Growing in Grace and Truth

Examine me, O Lord, and try me; test my mind and my heart. For Your loving kindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth. Psalm 26:2-3 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 Yesterday as I was running errands and had to get something at a store I don't often shop. As I shopped, I was amazed that this store triggered emotions in me. As I thought it through, I realized there is someone I know who does much of their shopping at that store. I could feel the stress rise up in me as I wondered if I would run into them. You see, they are associated with pain from my past. There was wrong done toward me. They were part of it. Sinful actions by one were never held accountable and the situation was never resolved. There was nothing more that I could do. I thought I was over it but when the emotional stress came, I realized that there is still something going...

STEP UP PARENTS! Some times in life, I can sense that God is telling me to pray urgently and purposefully about something. I have sensed that over this last several days. In doing so, a challenge came to my heart. It is for you, parents. Yes, you. If you are a parent that is a follower of Christ, this is for you. You know I love you but sometimes love means a kick in the pants. “Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” Ephesians 6:4b "Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.” Deuteronomy 4:9 “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 Parents, are you doing these things? Are you diligently and purposefully teaching you...