His name is Joseph. I first saw him walking through our quaint downtown square with a bundle of blankets tucked under his arm . He was obviously malnourished. His hair and beard were unkempt and his skin bore the marks of weathering both the physical and spiritual storms of life. In my mind’s eye I immediately saw him as someone’s son, someone’s brother, perhaps, someone’s husband or father. My heart hurt for him. It was a short and simple prayer that I prayed that day, “Lord, show me how I could help someone like that.” The light turned green and I drove on.

Run to Jesus! - Anonymous

Oh how often I feel IT'S NOT IN ME ---but God shall give an answer of peace! Life can be so pressing at times and I don't have an answer. I'm thankful that I can run to Jesus. Psalm 86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: FOR THOU WILT ANSWER ME.

Facts, Feeling, Faith and the Future - Zana Reichen

A young lady came to me upset over a health problem which caused her loss of energy, frequent pain, and feelings of defeat. In addition, she did not have money to take final exams, and she is to have surgery when she returns to her home state this summer. She wanted to feel better, have money for finals, have money for surgery, was fearful of surgery, and wanted to know where money would come from in the fall for school—and wanted all these answers now! I wanted to say, “Whoa! Slow this horse down, woman!” Knowing her health situation, I suspicioned that her particular physical problem was playing a part in her mental and emotional well-being.

Faithful Servant - Joyce Kiefer

What does the word faithful, or faithfulness mean to you? To me it means to be loyal, constant, and steadfast. Daniel was all of these and more. He was loyal to His God, he was constant, and he was steadfast. The princes and presidents tried to find something to accuse him of but couldn’t. All they could say is that he was faithful.

Christian Life, Christian Service, Encouragement, Faith, God's Will, PrayerAmy SappApril 25, 2022Faith, Faithful, Servant, Tests, Trials, Stand, Believe

Faith Trumps Fear - Virginia Harris

Fear is a very common human emotion. We can be happily going along our way when all of a sudden….Wham! Something happens, or a thought pops up in our mind, or we hear something…and instantly that spirit of fear grips our heart. Although, this is a very common emotion, this spirit is not of the Lord. I pray that these thoughts that have helped me when I am fearful will be a help to you.

Anxiety, Christian Life, Christian Service, Dealing With Grief, Faith, Life Changes, TrialsAmy SappApril 18, 2022Faith, Pain, Fear, Trump, Emotions, Happy

A Sure Foundation - Leighann Peoples

This was the foundation of their protection. Without girdling up the long garments they wore, they were not able to effectively fight. This thought brought out so much truth about making sure we are standing on the right foundation so that we can effectively fight this spiritual warfare we are in. We must make the Word of God our sure foundation if we are going to be strong and stand against the tactics of Satan.The Christians armor can not be their own sincerity and truthfulness but wholly governed by truth through the words of Jesus. The truth is a settled conviction that we know who we believe and what we believe. Jesus and His Word must be our sure foundation.Satan has created so much uncertainty and confusion, making it so hard to distinguish truths and untruths.

A Very Mary Response - Laura Pearson

One of the greatest characters in all of the New Testament had to be Mary, the mother of Jesus. I believe that some of the best characters to study from in Scripture are those, not necessarily with talent, wealth or fame – but with willingness. A servant’s heart goes a long way!

Touching the Hem - Gail Moore

What a wonderful account of faith and dedication here in this passage. This could be so applicable to we as women today. Think about it. It appears that this woman is hurrying along with a crowd of people who were also trying to see this One called Jesus. It spoke of the multitudes and of a whole city coming out to see Him just a few verses earlier.

Christian Life, Christian Service, Faith, Loneliness, Life Changes, Peace of GodAmy SappNovember 1, 2021Safe, Safety, Garment, Faith

I Can't - Kristy Miller

One of my biggest struggles was when I was a senior in high school. I had the privilege of being born into a Christian home, went to a great church my entire life and had wonderful Christian parents, preachers, and teachers that taught me the Bible and how God wanted me to live. In spite of church 4 times a week, Christian education, chapel services, family devotion, etc., I still wasn't really sold out on this whole living for Jesus thing. I had watched several people graduate from our Christian school and immediately begin doing the complete opposite of what we had been taught our entire lives.

Smore's Faith - Jami McConkey

I’ve mentioned Before Cancer and during cancer. Now I would say we are not done with cancer, but rather in recovery. Unfortunately, you are only one scan away from relapse. It’s a reality and truth that we don’t dwell on, but you can’t unknow that either! Some kids make it years and decades and some have to keep getting back in the battle against the beast of Osteosarcoma. That’s the stark reality.

Children, Christian Service, Faith, God's Will, Trials, Trusting GodAmy SappJune 21, 2021Faith, Carried, Journey, Trusting, God, Cancer

Learning from Covid - Barb Jackson

God is sovereign and I know He allowed my husband and me to have Covid. He had a plan and a purpose. I prayed and thanked God for giving us Covid and that I believed it was His will. I admit it was a stretch for me to thank Him for Covid, but I knew I was to thank Him for all things. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” and Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” There is a song by Lynda Randle “God on the Mountain”. One of the verses says “You talk of faith, when you’re up on the mountain; But talk comes so easy, when life’s at its best; Now it’s down in the valleys, of trials and temptations; That’s where your faith, is really put to the test.”

Anxiety, Christian Life, Faith, Illness, Loneliness, Peace of God, Trials, Trusting GodAmy SappFebruary 1, 2021Comfort, Covid, Faith, Fear, Care, Love, Memorize, Meditate

Thankful Even in the Storm - Jen McMillan

I spent many days pouring out my heart to the Lord. We took the leap of faith to enter this adoption plan and I was hoping the understanding would come as to why he said no. Now I can look back at that storm and see how the Lord grew me. How He used this hard time to show me it was Him that I really needed, not that baby boy. He could be my joy, my comfort, and my strength. It changed my view to asking God what He is wanting to do through me instead of why He is doing this to me.

Faith, God's Will, Love of God, Peace of God, Trials, Trusting GodAmy SappNovember 2, 2020Adoption, Trials, Trusting, Faith, Love, Thankful

Walk in the Spirit - Lisa Gillespie

How can I stay right with God? Stay on the right path and going the right direction? How do I keep the decisions I made at camp or at any point? How do I continue growing and make a difference?

Bible Reading, Christian Life, Faith, Peace of God, Trusting GodAmy SappJuly 20, 2020Walking, Spirit, Humility, Godliness, Flesh, Spiritual, Faith

2020 Vision - Heidi Cranston

When my spiritual vision gets blurry and I realize I’m losing my joy, I ask
God to correct my vision. I ask Him to help me see life the way He sees it.
He is always faithful to bring verses to mind and clear things up for me.

Christian Life, Christian Service, Faith, Trusting GodAmy SappJanuary 20, 2020Vision, 20/20, Spiritual, Focus, Blind, God's Call, Faith

Trusting God When You Can't See- Becky Smith

Even with my limited eyesight I could see the ﬁre monster that would soon come over that ridge within the next 30 minutes, bringing a ﬁre tornado that would destroy our guest house, and nearly every tree and shrub on our 5.7 acres.

Trusting GodTiffany MooreMay 20, 2019Faith, Trust, Wildfires, Vision, Becky Smith