comin’ down.

Verse 3: In the park, I saw a daddy with a laughing little girl who he was swingin’.

And I stopped beside a Sunday School and listened to the song that they were singin’.

Then I headed back for home, and somewhere far away, a lonely bell was ringin’.

And it echoed through the canyons like the disappearing dreams of yesterday.”

This song rolled around in my head all week. I couldn’t help but wonder about this lostness we feel without knowing God as our Savior. What are we searching for? We can be lonely while knowing God, but the absence of Christ leaves us empty.

According to the USA Facts, three out of five Americans feel lost. The reasons are anything from being a drifter to not caring or being too busy to form relationships, or just plain not knowing why they think as they do.

The book of Psalms expresses David’s intense loneliness in life and his desperate cry for God not to leave him.

Like David, we can know God is our only hope.

Psalm 139:1-12

Oh Lord, you have searched me and known me!

You know me when I sit down and when I rise up;

You discern my thoughts from afar.

You search out my path and my lying down

and are acquainted with all my ways.

Even before a word is on my tongue,

behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

You hem me in, behind and before.

And lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me:

it is high: I cannot attain it.

Where shall I go from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I take the wings of the morning

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

even there your hand shall lead me,

and your right hand shall hold me.

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,

and the light about me be night,”

even the darkness is not dark to you:

the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

If you do not know Christ as your Savior, click on the salvation tab and read Pastor Ben’s message.

When we feel lonely and lost, remember God already knows and cares.

Get into the written word of God.

Until next time, Pam.

Ancient Words

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 12:13:00 GMT

The early morning breeze moves the shades in room 110 as the one who raised me struggles to breathe.

The emotions spill from my eyes.

How do we live this one life well because we all will face death?

Can we find the answers in the Bible?

The Bible is the inspired word of God and

His revelation to all people of himself and His plan of salvation.

The Bible is the inspired word of God

and His revelation to all people of himself and

His plan of salvation.

For several months our Pastor has been preaching a series called “Ancient Words.”

One of his questions, “Do we read the Bible for information or formation?”

The day has been long and difficult in room 110. I pick up the Bible to read it because I need it.

I begin to read aloud to the one who raised me.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

The labored breathing is now regular and quiet; sleep comes for this night.

I will treasure this moment forever.

For the one who raised me has finished the race, fought the good fight,

and received the ultimate prize, everlasting life in heaven.

That day in July formed me.

Those ancient words calmed our fears and soothed our souls.

Will you let the Word change you?

“Ancient words ever true

Changing me changing you

We have come with open hearts

Oh, let the ancient words impart.” ( lyrics Ancient Words)

Let the change begin.

Until next time, Pam.

Heart Condition

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 18:59:00 GMT

A few weeks back, Chuck Swindol did a radio series on this scripture; as I took notes, I couldn’t

help but wonder if my heart was hard, shallow, or crowded, or do I have a healthy heart?

Matthew 13:3-9

Then He told them many things in parables, saying: “Consider the sower who went out to sow.

As he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them.

Other seeds fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it grew up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep. But when the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it. Still, other seed fell on good ground and produced fruit: some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times what was sown.”

“Let anyone who has ears listen.”

Matthew 13:18-23

“Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.

We will call that the hard heart.

Verse 20 The seed that fell on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. Chuck Swindol named that the shallow heart.

(photo taken by Ashley Weinreis)

Verse 22 The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly, the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. Let’s call this the crowded heart.

Verse 23 The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted! This is a healthy heart.

All four soils received the seed. All heard God’s word, but are we listening?

The hardened heart hears but doesn’t pay attention or listen or let the word be planted in his heart.

If we don’t let the word seep into our hearts, nothing in our life will change.

The shallow heart quickly grabs God’s word. In their head, they think this is a good way, and they’re excited at the moment but quickly do things their own way. The seed never formed roots, so they don’t let God make a difference in their heart.

I would say much of America has a crowded heart. We are just too busy. We are crowded by the worries of life, the lure of this world, and the desire for things. We are preoccupied. Our pace is much too fast; we’re busy with our own priorities.

I heard it said it takes the luxury of time to become a man of God. The luxury of time, yet aren’t we all given the same 24 hours in each of our days? We can choose at least some of what we fill those hours with.

The healthy heart produces a harvest 30, 60, even 100 times. It sees God’s word as necessary. It notices the weeds growing in their life, and they work hard to get rid of them. A healthy heart thrives. A healthy heart is concerned about doing God’s work and living in God’s will.

