Author Archives: Marie

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About Marie

Happily married to the same awesome guy for many years. Love God, reading, cats, and travel. Avid crafter especially counted cross stitch and crochet.

Good God

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God is good all the time…

God is good because that is simply what He is. Of course, He does good things for us. We can totally, always count on that.

We tend to see good in a positive light. Yet, His goodness is always there. He is good not only in the best of life but He is good in the worst, too. You might be asking, how can that be?

When I talk about being a cancer survivor people often say isn’t God good? Of course, He is, but cancer isn’t.

When Ray and I talk about our first home being destroyed by a tornado, with me in it, people say isn’t God good? Of course, He is, but we had nothing. No home. No clothing except for what we were wearing. Nothing…but God!

In Psalm 46:1 King David writes these words: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therein lies the answer to God’s goodness. He is always near in our darkest, scariest, most fearful moments. We can take refuge in His strong arms and know that He wants to be there for us. He is with us in the light of day, in the calm after the storm, in the happiest, most joyful, love-infused times of our lives.

Best of all, no matter what is going on around us, He is good!

Abba, Father, no matter what is happening in life at this moment we know You are near. Let Your goodness and mercy follow us all the days of my life. Draw Me Close To You!

You Have A Gift

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How are you using your gift?

Each of us was given a gift. Just as God chose us for a specific purpose and He gave us what we need to accomplish that purpose. (Jeremiah 29:11)

There’s more to it though. We are to use that gift to encourage others in their daily walk. The gift we’re given is specific to God’s Plan for His church. Once again, let me remind you, the gifts and talents are not for our benefit but to help others become what God has purposed for them.

Are you using your gift? Do you know what it is? (If you don’t you can find out here – Spiritual Gifts Survey) I highly encourage you to take the time to find out, then share it with your local church leaders so it can be used.

Abba, Father, open our hearts and minds to Your plan for our lives. Help us all know and use the gift You have given us for the benefit of Your Kingdom.

An Inflated Ego

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If we don’t humble ourselves God will!


First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall. (Proverbs 16:18) King Nebuchadnezzar was certainly the picture of what will happen if we decide we’re better than God. He had a God statue erected (of himself?) and proclaimed all the people would worship it. Three refused and he had them thrown into a flaming hot furnace. God intervened. King Neb repented when he saw what God could do. That didn’t stop his pride though. He threw a party and used the gold and jewel-encrusted goblets he had stolen from the Temple to drink from. That night he was murdered.

Like us, King Neb knew God alone is worthy of our praise, honor, and glory. He knew that God will humble those who are full of pride. Yet, he persisted. When God wrote the words on the wall during the celebration he was saying – That’s the last straw, King Neb. You crossed the line. Your pride has caused your downfall. It’s finished. Nebuchadnezzar was killed that night. (Daniel 5:30)

Pride causes us to find fault, it gives us an unforgiving mind, we become defensive and self-serving. Life becomes the pursuit of me.

I don’t want that for myself. More than anything I want God to be the total center of my life. I want to worship, honor, and obey with all my heart, mind, and soul! How about you?

Abba, Father, forgive my need to make this life all about me. Humble me and guide me in focusing on You and Your Word!

For the whole story read the first 5 chapters of the Book of Daniel.

Breath of God

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I AM who I AM Y H W H

When Moses asked God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:13-15) what His name was this is how God responded – Y H W H

As Christians, we have replaced the blank letters with vowels making it YaHWeH. That’s OK if we have to have a word but what if it isn’t meant to be a word at all?

Jewish Rabbis believe these letters to be like the sounds of breathing. Could it be that from these sounds God wants us to understand His constant presence?

From the time an infant inhales that first breath until their final breath… Y H W H

When God spoke the world into order, could the sound have been simply His breath… Y H W H

When God breathed life into Adam… Y H W H

God breathed His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17)… Y H W H

God’s presence is made known in every person every moment of every day by simply breathing. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Believer, an atheist, a child… It doesn’t matter what color your skin is, what language you speak, what your job is… You are a living, breathing child of God.

Breathe on me breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love as Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do.

The Prince and the Prodigal – Book Review

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In this fictional retelling of the story of the sons of Jacob, Jill Eileen Smith gives a unique perspective of what life might have been like in approximately 1500 BCE. Using the well-known story and historical research she presents a fictional account that gives one new insight into the hearts and minds of Jacob and his children.

This delightful rendering of a part of Hebrew history gives some additional insight into how the coat of many colors came to be and what it might have been meant in the family… What life was like in the nomadic wanderings of the descendants of Abraham… How to become a slave and advance to a position second only to Pharoah… What Jacob, Judah, and Joseph might have really been thinking and feeling…

I highly recommend The Prince and the Prodigal. The age-old story of guilt, shame, and forgiveness comes alive in Jill Eileen Smith’s expert storytelling style.

Blessings to you and yours,

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell/Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”