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# Seeds of Scripture

Grow Closer to God by Planting His Word in Your Heart

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://seedsofscripture.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [The Power of God's Word in our Trials](https://seedsofscripture.com/power-gods-word-in-trials/) - Jesus stood on God's Word, not His own, to resist temptation. Like Jesus, we can use the power and authority of Scripture to beat the devil's schemes.
- [Stop Chasing Empty Promises: Find True Fulfillment in Jesus](https://seedsofscripture.com/find-true-fulfillment-in-jesus/) - Satan tempts Jesus (and us) with power, praise, and 'shiny things'. These promise fulfillment, but fade. Worship God above all and find true satisfaction.
- [Doubting God's Goodness? How Gratitude Increases Trust](https://seedsofscripture.com/feeling-forgotten-by-god-how-gratitude-strengthens-faith/) - When suffering we tend to question God's love and faithfulness. However, Jesus demonstrated unwavering trust, resisting the temptation to test God's loyalty.
- [Wilderness Test: Trust God When Life Feels Uncertain](https://seedsofscripture.com/wilderness-test-trust-god-when-life-feels-uncertain/) - Trials reveal whether we trust God's power or rely on ourselves. Do we recognize Him as the true provider? Will we draw near to encounter the Holy in the hard?
- [God Tests & Satan Tempts: Battle for Your Faith](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-tests-satan-temptation/) - God's tests refine and grow us, offering opportunities for faithfulness. The enemy schemes to make us stumble. How can we pass the test?
- [Jesus’ Guide to Heal & Restore Broken Friendships](https://seedsofscripture.com/jesus-guide-heal-restore-friendship/) - Strong community is built on forgiveness and a desire to resolve conflict rather than let resentment fester. Jesus tells us how to restore relationships.
- [Hurt & Betrayed? Find healing through forgiveness](https://seedsofscripture.com/hurt-betrayed-find-healing-through-forgiveness/) - God calls believers to forgive which isn't easy. When hurt, we instinctually hold resentment. Forgiveness breaks the cycle of pain and restores peace.
- [Fearless](https://seedsofscripture.com/fearless/) - How did the disciples change from cowering in hiding after Jesus' crucifixion to preaching boldly and fearlessly? Jesus' spirit. The Holy Spirit.
- [Anxious with Worry? Find Lasting Peace in God’s Word](https://seedsofscripture.com/anxious-with-worry-find-lasting-peace-in-gods-word/) - Tossing and turning at night looping worst-case scenarios? You're not alone. Don't let worry steals your peace; turn worry into prayer. Trust God to handle it.
- [How Listening Builds Church Unity & Diversity](https://seedsofscripture.com/how-listening-builds-church-unity-diversity/) - We all want to be heard and understood which comes down to listening well. God intends His church to hear, understand, and learn from diverse people.
- [Find Value & Purpose: The Church Needs You](https://seedsofscripture.com/value-purpose-church-needs-you/) - God designed the church to be a harmonious, diverse community. Every person's gifts and perspectives add value by broadening our understanding of God.
- [A Vine and Branches Botany Lesson](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-vine-and-branches-botany-lesson/) - I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. But if you remain in me and my words remain
- [Prepare the Way! The King is Coming!](https://seedsofscripture.com/prepare-the-way-king-is-coming/) - The traditional Christmas story begins when Mary becomes pregnant. But the actual story begins 6 months earlier when John the Baptist's birth is foretold. John will prepare the way for Jesus the King.
- [Do you belong? Find Identity in God’s Family](https://seedsofscripture.com/do-you-belong-find-identity-in-gods-family/) - Humans desire belonging. God fulfills our longing by adopting us as His children. Ancient adoption practices shed light on our identity in God's family.
- [Epiphany: Freedom in the Truth](https://seedsofscripture.com/epiphany-freedom-in-truth/) - Truth: God forgave us long before we forgave ourselves. Live free from guilt and shame—Jesus carried that on the cross. Christ doesn't condemn; He forgives.
- [What a Friend We Have in Jesus](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-a-friend-we-have-in-jesus/) - What a friend we have in Jesus! He cares deeply about our lives and promises to help us with our struggles when we ask Him in prayer. What a privilege to be invited into this relationship. We forfeit peace when we forget to pray about our troubles.
- [Shepherds & the Lamb of God: A Christmas Connection](https://seedsofscripture.com/shepherds-the-lamb-of-god-a-christmas-connection/) - Every detail of scripture has meaning. Every word carefully chosen. The shepherds were intentionally chosen, too, to recognize the Lamb of God.
- [Worship 1st: Love God with Adoration and Action](https://seedsofscripture.com/worship-1st-love-god-with-adoration-and-action/) - I used to think being good would earn God's love. Good works gain God's grace, right? No, Jesus prioritizes adoration over action. Loving others is secondary.