Our heart represents who we are.

I will close with this old nursery rhyme.

Pussy Cat Pussy Cat, where have you been?

I’ve been to London to visit the queen.

Pussy Cat Pussy Cat, what did you there?

I frightened a little mouse under her chair.

You what?

You had all this opportunity to see all the sights of London.

You went to visit the queen, yet all you did was frighten a mouse under her chair?

You see, no queen was going to be of interest to Pussy Cat when a mouse is in the room because Pussy Cat is a cat and what she is determines what she sees, and what she sees is what she will do.

That’s us.

What we see is how we view it.

What we chase after and what we listen to will determine our response.

What soil are you?

Let’s not miss visiting the King, our Savior.

Until next time, Pam

Which Path

Wed, 26 May 2021 00:30:00 GMT

Why do I strive so hard for the easy path?

The one that has been cleared to travel fast.

I don’t recall signing up for all this. Does anyone?

Why do I complain and mumble?

Am I looking too far down the road?

Am I still in beginners’ class, grasping to understand contentment?

Apostle Paul seemingly embraced suffering and stayed faithful to the gospel.

2 Corinthians12:10

For the sake of Christ then, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul knew he owed everything to God and His call on his life.

Paul lived in the sufficiency of God’s grace.

Why do I act like that sufficiency is not for me?

Philippians 4: 11-13

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be

content. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of

living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.

“Choosing contentment choice by choice maybe life’s greatest challenge, but it could also result

in your most important opportunity to impact our watching world.” (Pam Tebow)

“Choosing contentment choice by choice

maybe life’s greatest challenge, but it

could also result

in your most important opportunity to

impact our watching world.”

My circumstance doesn’t need to change as much as my thought process on it does.

I will walk by faith, not by how I feel.

Until next time, Pam

Front Page

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 16:30:00 GMT

A year ago, an unknown virus entered America.

Covid 19 is on every headline throughout the world.

Air flights are banned too and from other countries. You can no longer leave your state.

Stocks are at an almost all-time low.

People cannot find toilet paper anywhere. Grocery shelves are bare.

Hospitals stop elective surgeries.

People are dying from the virus.

Amazon hires 100,000 people to keep up with online sales.

School sports are stopped, students are forced to learn from home.

Churches, businesses are all required to close.

Jobs are being lost. Anxiety rises.

The world was in a crisis.

Yet, families are home eating supper together for the first time in a long while.

Families are playing games.

We are learning how to do church on zoom.

People are seeking God; they are checking out church services online.

We all have memories from last year.

We all have memories from last year. Some we’ll hold dear, some tragic.

Our community knows all that was lost.

Despite the losses, our family gained two beautiful granddaughters and a lovely daughter-in-law.

What are your memories?

Did this past year change us in any way?

Have we grown closer to the Lord?

Is much of the USA still in a crisis?

Malachi’s introduction in the message states, ” Most of life is not lived in crisis-which is a good thing. Not many of us would be able to sustain a life of perpetual pain or loss, or challenge. But crisis has this to say for it: In a time of crisis, everything, absolutely everything, is important and significant. Life itself is on the line. No word is casual, no action marginal. And almost always, God and our relationship with God is on the front page.”

Why do we wait until a crisis, before God and our relationship is important?

“But during the humdrum times, when things are, as we say, “normal,” our interest in God is crowded to the margins of our lives, and we become preoccupied with ourselves. We manage our own personal affairs, disregarding what God has to say about them, going about our usual activities as if God were not involved in such dailiness.”

Can we let God into the dailiness of each day?

Until next time, Pam

The Law of Love

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 02:15:00 GMT

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other.

Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for

one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

John 13:34-35

(Photo by Amy Northrop)

Is this the way that we live, loving others?

You would think it was some flimsy, take-it-or-leave-it- suggestion.

You would think Christ’s own were known by who they avoid,

who they disdain,

who they call out,

or by who they label. (Ann Voskamp)

We often look at our own sin and minimize it, yet magnify our neighbor’s sin.

We need to be careful; if we think we are standing, we just might fall.

1 Corinthians 10:12

The way you view your condition before salvation makes a big difference

in the way you view the worth of your salvation.

The way you view your condition before

salvation makes a big difference

in the way you view the worth of your salvation.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Romans 5:6-8

Love is the very foundation of truth: without love, Christ didn’t send you.

Until next time, Pam

Hope

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 17:52:00 GMT

The American Evangelist Billy Graham was one of the most important

religious figures of the past century. He preached the simple message of

the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Offering an altar call at every crusade, taken the invitation literally to”come just as you are” to Jesus Christ.

