I have been reading a Bible study by Patricia Frame called “The Faces of Eve”. After going through the first two chapters, I began this morning a chapter based on Leah, the Biblical patriarch Jacob’s first wife. Her transformation is from one who is unloved and unworthy to knowing she is both loved and worthy. As I began to read this chapter these words snapped me out of my sleepy, first-of-the-morning reverie: “Do not be misled – we are all engaged in this spiritual battle,

This morning’s devotional time included a re-visit to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s trip to the fiery furnace as a testament to unwavering faith – heard it a bunch of times in my life, but this time, the author, Alyson Kieda from Our Daily Bread Ministries focused on the aspect of their “even if…” devotion to God. They were standing in front of the most powerful human ruler in the world at that time, and defended their conviction that even if he followed through with his m

Sometimes we can get discouraged over what people we love choose to do – and don’t do. This is a common human event. How we choose to respond to these feelings matters immensely! Our response can mean the difference between a long slide to depression and degradation of the relationship, or revival and restoration of a life. Preparing for a women’s speaking event this month, I was practicing Randy’s Travis’s song “When Mama Prayed”. The chorus of that song convicted me that in

This morning, between the awareness that I was no longer sleeping and the startling realization I REALLY needed to pray for someone specific, there was peace. I was safe, unhurried, rested and peaceful. Following prayer and going into my devotional time, I heard: “having more doesn’t make you happy; managing well what you have makes you happy.” (from a teaching from Andy Stanley) and “Come to Me…I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11: 27-30) I am reminded that the condition of “r