- [Worship Jesus: Pour Out Heartfelt Gratitude](https://seedsofscripture.com/heartfelt-gratitude/) - Do you worry about others' opinions when you show God gratitude with arms raised? True worship flows from the heart. This woman worships Jesus with abandon.
- [Transformed by God: Like Carving a Pumpkin](https://seedsofscripture.com/transformed-by-god-like-carving-a-pumpkin/) - Christians are like pumpkins, full of slimy seeds to clean out so God's light can shine through our smiling faces. We're transformed and filled w/ the Spirit.
- [Hearing God's Voice: How to Listen](https://seedsofscripture.com/hearing-gods-voice-how-to-listen/) - Do you wish God would speak to you? He will, but His voice might not 'sound' like what you expect. Let's learn to recognize God's voice.
- [Yom Kippur: A Powerful Call to Humility](https://seedsofscripture.com/yom-kippur-a-powerful-call-to-humility/) - Biblical figures, including Jesus, fell prostrate in worship. Today, we bow our heads in reverence? Yom Kippur reminds us to show humility before His Holiness.
- [Rosh Hashanah: Repent and Return Home](https://seedsofscripture.com/rosh-hashanah-repent-and-return-home/) - Repentance once caused fear, seeming like a threat: Repent or else! But Rosh Hashanah presents repentance as an invitation to return home to God's loving arms.
- [Uncontainable Joy: True Fulfillment Found Only in Jesus](https://seedsofscripture.com/uncontainable-joy-true-fulfillment-found-only-in-jesus/) - Our decisions are based on what will make us happy. But true joy and fulfillment is only found in Jesus. We're freed from guilt & shame and find joy in love.
- [Burn, Baby, Burn: Daily Devotion and Dedication](https://seedsofscripture.com/burn-baby-burn-daily-devotion-and-dedication/) - Our daily devotions aren't just for information or inspiration. We dedicate our hearts to achieving God's purposes.
- [Words Hurt: How Insults Conflict with a Heart for God](https://seedsofscripture.com/insults-conflict-with-heart-for-god/) - The careless insult slips past our lips. You're clueless. What a loser! Insulting words that wound one of God's beloved hinder our relationship with God.
- [Transform Your Heart: Go the Extra Mile with Radical Kindness](https://seedsofscripture.com/go-the-extra-mile/) - ‘Go the extra mile’ originated with Jesus. It shocked His original audience and demanded a radical attitude adjustment. Could we transform the world with love?
- [Be Transformed: Embrace Jesus' Radical Love](https://seedsofscripture.com/be-transformed-embrace-jesus-radical-love/) - What if following the letter of the law misses the underlying intention? Jesus challenges us to love 'neighbors' we don't like (maybe even hate). Here's why?
- [Turn the Other Cheek: What does Jesus mean?](https://seedsofscripture.com/turn-the-other-cheek-what-does-jesus-mean/) - Does Jesus really want us to turn the other cheek and accept abuse? NO!!! Let's resist retaliation by offering the left cheek.
- [Wise Men Build on Rock: Embracing Jesus' Teaching](https://seedsofscripture.com/wise-man-builds-on-rock-in-jesus-teaching/) - I know that story! Maybe so, but the Bible is like an onion with many layers. A new tidbit about the wise man's house built on rock strengthens the lesson.
- [Your Driving Force](https://seedsofscripture.com/your-driving-force/) - What do you live for? What is your driving force? Jesus sums it up by saying love God and love others.
- [Turn the Other Cheek](https://seedsofscripture.com/turn-other-cheek/) - Every detail in the Bible serves a purpose. We misunderstand the adage to 'turn the other cheek' without understanding the meaning of a slap on the right cheek.
- [4 Ways the Holy Spirit Empowers Believers](https://seedsofscripture.com/4-ways-the-holy-spirit-empowers-believers/) - God pours out the Holy Spirit on the disciples just as Jesus promised - with power! What does it do? How does it work in us?
- [What is God's will for my life?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-is-gods-will-for-my-life/) - Have you ever wanted to know (or needed to know) God's will for your life? Does God reveal His will? How can we know?
- [What Does Jesus Mean: Go and Sin No More](https://seedsofscripture.com/sin-no-more/) - Step into the Temple as shouts and screams interrupt Jesus' morning lesson. He's trapped into making judgment and enforcing her sentence: sin no more.
- [Eastertide: Let the Little Children Come](https://seedsofscripture.com/eastertide-let-the-little-children-come/) - Children are so sweet and innocent! Why does Jesus say we need to become like children to enter His kingdom?
- [Interference!](https://seedsofscripture.com/interference/) - Nicodemus wants it both ways. He doesn't want to risk his day job, but he's curious about Jesus. Following Jesus costs something.
- [Eastertide: Celebrating Life After Resurrection](https://seedsofscripture.com/eastertide-life-after-resurrection/) - Did you know Easter is more than one day of candy, church, and great food? The Easter season celebrates the resurrection for 50 days. It's a party! Come join!
