From Our Hearts

Consider this a guide to help you walk through practical ways you can get the most out of your study time and to find out for yourself the meaning of scripture as well as its origin. Over time you will develop your own techniques and style in how to study the Bible, and that is how it should be!

GOD'S PROVIDENCE IN OUR LIVES The story of Boaz and Ruth is such an amazing example of our relationship with the Lord. This Jewish redeemer from the tribe of Judah, who possesses the finest of qualities is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. He extends such grace to Ruth who feels so unworthy of it. Then, we discover that Boaz knew all about Ruth and her commitment before she knew anything about him! God prepared it all in advance.

FINDING ALONE TIME WITH GOD: Our salvation does not begin at death. It begins here and now. He came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus is alive and well and looking to spend time in fellowship with us.

We are blessed to be able to live in Hawaii on a part-time basis. Besides the weather, the residents are the friendliest people in the world. Even with all the tourism, the Hawaiian people, made up of all races, are kind, courteous, and helpful. This has certainly been our experience, and others have validated our observations. The residents seem to be genuinely happy!

Even though I knew God spoke specifically to women about not gossiping (1 Timothy 3:11 and Titus 2:3), I did it anyway. The Holy Spirit led me to change my heart and empowered the purification process I still continue to go through. I want to be known as a woman who is a friend of women; a woman who is for other women rather than being against them. What did that entail?

DEVOTION: There is so much devastating news coming through the media every day now. The tragedies of the Coronavirus and the subsequent shutdowns of entire countries including our own; the destructive storms and tornadoes; famine; unemployment; and so many more are or daily reality. How can we find peace in such turmoil? How We Can Obtain This Peace?

DEVOTION: This is normally the time of year every high school, college, and grad student looks forward to; a commencement ceremony to celebrate and applaud their years of diligence and hard work. This year the activities may look a little different, but there are some things that remain the same.

DEVOTION: With every new growing milestone in life there comes a small twinge of fear and uncertainty. Even those who seemingly have it all together will ponder whether or not they are making the right decisions. They may wonder how they will handle all that this new adventure in life will bring and that is normal.

DEVOTION: Trust is essential in any relationship. If you want to have friends who are honest with you, then (you guessed it) you must be honest with them, even if it means having a difficult conversation. Honesty is one of the benefits of a true friendship. The Bible puts it this way: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted… and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel” (Proverbs 27:6, 9).

DEVOTION: As a Christian, you already have a perfect friendship. You have a friend in Jesus Christ. But God also provides other people with whom you can and should have friendships. The bible teaches us that it is not good for man to be alone and that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Genesis 2:18 and Proverbs 27:17). 

Lord, help me to always see you as the most important friendship in my life. And help me to seek and develop relationships that are healthy, godly, and meaningful to both my life and theirs.

 

 

DEVOTION: Every prayer you lift up for your friends reaches God’s ears and heart. Ask Him to use His power, strength, and wisdom to help the people you care about. Are you friends with others who encourage and build you up in the faith? Are you making the effort to grow spiritually so you can be that kind of friend to others?

 

DEVOTION—TEEN TUESDAY: Temptation should not be viewed as sin. Rather, giving in to a temptation is sin. Here's reassuring news: God promises us deliverance from sin. In other words, this is God’s promise of an “exit.”