Category Archives: Christianity

The Wrong Voice

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Sometimes a single word says it all. Today’s word, short, does exactly that.

Eve fell short of obeying God’s one simple instruction, and every one of us has done the same.

Eve didn’t fall because she ate the fruit. She fell because she listened to the wrong voice.

God didn’t give Adam and Eve pages of rules. He gave them one clear command: “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2:16-17)

The serpent questioned God’s Word, and Eve listened. One conversation. One choice. One bite. That single act of disobedience changed the world.

Most of us don’t wake up thinking, Today I’m going to gossip, or I’m going to ignore my neighbor who needs help. Sin rarely begins with a dramatic decision. More often, it begins with one small compromise—one little step away from what we already know God has said.

Satan delights in this kind of disobedience. He rarely tempts us with giant leaps. More often, he whispers us into taking one little step away from God’s Word. That’s how the enemy works. He doesn’t usually push us off the cliff. He simply whispers until his voice becomes louder than God’s.

Here’s the good news. We all fall short, but we know the One who never did. Jesus’ perfect obedience covers our imperfect lives. When we confess our sin, He forgives us, restores us, and lovingly leads us back to Himself.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24

I am joining a great group of Christian writers at 5-Minute Friday. We write for 5 minutes each Friday (sometimes longer). You can share your blog here https://fiveminutefriday.com/2026/07/02/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-outcome/

Genuine Care Speaks Loudly

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What are we doing to bring the lost to Christ? Who do we know that needs to know the love of Jesus? Are we consistently showing others that we are a child of the King? Do our words and actions lift up rather than put down those around us?

I’d like to answer “yes” to all of those questions, but then I’d have to ask for forgiveness for lying. Questions like these are so convicting that they make me want to get on my knees before the Lord.

When someone is thirsty, are we offering a cup of water? When they’re hungry, do we share our food? When they lack clothing, do we meet the need if we’re able? Or do we send them away with a hug while quietly reminding ourselves that we have needs too? Matthew 25: 35-40

They may never ask for help, but when God allows us to see the need, He also calls us to respond. Our commitment to the Lord is demonstrated not only by what we believe, but by what we do.

Can you imagine how many new believers might be drawn to Christ if our relationship with Jesus were evident in every thought, every word, and every action?

Living a life that consistently shares our faith with those around us is one of the most powerful ways to reach those who do not yet know Him. Genuine care for others speaks loudly. The question is… Who will hear Jesus through us today?

Ready to put your faith into action? Here are 20 ways to practice lifestyle evangelism.

Outcomes

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The Greek word for forgiveness is aphiēmi. It means letting something go, sending it away, leaving it behind, and being done with it.

That is exactly what God has done for us. He doesn’t partially forgive. When Jesus went to the cross, it was all or nothing.

Here’s where it gets hard. He wants us to forgive others the same way.

When someone wounds us, our first instinct is often to lash out, yell, or say something that wounds them right back. Our natural response is retaliation. Jesus calls us to something far different: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Forgiveness isn’t pretending the hurt never happened. It isn’t saying the offense was acceptable. It’s choosing to place justice in God’s hands rather than carrying it ourselves.

There’s a consequence for being unforgiving. It steals peace, interrupts sleep, fuels anxiety, and keeps old wounds fresh. When we forgive, both parties benefit.

Paul writes in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Notice that little phrase: as far as it depends on you. We cannot control another person’s actions, but we can control our response.

Years ago my mother often reminded us, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It took me a long time to understand that obedience to those simple words almost always changes the outcome.

When old hurts begin to replay in my mind, I pray. Then I fill my thoughts with Scripture until my heart catches up with my prayers. God is faithful to meet me there.

Forgiveness is rarely easy.

Freedom is worth it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your endless mercy and complete forgiveness. You have removed my sins as far as the east is from the west. Pour Your unconditional love into my heart and help me extend it to those who have hurt me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can release any bitterness or resentment I may be holding onto. I choose to let go of my need to control or fix the situation, and I lay it all at Your feet. Help me to trust You with the outcome and walk forward in peaceful freedom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I am joining a great group of Christian writers at 5-Minute Friday. We write for 5 minutes each Friday (sometimes longer). You can share your blog here https://fiveminutefriday.com/2026/07/02/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-outcome/

When God Smiles

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In my lifelong search to understand God’s love, I’ve discovered that it’s more than His protection and provision; it’s more than His forgiveness and great sacrifice. One of the sweetest ways He expresses His love is through His delight in us.

We recently had guests for lunch, and their youngest son was completely fascinated by our black cat’s favorite sleeping place. Ebony loves to burrow under quilts, blankets, pillows—actually, under just about anything that will cover her.

We would gently lift the edge of the throw she was hiding beneath, and all little Isaiah could see were two bright green eyes peering back at him. Every time, he burst into that wonderful, delighted laugh that only a two-year-old can give.

As I listened, I could almost hear God smiling.

In that moment, I realized He was giving me another glimpse of Himself through a child’s joyful laughter.

Psalm 149:4 says,

“For the LORD takes delight in His people.”

What a beautiful thought! The God who created the universe delights in us.

That verse reminds me of another striking promise found in Zephaniah 3:17:

“The LORD your God is with you… He will take great delight in you… He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Perhaps this is one of the dimensions of God’s love we often overlook. His love doesn’t merely provide, protect, forgive, and redeem. It delights.

Psalm 147:11 adds another beautiful thought: “The LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.” 

There’s a beautiful connection between God’s love and His delight in us. God doesn’t simply love us because He is love. He also enjoys us. His love is joyful. He delights in His children. Perhaps that’s why a child’s delighted laugh caught my attention. For just a moment, it gave me a tiny glimpse of the delight God takes in us, His children.

He shows us His love in countless ways—a child’s laughter, hummingbirds dancing around the feeders, the colors and patterns of creation, people who reflect His character, and quiet moments that remind us He is near.

Today, watch for the LORD’s delighted love.

 It’s everywhere.

Hide It In Your Heart

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Lately, I’ve been pulling out Scriptures I memorized years ago. They serve as reminders, calm my stress, guide my prayers, and strengthen me in countless situations.

God’s Word stored in my heart is never out of reach.

We are encouraged to commit Scripture to memory for lifelong use (Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16).

Zechariah 4:6 reminds me that my own strength and power are nothing compared to the Spirit of the LORD.

Luke 6:45 keeps me aware that my thoughts influence my words and actions.

Proverbs 3:5-7 helps when my trust in people is low, and I’m stressing about what is happening around me. He is the One I can trust in every situation. Verse 7 adds another important reminder: “Do not be wise in your own eyes.” Sometimes I need to remember that I’m not nearly as wise as I may try to portray. My understanding is limited, but God’s wisdom never is. The older I get, the more I realize that true wisdom is not found in what I know, but in knowing I need Him. Without His guidance, I can easily miss the path He wants me to take.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 is another favorite. Many people, including me, love the promise found in verse 11. Yet verse 12 is equally powerful: when I come to Him and pray, HE WILL HEAR ME. What a promise! That reminder becomes especially meaningful when I feel that others are not listening.

The importance of memorizing Scripture appears early in the history of God’s people. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 instructs believers to keep God’s Word in their hearts, close to their bodies, part of their conversations, and visible in their homes. The message is clear: God’s Word should be woven into every moment of everyday life.

There is great comfort in having God’s Word so close that all I need to do is think about it. Long after my Bible is closed, His truth remains with me, ready to guide, encourage, correct, and remind me that I am never alone.