- [Lent: Why Did Jesus Ride a Donkey?](https://seedsofscripture.com/lent-why-did-jesus-ride-a-donkey/) - Jesus teaches the upside-down nature of His Kingdom's peace and demonstrates His peace as King by riding a donkey. What is this counter-cultural peace?
- [Are You Stuck?](https://seedsofscripture.com/are-you-stuck/) - The kingdom of God that Jesus describes differs significantly from the world's ways. What do we ask when we pray "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth?"
- [Lent: Learning from Paul's Prison Wilderness](https://seedsofscripture.com/lent-learning-from-pauls-prison-wilderness/) - We all face challenges in life, wilderness experiences. Let's learn from the way the Apostle Paul handles his 2-year prison wilderness.
- [Lent: The Only Way Out is Through](https://seedsofscripture.com/lent-the-only-way-out-is-through/) - We like shortcuts to the finish line, ways to make the journey easier. The devil offers Jesus a shortcut that avoids the pain and suffering. Jesus' response?
- [Lent: Even Satan Can Quote Scripture](https://seedsofscripture.com/lent-satan-can-quote-scripture/) - When Satan quotes scripture to accuse or tempt, his voice can sound a lot like God's. How can we tell the lie from the truth?
- [Lent: Why Jesus was Tested in the Wilderness](https://seedsofscripture.com/lent-why-jesus-tested-wilderness/) - Jesus is baptized and immediately thrown into the wilderness for a test. Why? What are the test questions? How does Jesus respond? Why does He want us to know?
- [Peter's Confession at Caesarea Philippi: How Geography Adds Impact](https://seedsofscripture.com/peters-confession-at-caesarea-philippi/) - Showing is better than telling which makes object lessons more memorable. Jesus brings his disciples to Caesarea Philippi for this lesson and a mid-term exam.
- [The Herald Angels Sing: A Baby Born to Die](https://seedsofscripture.com/herald-angels-sing-born-to-die/) - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! announces more than a baby in a manger. It defines Jesus' mission as Savior King and subtly introduces a new kind of kingdom.
- [66 Hyperlinked Books: One Story that Leads to Jesus](https://seedsofscripture.com/66-books-one-story-leads-to-jesus/) - Do you find Bible reading, well... boring? Difficult? Prefer a devotion that spells it out? Me too! Then I joined a study group and caught fire. Here's why...
- [Water to Wine: Was Jesus’ first miracle just for fun?](https://seedsofscripture.com/water-to-wine-was-jesus-first-miracle-just-for-fun/) - Jesus never did miracles just for fun or to draw attention to Himself. They always benefited others. So why turn water to wine?
- [How Do We Know God Invites Everyone?](https://seedsofscripture.com/three-kings-momentous-message/) - Epiphany, or Three Kings Day, isn't a day I learned about growing up. The Magi's visit is displays the inclusiveness of God's love for humanity.
- [Epiphany: How does Jesus' baptism reveal His identity?](https://seedsofscripture.com/epiphany-how-does-jesus-baptism-reveal-identity/) - Before Christmas existed as its own holiday, the church celebrated Epiphany. Jesus' birth was part of the church feast, but another event was primary. Which event? Why? What does it tell us?
- [Resolutions: Can I Do All Things?](https://seedsofscripture.com/resolutions-can-i-do-all-things/) - Ever use "I can do all things through Christ" as motivation? Let's learn what Paul really meant. Taking scripture out of context leads to misinterpretation.
- [Waiting for God: Certain, Receptive, Responsive](https://seedsofscripture.com/waiting-certain-receptive-responsive/) - Simeon intertwined his life with God. He waited expectantly for the Lord's Messiah, certain to meet him during his lifetime. Let's learn from his cameo in Luke.
- [A God-incidence](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-god-incidence/) - God's hand assigned the section I worked for World Vision at the Hillsong Concert. I call this a God-incidence.
- [O Holy Night: Transformed from Empty to Worthy through Christ](https://seedsofscripture.com/o-holy-night-transformed-by-christ/) - Christmas isn't complete without a powerful performance of O Holy Night. I sing 'fall on your knees' then hum, but all the lyrics are as powerful as they sound.
- [Immanuel: More Than We Realize](https://seedsofscripture.com/immanuel-more-than-we-realize/) - For Matthew's audience, Immanuel meant God with us... and more. The title conjured a whole Old Testament story and a lesson from the outcome. It's story time!
- [What Does it Mean to Know Jesus by Suffering?](https://seedsofscripture.com/know-jesus-by-suffering/) - How can suffering help us know Jesus better? Why does Paul exchange prestige and pedigree for suffering?
- [What Does it Mean to Know Jesus as Lord?](https://seedsofscripture.com/know-jesus-as-lord/) - Paul proclaims that knowing Christ has ultimate value. Fortunately, he also explains how he knows Christ. So what does it mean to know Christ as Lord?