In 1975 Billy Graham said, “I believe that every problem facing us as Americans is a spiritual problem. Crime is a spiritual problem. Inflation is a spiritual problem. Corruption is a spiritual problem. Social injustice is a spiritual problem. The lack of will even to defend our freedom is a spiritual problem.

Billy Graham was once asked if he was a pessimist or an optimist?

He said, “I am an optimist because I’ve read to the last page of the Bible.”

If our only hope is in this life guaranteed, you’ll be miserable.

Do you look at this world and feel hopeless?

We not only see the world’s problems, but we also have the personal load we carry.

How do we hang onto hope?

Where does your hope come from?

My hope does not come from an organization, not in a plan but a man,

a person who sits at the right hand of God the Father, Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:12

There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under

heaven by which we must be saved.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life

through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mark 8:34-38

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?

So come, just as you are today.

Come. Oh Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Until next time, Pam

Some of this content was taken from Billy Graham.org

Essential

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 12:29:00 GMT

The things that are essential in life, in a flourishing life might be,

Simply how we live our daily life.

Essential: necessary

Important to the highest degree

Could it possibly be all we really need to know about how to live

and what to do and how to be we learned in our elementary years?

Things like:

Share everything.

Play fair.

Don’t hit others.

Put things back where you found them.

Clean up your own mess.

Don’t take things that aren’t yours.

Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.

Wash your hands before you eat.

Flush.

Warm cookies and milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life – learn some – draw, paint, sing, dance,

and work some every day.

Take a nap every afternoon.

When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.

(Robert Fulghum “All I needed to know I learned in Kindergarten”)

How to live the dailiness of our lives?

1John 4: 7-11

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God.

Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.

But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son

into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.

This is real love-not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son

as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.

Our purpose as believers in Jesus Christ is essentially,

love God, love others.

To teach and disciple, to come alongside those who hurt.

If possible, to help them in their messes.

Because it is still true- no matter how old you are-

when we go out into the world, it’s best to hold hands and stick together.

Until next time, Pam.

Good News

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 18:03:00 GMT

Where do you get your information? Facebook, Twitter, CNN, FOX,

Social media seems to be where a big percentage of young adults get their political news.

Do you ever wonder if you are getting the facts?

Is what you’re reading really truth?

As believers in Jesus Christ, we have no excuse to stay misinformed.

Not only do we need to stay informed, but how we respond is just as important.

Photo by Tanya Weinreis

Mark 13:3-8

Jesus replied, ” Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming,’ I am the Messiah.’

They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic.”

We are to be alert.

Don’t be deceived.

Expect trouble.

Continue to tell others about Christ.

Lola Weinreis

Colossians 1:28

So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom

God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.

John 16:33

God has told us all these things so that we may have peace in him.

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.

But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Until next time, Pam

Our eyes

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 22:37:00 GMT

The rancher and I took the eye test. I concentrate on the light changes.

My pupils absorb the light inside my eyeball, telling my brain what I see.

The eye searches for bigger, brighter letters.

From what I see becomes my perception of the world.

I am aware my eyes have begun to fail.

Matthew 6: 22-23 (Message) Your eyes are windows into your body.

If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light.

If you live squinty-eyed in greed or distrust, your body is a dank cellar.

If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have.

Do you see only the wrong in this world? Or do you look for the good?

What we focus on will form us, what our eye beholds, we live out.

Ephesians 5: 2a, 5b, 8b-9

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.

For a greedy person is an idolater, worshipping the things of this world.

So live as people of light.

For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

May we live wide-eyed, seeking the light of Christ.

Until next time Pam

Rehearsal

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 13:56:00 GMT

We had rehearsal for our younger son’s and his bride to be’s wedding

They rehearsed their walk, their words, their songs, carefully prepared with great anticipation and excitement.

Do we all live our lives rehearsing?

Webster defines Rehearse: you practice work or piece for a later date; prepare for public performance.

You practice work or a piece for a later date.

I watch as they run through it one last time, and I can’t help but wonder if life is a dress rehearsal of such?

Does what we practice most reveal the condition of our soul?

I said yes to Jesus in the sixth grade, but why are there so many no days?

I live saying no as I chase time to finish each task pushing to complete the urgent

while I disregard the important for yet another day.

If “hurry empties the soul” (Ann Voskamp), I quiet possibly am missing what’s right before me.

ACTS 20:24

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus-

the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Life is short, and I want to live it well.

Lamentations 3:22-23

His mercies are fresh each morning.

When we read the word, we recognize the graffiti of this world as an opportunity to say yes to telling others the Good

News about the wonderful grace of God.

Until next time, Pam

Which Way

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 13:06:00 GMT

Elevate Kids writes children’s curriculum.

Grace Church finished teaching the “Upside downtown Series.”

Their opening has this cleaver yet accurate song.

“What would you do if everything all around suddenly got flipped upside down?”

If floors became ceilings and basements became roofs, would you be right side up or upside down too?

You see, this world thinks in ways that are topsy and turvey, but don’t fear getting lost, live a life that is worthy.

For God shows us the way and his ways are best. If we choose to obey, we will always pass the test.

A+

So consider these stories they are true. They are wise.

Do learn from them and let them all be your guide.

If you do, you won’t confuse your upside with your down, and you’ll never get lost in upside downtown.”

(Elevate kids)

How do we live a life that is worthy?

How do we live a life worthy?

How do we simplify our life and get back to the basics?

Could it still be, love God, love others?

Matthew 22:37-39

Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart,

and all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.

A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”

But if God is not the love of our life, there’s no way that we will truly love our neighbors

as ourselves. For we will love ourselves supremely, distorting love.

As Christ-followers, we are designed to love God and others in the same way God loves us.

God is love

1John 4:11

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.

If we fail to love, we find we are missing what matters most.

We begin to think in ways that are topsy and turvey, living hurried and overextended lives.

Sacrificing our relationships, even with family because we buy into the lie that, as Chip Ingram would say,

“Performing well, possessing stuff, and providing stuff is what matters most.”

God shows us the way, and his way is still the best.

Love and obey, and we may pass the test.

Until next time, Pam

Gardening

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 14:34:00 GMT

What is your favorite summer activity?

Did anyone say weeding their garden? I very much like to weed.

So I thought until the other day, 7 hours later, you could finally begin to see rows in our garden.

As I pulled weeds, hoed the roots, sifted the dirt, I began to see healthy pea plants, cucumbers, and carrots.

I had neglected it way too long.

As I worked, I could not help but think about my life as a believer in Jesus Christ.

You see, my garden isn’t in my yard, so it’s out of sight

so I don’t think about it daily.

Kind of like my Bible being left in the vehicle all week, and I don’t think about it until the following Sunday.

Or, the fact, I would rather sleep in than have early morning time with God.

I sigh, the summer is short, so I can skip Sunday worship time,

there’s so much work to get done during this season or so few weekends to have fun.

Whatever reasons I may have, pretty soon, my life resembles the unattended garden.

Anxious, worried, angry, complaining, and ungrateful to list a few.

Matthew 6:21

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be.

God speaks most clearly to us through his word.

The more you practice it, the more you will come to need it.

2 Peter 1:5-8

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises.

Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge,

and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance,

and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection,

and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

When we are in the word the Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry

and restoring your strength.

Let’s take the time to clean out the weeds; it will be well worth your soul.

Until next time, Pam.

Hero

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 23:50:00 GMT

Chuck Swindoll is broadcasting a series called Family Rules for “Little Children.”

He states,” When looking for a hero to follow choose Jesus.

Study his life…

His ways …. then go there.”

Here are a few simple rules for living.

1John 2:1-6

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin.

But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father.

He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.

He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins

and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.”

If you mess up it’s good to have someone who’s got your back.

We all make some kind of a mess, but we have a Savior who’s hung on the cross for our sins.

“And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.

If someone claims,

”I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments,

that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.”

The best proof that we know him is our obedience.

“But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him.

That is how we know we are living in him.

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”

Our actions really prove the truth.

Our obedience reveals our respect to the father.

So consider the words,”What would Jesus do.”

It will be well worth your soul.

Until next time, Pam

Barriers

Thu, 07 May 2020 13:33:00 GMT

The rancher and I drove to a town to run errands, the day our states began to reopen.

I was excited, to say the least.

All around us were the clear plastic dividers and table extensions, enabling the social distancing rule.

I am aware this is for the protection of everyone and am grateful for the security measures.

These past months have affected us all in many different layers.

I recently heard it defined like this, “We are all in the same boat but in different storms.”

For some, this is a slowing down, a pause, a reset.

For some this is a thunderstorm, they may have lost their job because of the financial upheaval.

Still, others are in a hurricane, they’ve lost loved ones, possibly their job also.

Let us love others during this storm.