- [Don't be a Dog: How to Receive Right Standing](https://seedsofscripture.com/how-to-receive-right-standing/) - The Apostle Paul's core message: Right standing with God comes through faith alone. Paul calls those who disagree dirty dogs.
- [Grateful to God for 2 Uncomfortable Calls](https://seedsofscripture.com/grateful-to-god-for-2-uncomfortable-calls/) - People can influence our direction in life for good. Change is uncomfortable but often God-sent. Thank God for placing them in your path at the perfect time.
- [4 Benefits of Gratitude](https://seedsofscripture.com/4-benefits-of-gratitude/) - For Christians, gratitude means recognizing who God is and what He has done. God instructs us to give thanks because we benefit from the practice.
- [Beyond Grateful](https://seedsofscripture.com/beyond-gratefu/) - We have every reason to be grateful.
- [My Bursting Heart](https://seedsofscripture.com/my-bursting-hear/) - We get far more excited when a friend visits than when we spend time with God. Why? When were you last bursting with joy for the opportunity to drink coffee and listen to God through His Word?
- [Get Your Ticket to Heaven](https://seedsofscripture.com/ticket-to-heaven/) - I used to think God couldn't love me because of my poor choices. I tried to make up for them and earn His love. But it's never enough. His love is free.
- [Don't Talk Rubbish: When Strong Language is Holy](https://seedsofscripture.com/dont-talk-rubbish-when-strong-language-is-holy/) - The world loves us for accomplishments and social standing, but God’s love can’t be earned. The Apostle Paul has strong language for those who teach otherwise.
- [What are the Grace of Jesus, Love of God and Fellowship of the Spirit?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-are-grace-love-of-god-fellowship-of-the-spirit/) - What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says the grace of Jesus, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit? It means we're loved so deeply that we’re worth dying for. As if that isn't enough, the Holy Spirit partners with us in doing life together.
- [Embracing Yom Kippur: Humility, Grace, Gratitude](https://seedsofscripture.com/yom-kippur-humility-grace-gratitude/) - On Yom Kippur, Jews mend relationships and confess their brokenness. Christians can find meaning in the intentional humility of this tradition.
- [Repentance: An Invitation to Return Home](https://seedsofscripture.com/repentance-invitation-to-return/) - I used to associate repentance with punishment and judgment. But in Rosh Hashanah repentance is an invitation to return home and recall who God says you are.
- [The Holy Spirit's Role and Your Role in Progressive Transformation](https://seedsofscripture.com/holy-spirits-role-your-witness-of-transformation/) - What follows the decision to release control & receive forgiveness? The Holy Spirit gets to work while we tell stories.
- [A Faith with Explosive Power](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-faith-with-explosive-power/) - Why are we shy about our faith when we have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead inside us?
- [My Joyful Transformation: Weakness is My Strength](https://seedsofscripture.com/weakness-is-strength/) - We're taught to be strong and self-sufficient, but Scripture teaches just the opposite. How can weakness lead to transformation?
- [5 Steps Toward Transformation: Balancing Effort and Openness](https://seedsofscripture.com/5-steps-toward-transformation/) - How are Christians transformed? What does that mean? How does "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" work? Dig in with me.
- [Unleash your best self: Monitor your mind’s consumption](https://seedsofscripture.com/unleash-your-best-self/) - The world bombards us with content that shapes our thinking. If we become what we think, let's ask: What's our mind's diet? Are we becoming our best self?
- [God's Commands Bring Joy Even Under Stress](https://seedsofscripture.com/gods-commands-bring-joy-stress/) - Our true characters burst forth under stress. God transforms us as we learn to follow His ways. We find joy under stress as His commands make the path clear.
- [What is Truth?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-is-tru/) - What is truth? Is there absolute truth? According to Jesus there is. He is truth.
- [How to Respond When God Interrupts](https://seedsofscripture.com/how-to-respond-when-god-interrupts/) - Interruptions to our plans can be annoying! But what if the detour has a divinely appointed purpose? What does it mean to work with God rather than for Him?
- [Called to Serve: A Garden God-incidence](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-incidence-in-the-garden/) - A God-incidence is a God orchestrated encounter that feels like serendipity. This God-incidence brought comfort to a brokenhearted woman. Only God.
- [Mama Bear’s Power: Persistent Prayer](https://seedsofscripture.com/mama-bears-power-persistent-prayer/) - Concerned about your kids’ faith? Are you fighting for it like a Mama Bear or hibernating with hopeful dreams like me. Read how the Apostle Paul aroused my fighting spirit.
- [Spreading Good News: From Dusty Feet to Social Media](https://seedsofscripture.com/spreading-good-news/) - News spreads so fast - good, bad, true and untrue. What if we intentionally spread the good news that brings hope and love?
- [When Receiving is Better than Giving](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-receiving-is-better-than-giving/) - God comes through in his own time. My experience in writing this post proved it. Wait patiently for the Lord and he will deliver.