As we turned for home, I thought about the physical barriers intended to block the spread of this virus.

Yet, I wondered what invisible barriers have I set into place?

Webster defines barrier; intended to block,

the structure that prevents or hinders movement or action

As believers in Jesus Christ, what hinders our growth?

What may be blocking our movements?

Is our beliefs or perception causing barriers?

Is our past hindering today’s actions?

Are we forming barriers because of distractions, desires, and worries?

Matthew 6:19-34

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow.

They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed

as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers

that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.

Why do you have so little faith?

So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat?

What will we drink?

What will we wear?’

These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers,

but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously,

and he will give you everything you need.”

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

Our distractions and desires have a great deal to do with whether we will grow spiritually or not.

The cares of this life, tend to fill our soul with clutter.

When our soul is cluttered we neglect God’s freeing word.

Let us knock down any barriers and seek the Kingdom of God.

Until next time, Pam

He Already knows

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 21:41:00 GMT

What are you longing for?

What do you need?

Peace, contentment, forgiveness, Do we even recognize what we need?

I cried this morning as 1000 people in the USA died while I slept last night, due to the coronavirus.

John 4:4-10

He had to go through Samaria on the way.

Eventually, he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar,

near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime.

Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her,

“Please give me a drink.” He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans.

She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman.

Why are you asking me for a drink?”

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water?”

This passage tells us that Jesus had to pass through Samaria as he was going from Judea to Galilee.

This in and of itself, wasn’t common for Jews.

Samaritans were part Jew and part Gentile and disliked by both.

Jesus said,” If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

Do we even recognize that what is right in front of us may be our greatest gift?

Just as the Samaritan woman was looking to the physical to satisfy her soul, we also look to things outside of Christ to give us meaning and purpose.

Where would you get this living water?

Jesus is the living water we need. Titus 3:7

Because of his grace, he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

When we put our faith and trust in him, we will never be thirsty again.

Come to the well.

Until next time, Pam

Uncertain Times

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 18:46:00 GMT

I waited impatiently in the hospital lobby, watching old men, young mothers, sick babies, each seeking physical answers.

Whether it’s a minor symptom or a terminal disease, we strain for answers. (Rightfully So)

This cold and rainy morning, I couldn’t help wonder,

“Do we go to these lengths to find the cure for our fractured soul?”

Ever since Genesis 3:1-17

They ate the forbidden fruit, as a result, sin enters upon all mankind and even upon the earth.

Do we recognize the brokenness in us, our empty longings?

Do we try to fill this void with the chasing of the American dream?

Are we in search of, more happiness, more pay, more self-indulgence, more time?

Has the chasing of our self-satisfaction made for a self-prison where we find ourselves never content?

The word of God states this world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

2 Corinthians 4:18

And we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen.

Matthew 16:24-26

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”

What good would it be to gain the whole world yet, forfeit their soul?

Everyone is searching for something greater. In these uncertain times, we can be completely certain than anything other than a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ will leave us empty, searching for more.

Until next time, Pam

Growth

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 01:19:00 GMT

These are exciting times for the rancher and me, as we countdown the days until our fifth grandchild is born. In seven months we gain a lovely daughter-in-law.

Yes, our family of six has grown to a noisy number of almost fifteen, and we hope it continues.

Growth in the physical sense adding to the number of our family is a wonderful blessing from the Lord.

Psalm 127:3-5

Growth in the spiritual is essential toward moving beyond elementary teachings about Christ and being taken forward to maturity.

Webster defines growth; allow or cause to grow or develop

We seek to continue to grow

Luke10:38-42

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem,

they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.

Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner, she was preparing.

She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work?

Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!

There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

These verses are a perfect reminder, of what frustration and anxiety can do if we allow worry and busyness to choke out

our ability to distinguish the incidentals for the essentials.

Martha was so concerned about the incidentals, the task at hand, that she failed to see the one thing Mary was doing was essential.

There is so much inside this one passage, but for today let’s focus on this one thing.

Simple sitting at the feet of our Savior listening to his word, looking to him, learning of him, seeking growth.

The work is always there, yet let us do the one thing every heart longs for….

It will be well worth your soul.

Until next time, Pam

(part of this is taken from Chuck Swindols Study Bible)

ENOUGHNESS

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 23:32:00 GMT

I was getting ready for the Christmas program at our church the other Sunday.

Such a busy but fun time of year. There are weeks of program practice, there are decorating the stage and recreating the nativity scene.