- [A Fully Human Jesus: Why is it Important?](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-fully-human-jesus-why-is-it-important/) - Was Jesus fully human? Was he perfect? Divinely protected from sin? Does it matter? So many questions! Let's explore Jesus' humanity and its implications.
- [The Name Above All Names: Jesus is God](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-name-above-all-names-jesus-is-god/) - Wait, what? Jesus is both God and God’s son? How do we know? Explore the scriptures with me on the blog to learn why we know Jesus is God.
- [Pulled from the Pit by the Power of God's Promises](https://seedsofscripture.com/pulled-from-the-pit-by-the-power-of-gods-promises/) - Abraham's strong faith while waiting for the promised child helped me trust God during tragic grief. He believed in God’s power to bring life from a dead womb.
- [Shed Your Shame: Embrace God's Redeeming Love](https://seedsofscripture.com/shed-your-shame/) - Have you felt unworthy of God's love? Has your faith failed and caused shame? Jesus & Peter discuss his denials and future. Redeemed. Reinstated. Renamed.
- [Humble but Bold: 2 Personal Lessons from God](https://seedsofscripture.com/humble-but-bold/) - In consecutive weeks, God provided two personal messages from the same biblical story in John 21. God taught humility one time and boldness the next.
- [When What Jesus Asks is Too Hard](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-what-jesus-asks-is-too-hard/) - What do we do when what Jesus asks of us is hard? Do we forget what he's already done? Let's set the context for the story when Jesus Feeds the 5000.
- [Following a Child's Example](https://seedsofscripture.com/following-childs-example/) - A boy offers his lunch to help feed 5000. The impact? It was one small, hopeful step toward solving a big problem. Can we believe like the child?
- [Miracles Really Do Happen](https://seedsofscripture.com/miracles-really-do-happen/) - Do we believe God for the impossible? The miracle? In Feeding 5000, Jesus gathers resources, gives God thanks and believes God will make it sufficient.
- [The Messy Details Matter](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-messy-details-matter/) - The details in the gospel writer's story express the abundance of Jesus' provision.
- [When Every Word Holds Meaning](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-every-word-holds-meaning/) - We're working through the story when Jesus feeds 5000 people. Every detail has meaning. What do they teach us?
- [Learn a Bible Study method: Journey into a Post-Resurrection Story in John 21](https://seedsofscripture.com/learn-a-bible-study-method/) - Bring life to your scripture reading with this Bible study method. Let's explore a story together and see what we discover?
- [Lesson from Dad: Loving Hard to Love People](https://seedsofscripture.com/lesson-from-dad-loving-hard-to-love-people/) - We all know someone who is hard to love. We avoid them. We hang on to bitterness. Dad taught me that the time is now to extend God's mercy and compassion.
- [Why Should I Love My Enemy?](https://seedsofscripture.com/why-should-i-love-my-enemy/) - But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:35-36 (NLT) Why should I
- [We Live on a Visited Planet](https://seedsofscripture.com/we-live-on-visited-plane/) - God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now. Titus 2:11-12 (MSG) I don’t often find myself in Titus. I
- [Love Your Enemy](https://seedsofscripture.com/love-your-enemy/) - Jesus calls us to the difficult task of loving our enemy. Where is God's justice for those who hurt us?
- [God's Timing: Waiting with Doubting Thomas](https://seedsofscripture.com/waiting-with-doubting-thomas/) - Doubting Thomas needs to see Jesus for himself. Can we relate as Thomas listens to his friends' exuberant stories and waits for his own encounter?
- [No Doubt](https://seedsofscripture.com/no-doub/) - To what degree do we believe that Jesus is who he says he is? Do we hold the same degree of trust in scripture? Does our life reflect this belief and trust?
- [Why We Worship While Some Still Doubt?](https://seedsofscripture.com/why-we-worship-while-some-still-doubt/) - Will we always have lingering questions about faith? When do we have enough faith to pass it on? Let's look at the disciples.
- [Better Than a Do-Over: New Life in Jesus](https://seedsofscripture.com/new-life-better-than-a-do-over/) - Why does the resurrected Jesus breathe on his disciples to give them the Holy Spirit? Let's discover the Old Testament connection to new life in Christ.
- [Renovations & New Life](https://seedsofscripture.com/renovations-new-life/) - You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)
- [Understanding Jesus' Resurrection: Why the Women Worshiped](https://seedsofscripture.com/understanding-jesus-resurrection-why-the-women-worshiped/) - What did the women at the tomb understand about Jesus' resurrection that caused them to respond in worship? The angels gave them a big clue.
- [God Promises His Love for a Lifetime](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-lifetime/) - God promises to love, support and care for us our whole lives. Sometimes hindsight allows us to see Him in action and grow our trust that God will keep these promises. He often uses people in our faith communities to show His love.
- [Costly Sacrifice: Essential for Loving like Jesus](https://seedsofscripture.com/costly-sacrifice-essential-for-loving-like-jesus/) - It's easy to love the people we like, but we all have that one person who challenges us - the antagonist. What does Jesus teach about loving that person? Warning: it is a costly sacrifice.
- [Take My Life, Lord](https://seedsofscripture.com/take-my-life/) - I was so excited! God had used me and it felt great! I wanted more of these moments and wanted others to have them too. So I said "Take my life and use it."
- [Do Something](https://seedsofscripture.com/do-something/) - Today, I conclude my Cambodia trip posts with this challenge: Do Something. There are many options. Choose one way to make a difference. PRAY! Be intentional in praying for 1) the mostly poor, vulnerable girls, 2) those entrapped and on display for customers and 3) the brave, yet traumatized, survivors. Pray God’s
- [Get Out Of The Way](https://seedsofscripture.com/get-out-of-way/) - Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) – Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. God orchestrated yesterday’s post about #otherpeoplies in a fun way. I always get a charge when I recognize His undeniable hand in my life.
- [No Time to Pray](https://seedsofscripture.com/no-time-to-pray_28/) - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT) Never stop praying. I am often moved by posts by Neil Vermillion and am passing along today's post "I don't have enough time to pray" I, too, hear this excuse often and share his thoughts: I don't have enough time to pray..... I hear this quite frequently, but this really
- [Rejoice Because Hope Comes From Suffering? What?](https://seedsofscripture.com/rejoice-because-hope-comes-fro/) - Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) Rejoice in our suffering? Find hope from perseverance and character? It doesn’t make sense. Because our use of the words suffering, perseverance, character and hope has changed significantly from
- [Pouring Down](https://seedsofscripture.com/pouring-down/) - Psalm 42:8 (NLT) – But each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life. I feel very blessed these days. It’s hard to come down from the cloud I’m floating on. An awesome group is forming for an
- [Cambodia - One Girl at a Time](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-one-girl-at-time/) - Deuteronomy 27:19 (NLT) Cursed is anyone who denies justice to foreigners, orphans, or widows. And all the people will reply, ‘Amen.’ How was your trip? Well…. How much time do you have? It’s not a simple answer. The one word answer is discouraging. The problem of trafficking and rape in Cambodia is
- [Radars Up - Another God-incidence](https://seedsofscripture.com/commit-you-do-lord-trust-him-and-he/) - Commit everything you do to the Lord; trust Him, and He will help you. Psalm 37:5 (NLT) If you're a regular reader you know I don't believe in coincidences. I like to call them God-incidences because I believe it's one of the way God guides us. When something seems like a coincidence my radar goes up to
- [A Better Way](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-better-way/) - Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” John 8:10-11 (NLT) Sin no more. This exchange concludes the familiar story of the woman caught in
- [Taking Up the Coronavirus Cross](https://seedsofscripture.com/take-up-the-cross/) - Preventing the spread of COVID-19 means dying to our 'self' for the benefit of others. We take up the cross when we sacrifice 'me' for 'we'.
- [An Ugly Churchy Word - Sin](https://seedsofscripture.com/an-ugly-churchy-word-sin/) - Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. Ephesians 6:8 (NLT) We’ve looked at some beautiful churchy words: grace, repentance, and justified. Today’s churchy word is an ugly one.
- [Welcome the King: Submit to Jesus as Lord](https://seedsofscripture.com/welcome-the-king-submit-to-jesus-as-lord/) - Most of us can’t imagine life under a king. We call Jesus Lord rather than King, but the titles are interchangeable. Submit to King Jesus - what does that mean?
- [Anointing Jesus with Extravagant Love: Mary’s Undeterred Worship](https://seedsofscripture.com/extravagant-love-in-marys-undeterred-worship/) - In extravagant love, Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, preparing him for burial. How will we express our love for Christ this Holy Week?
- [A Prayer Request Gone Wrong: Aligning Your Request with God's Will](https://seedsofscripture.com/comparing-2-prayer-requests/) - Can we compare two prayer requests? The author of Mark points to the comparison by repeating "What do you want?" in two adjacent stories. What do we learn? Can we compare two prayer requests? The author of Mark points to the comparison by repeating "What do you want?" in two adjacent stories. What do we learn?
- [Another Dose of Humility](https://seedsofscripture.com/another-dose-of-humility/) - The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. Psalm 69:32 (NLT) I’ve swallowed another dose of humility. It’s no secret - I dislike the music at traditional worship services. I respect those who do and appreciate that everyone meets God in their
- [God Knows What Matters](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-knows-what-matters/) - What really matters in life? How do we know? Do our actions match up with what we believe is important? I am praying along with the Apostle Paul for deeper understanding to know what matters.
- [Be Wise](https://seedsofscripture.com/be-wise/) - I am in awe of God. He reveals Himself throughout the Bible, but also in nature - the glory of a sunset, the power of a waterfall. What does he tell us? What can we learn?