As I was sifting through my American, walk-in- closet in hopes of finding the “right” outfit to wear, all the while thinking I have nothing to wear.

I reluctantly choose and head off to church.

There is a 45 minute commute to our local town. As I drive along, I am struck with this thought…

Too Much… I have so much, too many clothes, too much to do, too many people to see before Christmas.

Too much…. my schedule feels like too much.

As I sat in the pew that cold Sunday morning blessed by the toddlers singing, “Away in the Manger.”

I see the nativity.

I listen to teens reading the Scriptures announcing the birth of our Lord and Savior.

Luke 2:1-20

I was overwhelmed by the enoughness of our Almighty God.

I am overwhelmed by

the enoughness of our God Almighty.

For God so loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, for whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

2 Corinthians 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.

In our busy. In our rushed … God is enough.

We somehow think we need more.

More money, more room, more time.

Yet God is very clear in His Word, we are to be content in any situation, whether hungry or full, plenty or want.

Philippians 4:11-13

The ache for the want of more leaves your life dry and empty.

Let the enoughness of our Lord and Savior be just enough this New Year.

Until next time, Pam

Time

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 15:53:00 GMT

The average adult makes 30,000 choices a day, with approximately 48 thoughts a minute.

We can choose our attitude.

Will we be critical, prideful, impatient, blame someone else, and/or selfish? Or will we begin to intentionally catch the negative attitudes in our lives?

Philippians 2:5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Philippians 4:8 Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

There are a few simple things that tend to influence our behavior.

The first one is time:

Charles E Hummel in the 1960s published a booklet called “Tyranny of the Urgent.”

Quote,” Have you ever wished for a 30 hour day? Surely, the extra time would relieve the tremendous pressure under which we live. Our lives are a trail of unfinished tasks. But would the longer day really solve our problem? We find ourselves working more and enjoying less.

When we stop long enough to think on it, we realize our dilemma goes deeper than a shortage of time; it is basically a problem of priorities.

Hard work doesn’t hurt anyone, but doubt and misgivings produce anxiety as we review the unfinished tasks. We live in constant tension between the urgent and the important.”

We live in constant tension between the urgent and the important.

“The problem is that many important tasks need not be done today, or even this week. but often the urgent, though less important, tasks call for an immediate response- endless demands pressure each hour.

A person’s home is no longer a castle, a private place away from urgent tasks. The telephone breaches its walls with incessant demands. The appeal of these demands seem irresistible, they devour our energy.

But in light of eternity, their momentary prominence ( importance) fades.

With a sense of loss, we recall the important tasks that have been shunted aside. We realize that we’ve become slaves to the tyranny of the urgent.”

This was published in the 1960’s mind you, so is there any escape from this pattern of living?

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11

There is a time to work, a time to play, a time to serve, and a time to rest. Unfortunately, we skew the lines extending our margins to the max. Stealing time for the important tasks.

How do you spend your time?

Work, TV, social media, friends, family, all of which are not bad yet, Satan likes to keep us busy with unproductive activities.

The answer lies in the life of our Lord. Jesus knew the work God had given him. His short 33 years, were a full “finished ” life. We can discover how Jesus handled very busy days. Scripture says, “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35

Jesus discerned the Father’s will day by day in a life of prayer. Matthew 14:23

Because of this , He was able to resist the urgent demands of others and do what was really important for his mission.

Luke 6:12

Let us resist the unnecessary in our lives and gravitate towards the important tasks God has allowed us to do.

Enjoy this day to the fullest, “For hurry always empties the soul.” (Ann Voskamp)

(some of this was taken from the booklet, Tyranny of the Urgent)

You have time for God.

Until next time, Pam

The Right Kind of Strong

Sat, 21 Sep 2019 17:28:00 GMT

A.W. Tozer said, “What we think about God is the most important thing about us. We need to remember this in our day, a day in which there is a lot of sloppy and silly thinking about God. If we have a low or inaccurate view of God, our worship will be shallow and skewed and dissatisfying. However, if we have a high and accurate view of God, our worship will be meaningful and pure, satisfying and deep.”

Our Heavenly Father wants all His believers to be strong. He wants us to clothe ourselves with strength and dignity. We need to seek the right kind of strong.

We need to seek the right kind of strong.

The Bible tells us that it starts with believing in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. If you have questions on this subject dig into the word of God, and/or check out my salvation link from Pastor Ben.

But whatever you do, do seek the answers to make a commitment to follow Christ today.

Ephesians 6:11-18 Tells us to put on God’s armor so that you may be able to stand firm. Put on the belt of truth. Put on the body armor of God’s righteousness. Put on the shoes of peace and the shield of faith. Put on salvation as your helmet and take up the sword of the spirit and do not fail to pray.

God has given us all we need to be strong in Him, yet do you wonder if there’s a formula for what it means to be a strong christian?

Do you at times feel weak and inadequate for the task before you?

Psalm 46:1-3 Tells us God is our refuge and strength.

Strong: Having power to move heavy objects; heavy task; able to withstand great force or pressure

(Parts of this is taken from the book, “The Right kind of Strong.”)

Becoming a strong Christian doesn’t happen overnight it takes years of consistent habits, thousands of small, seemingly insignificant steps of obedience.

Godly habits are what will turn us into strong godly believers. Bible reading and prayer are vital disciplines for a healthy spiritual life.

Until next time, Pam

A Gomer girl

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 00:29:00 GMT

Hosea 1:3 Tells us Hosea married Gomer.

After the instructions to go marry a prostitute, he chooses a girl named Gomer.

Was Gomer pretty?

Did she look kind underneath her label?

Was there something Hosea saw in her eyes? Did their eyes meet and Hosea felt a connection?

Prostitute: Someone who gives themselves away for pay.

One thing is certain he chose her out of obedience to God. He chose to marry her and later Hosea is told to “Go and love your wife.”

Hosea 3:1 The Lord tells Hosea, “This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods.

Hosea loving his wife illustrates that the Lord still loves Israel, even though they have turned to other gods and love to worship them.

If the book of Hosea is a picture of Israel, and Gomer is a picture of us ….. Why do we chase after false gods? False hopes, quick fixes?

Why do you think Gomer went after other lovers, even after she had the love of Hosea? And even after her identity changed from “that kind of a girl” to a bride of a godly prophet.

How do we respond even after we know we are dearly loved by God?

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Hosea 6:3 Oh That we might know the Lord. Let us press on to know Him.

Perhaps, we need to ask ourselves the following questions:

Is what I’m doing drawing me away from God?

Is what I think about bringing life and peace, or creating chaos?

Do my activities “take my heart away” or enrich my soul?

Oh yes, let us press on to know Him and He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.

Until next time, Pam

Be A People Who Changes The World

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 17:07:00 GMT

If you could, how would you change the world?

Have everyone get along?

Work together?

If you could, how would you change your community?

Less crime?

Fewer children wandering the streets?

Where does the change begin?

How would you change yourself?

Change: to make or become different

Matthew 5:13-16 Let me tell you why you are here? You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste Godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be the light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (The Message)

You Are The Salt Of The Earth

We, as believers and followers of Jesus Christ, are to be the salt and light of this world. The first change needs to begin in us.

God Is Not A Secret To Be Kept

Since God is not a secret to be kept let us cultivate a lifestyle of evangelism. Telling others in your community what Christ has done for you.

James 2:14-17 Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say,” Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup— where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense? (The Message)

Be doers my friend and this may just be the change this world needs.

Until next time, Pam

Walk in the Spirit

Tue, 07 May 2019 22:32:00 GMT

Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. What does it mean to walk in the Spirit?

What is Paul in Galatians really telling us to do? The Greek verb translated walking contradicts the idea that victory for Christians means that we do nothing. That we become passive or inactive, that we just sit around and wait for the Holy Spirit to do it all.

Galatians 5 couldn’t have meant this because the verb Paul used is in the imperative mood, meaning, that we should get up and do something. It isn’t something that someone else does for us, it is something we must do.

Moreover, the verb is in present tense or continuous tense, meaning that whatever you do is to be a habit with us.

Walking in the Spirit is to be a lifestyle with us.

Walking in the Spirit is to be our lifestyle, something we do every day and every moment, and throughout the rest of our lives.

Galatians 5: 1-26

In the context of Galatians 5, walking in the Spirit is the same as being led by the Spirit. We discover that the Spirit leads us to put off the desires and deeds of the flesh, to put off boastfulness, argumentativeness, envy, inconsiderateness and even cruelty toward others.

Walking in and being led by the Spirit involves standing firm in the faith; being considerate and loving toward others, developing a life filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Let us walk in the Spirit together.

(Parts of this is taken from the book, “God’s Solution to Life’s Problems.”)

Until next time, Pam

Hiding

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 12:59:00 GMT

Is the most Adam-like trait in all of us, the impulse to hide? Is hiding our most natural state…. when we struggle or sin?

In the beginning, God asked Adam, “Where are you?” Adam replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid.