- [Can You Trust God?](https://seedsofscripture.com/can-you-trust-god/) - Genesis 2:9,15 (NLT) The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground – trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit
- [3 Prayers to 'Fill Me' and an Answer](https://seedsofscripture.com/3-prayers-to-fill-me-and-an-answer/) - God hears our prayers and answers! Here's personal evidence. Only God could have orchestrated this hymn selection - something I call a God-incidence. God heard my cry: 'Fill Me.' He answered!
- [When Our Prayers Aren't Answered](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-our-prayers-arent-answered/) - Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4 (NLT) Why do our prayers sometimes go unanswered if, as the psalmist proclaims, God gives us the desires of our heart?
- [3 Questions to Grow Relationship during Lent](https://seedsofscripture.com/3-questions-to-grow-relationship-during-lent/) - Do you doubt whether God loves you based on some past behavior? Do you wonder if you've done enough to make up for it? Grow your relationship with God and learn to trust that His love is unconditional.
- [My Selfish Love for Jesus](https://seedsofscripture.com/my-selfish-love-for-jesus/) - I grew up thinking heaven and hell were far away places, one to aspire to and one to fear. But in His own words, God revealed the life He wants for me right now, not later in heaven and certainly not hell. I heard Him in scripture.
- [What does a smudge of ashes mean?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-does-a-smudge-of-ashes-mean/) - On Ash Wednesday, some people put ashes on their foreheads. What does that mean? Is it biblical? Who does it?
- [Why is the Body of Christ such Good News?](https://seedsofscripture.com/why-is-the-body-of-christ-such-good-news/) - The body of Christ is a community in which all members are equally valued and essential. Sound like good news? You're invited! Put an end to striving for status and success.
- [Why is the Church called the Body of Christ?](https://seedsofscripture.com/why-is-the-church-called-the-body-of-christ/) - For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5 (NIV) She rose from the chair to answer the doorbell and ended up
- [Pray These 5 Words Daily](https://seedsofscripture.com/pray-these-5-words-daily/) - Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 (NIV) My body relaxes even before I think the words. Simply anticipating them, my shoulders fall, my torso tilts forward and my head dips in reverence. All tension falls away as I turn the eyes of my heart toward Jesus and pray these 5 words:
- [When the Sunday School Story Comes Alive](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-the-sunday-school-story-comes-alive/) - Sunday School stories provide a foundation, but the Bible gains real meaning when the stories connect to reveal the one story: God's persistent, unfailing love for us.
- [Courage](https://seedsofscripture.com/courage/) - Psalm 27:14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. (NLT) This is a funny little verse. Think about it. The psalmist says waiting takes courage. Sometimes the bravest thing to do is to wait for God's instruction or action. Hmmmm. In my head, I'm fine with the
- [God's Masterpiece](https://seedsofscripture.com/gods-masterpiece/) - Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God's masterpiece (handiwork, workmanship). He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. I've expanded today's verse with words from several translations. English words don't always match the original Greek so various translations attempt to capture
- [Scripture Is Useful](https://seedsofscripture.com/scripture-is-usefu/) - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his
- [It's Alive!](https://seedsofscripture.com/its-alive/) - Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Let’s think about the longevity of the Bible. Most of the Old Testament, of course, is the Jewish
- [The Movie of Life](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-movie-of-life/) - 1 Peter 1:24-45 (NLT) - As the Scriptures say, “People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you. Author Francis Chan talks about
- [Digging for Treasure](https://seedsofscripture.com/digging-for-treasure/) - Proverbs 2:1-6 (NLT) My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to
- [Reality Check](https://seedsofscripture.com/reality-check/) - Isaiah 33:6 (NLT) In that day He will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure. Bible study author, Priscilla Shirer, recommends this exercise as part of Discerning the Voice of God: Rank the following activities from 1 to
- [You Are Worth It](https://seedsofscripture.com/you-are-worth-i/) - Matthew 26:27-28 (paraphrased from the NLT) He took the cup and gave it to them saying, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood which confirms that you are God’s beloved.” The Women of Faith conference this weekend was amazing. There were inspiring speakers, plenty of laughter, music and praise
- [Believe God Can Do Anything](https://seedsofscripture.com/believe-god-can-do-anything/) - Philippians 4:13 (NIV) I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. I'm excited to be heading to Hartford for the Women of Faith conference Believe God Can Do Anything. I am just beginning to experience the truth of this and know I will be stretched by the speakers. I announced in September
- [Those Annoying People!](https://seedsofscripture.com/those-annoying-people/) - Matthew 6:27-28 Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Confession: I am quick to judge. I have a visceral response to people I don’t like. It’s a character trait I struggle with. My roommates used to say they knew within
- [Giving Leftovers](https://seedsofscripture.com/giving-leftovers/) - Matthew 25:40 (NLT) And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters you were doing it to me!’ I had what I call an ‘ah-ha’ moment yesterday. You may have seen the light bulb blinking over my head.