Genesis 3: 8-10

Exodus 2:14-15

Moses fled to the land of Midian because he was afraid of what he had done. Afraid he would be punished for murdering an Egyptian.

Hide an act of concealing,

Prevent from being seen, to remain out of sight.

Does hiding a wrong erase it? Does it postpone its discovery?

Can we hide from God?

Psalm 139: 1-12 The Message reads;

God investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back. I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there too- your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful… I cannot take it all in! Is there any place I can go to avoid your spirit? To be out of your sight?

Is there any place I can go to avoid your spirit?

If I climb to the sky, you’re there. If I go underground, you are there. If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, you’d find me in a minute…. you’re already there waiting. Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark. At night I’m immersed in the light.” It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.

In those nights when I can’t sleep, I replay all the times I’ve failed, or let others down, somehow didn’t measure up. I feel painfully exposed.

I seek to find comfort in the word of God, comfort in knowing God knows me, understands me, cares about me.

Yes our Adam-like trait, the trait that causes quarrels and fights among us, comes from the war waging inside us, we want our own way so we fight and quarrel. James 4:1-3

Because I am a believer in Christ Jesus, I am a new creation, made in the image of God… so let us run to Him, not away.

Until next time, Pam

What Kind of Fruit Are You

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 22:49:00 GMT

A good tree can’t produce bad fruit and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart.

” What you say flows from what is in your heart.” Luke 6: 43-45

Eugene Peterson words it this way in the Message. “You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It’s who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds.’

You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It’s who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds.

Ecclesiastes 6:7 ” We work to feed our appetites: Meanwhile our souls go hungry.”

It is so true, what we say flows from what is in our hearts.

When we have a strong, good, godly heart we will also have a strong, good, godly tongue. If we don’t,

well…. the evidence is left scarred on many relationships. We will be cold and uncaring.

How do we cultivate the seed plot of our soul?

If you haven’t a church find one. Read your Bible, study your Bible, join a Bible Study. Choose to be around people who are seeking to follow Jesus.

Let the truth and love of God seep down deep into your heart. Practice it and practice it some more until it becomes a part of who you are.

Mark 12: 29-31 “You must love the Lord our God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.”

Lets practice loving well.

Until next time, Pam

Well Worth My Soul

Faithful

Familiar

What is familiar to you?

What Are The Signs

You search the scriptures yet refuse to come to me.

What Do You Do When the World's at War

What do you do when the world's at war?

"Nothing's as wildly dangerous as entitlement, when everything's a gift to be wildly thankful for."

Lent

Tiny Changes

Remarkable Change

The Science of How Habits Work

Atomic Habits

The New Year has begun.

What Is Christmas

If there never was a Savoir wrapped in a manger?

Where do you Run

Run to God's Word

Come and See

In His Eyes

No one looks into the eyes of the Lord and stays the same.

Veteran's Day

November 11 is the observance of Veteran's Day. It is a celebration to honor American Veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Who I am

We were made for more.

Secrets Can Keep Us Sick.

﻿

Habit

Perspective

What's your perspective?

﻿

Loneliness

A Good Recipe

Shallow Substitute

Idolatry Is A Shallow Substitute For Christ

Present Tense

Is the Bible past tense to you or active present tense?

By Faith

Faith is a Settled Condition

Human Nature

How well do we share?

The reality just might be we think we're doing better than we really are.

John Piper states," Sin is what we do when we're not satisfied in God."

In Your Storm

We aren't ever alone in our waves.

Easter Changes Everything

Easter Changes Everything

The Journey

The journey of the Israelites

How quickly we forget the promises of God.

Come and See

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have the light of life.

The Promise

I will give land to your descendants.

Proverbs

Wisdom and Discipline.

Websters Unabridged 1945 Dictionary states that truth is the quality or state of being true and faithful.

The Mystery

The mystery so large becomes the Baby so small.

Thanksgiving

Thanks But No-Thanks

The study of Numbers

The Heart

The Heart is the Compass

Breaking News

The world counts down to the election day.

Follow The Trail

We are a people where people are distracted. (T.S.Elliot)

Labor Day

Labor Day Honors the Workers

It's A Matter Of Choice

What's driving your choices?

What Is Your Direction in Life

Gathering Fruit

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

What We Hear

What are you hearing these days?

God Breathed

David said, "The Lord is my Rock," he knew this by faith.

Our first choices. They are critical.

Strong: Having power to move heavy objects; heavy task; able to withstand great force or pressure