- [What is God Like?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-is-god-like/) - “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” –A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy (New York: HarperCollins, 1961) I’ve read or heard this quote by A.W. Tozer multiple times in the last month. Let me just say that God’s most common method of speaking
- [God Loves the Impossible!](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-loves-impossible/) - Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God. God loves the impossible. That’s when He shines. When God brings us through an impossible situation, we have no choice but to acknowledge Him. It is often the turning point in one’s faith. In early September, I wrote that I felt called to an impossible
- [Hate Your Family????](https://seedsofscripture.com/hate-your-family/) - Luke 14:26 (NLT) If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. This makes no sense. Hate our families? Jesus tells us to love our neighbors and especially our
- [Turning Red to White](https://seedsofscripture.com/from-red-to-white/) - Isaiah 1:18 (NLT) “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. Image courtesy of Morguefile.com Let’s talk laundry. Can you clean a blood soaked cloth so
- [Wanting, Wanting, Wanting](https://seedsofscripture.com/wanting-wanting-wanting/) - Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from Him. The world and all
- [Us and Them](https://seedsofscripture.com/us-and-the/) - Jonah 4:2, 10-11 (NLT) I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Then the Lord said "but Nineveh has more than 12,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn't I
- [Deep, Festering Wounds](https://seedsofscripture.com/deep-festering-wounds/) - Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV) For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. God has bombarded me with challenging messages about forgiveness in my reading and conversations. The ongoing, difficult
- [What's Behind The Story?](https://seedsofscripture.com/whats-behind-story/) - 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NIV) From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- [Open My Eyes](https://seedsofscripture.com/open-my-eyes/) - Psalm 119:18 (NLT) - Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Road tripping to a gymnastics meet this weekend, so I’m blogging quickly. I love this short verse. It reminds me to be more receptive when I read the Bible rather than always analytical. Shouldn’t we pray these
- [No.  Thank You.](https://seedsofscripture.com/no-thank-you/) - 1 Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. What are you thankful for? You’ll ponder this question many times over the next week. But here’s another question. What are you thankful God hasn’t given you? I always, always, always wanted to be a teacher. My
- [Peace Be With You](https://seedsofscripture.com/peace-be-with-you/) - And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15 The peace that comes from Christ. What is that? I believe peace is far more than conflict resolution. This kind of peace
- [Sing Along](https://seedsofscripture.com/sing-along/) - Psalm 100:4-5 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. Every time I read this verse I envision my first grade self, robed in white with
- [An Exciting Adventure!](https://seedsofscripture.com/an-exciting-adventure/) - And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 Faith is
- [Humming with Thanks](https://seedsofscripture.com/humming-with-thanks/) - I am happily humming a refrain from Sunday’s worship. It’s working its way into my soul and gratitude is overwhelming my heart. What can I do but thank You? Read the lyrics or listen on YouTube. What other response is there when you truly consider the glory of God and His love for you?
- [Give Thanks](https://seedsofscripture.com/give-thanks/) - 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NLT) Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord.
- [Isn't It Amazing?](https://seedsofscripture.com/isnt-it-amazing/) - Psalm 95:1-6 (NLT) Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in his hands the depths
- [Was It So Important?](https://seedsofscripture.com/was-it-so-importan/) - Philippians 3:7-8 (NLT) I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I
- [You Thief!](https://seedsofscripture.com/you-thief/) - John 10:10 (NLT) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. How’s your stress level? Mine is nuts! For some reason a few days ago I woke up in a panic. My ‘Trust God’ mantra went out the window and I’m
- [Plugged In and Energized](https://seedsofscripture.com/plugged-in-and-energized/) - John 15:5 (NLT) Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. We cannot ignore our relationship with God, especially at this time of year. In addition to crafting the perfect Christmas for
- [Like a Baby](https://seedsofscripture.com/like-baby/) - Three different times [Paul] begged the Lord to take [the thorn in his flesh] away. Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take
- [Faith Snowballs](https://seedsofscripture.com/faith-snowballs/) - John 2:5 (NKJV) Whatever He says to you, do it. In her book Discerning the Voice of God, Priscilla Shirer says hearing from God all comes down to obedience. There’s that word we love so much! Obedience. Yes, God desires an intimate relationship with us but within that relationship He wants our obedience.
- [A Bright Spot](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-bright-spo/) - John 8:12 (NLT) Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The next several weeks will be
- [Plus signs](https://seedsofscripture.com/plus-signs/) - Matthew 1:23 (NIV) The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him “Immanuel” (which means God with us). I gave myself two early Christmas gifts. Is that allowed? One is prayers for Advent so of course I couldn’t wait. The other is a key word Bible! I know
- [Humming Again](https://seedsofscripture.com/humming-again/) - Luke 1:38 (NLT) Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. Here I am humming again - one of my favorites. Here I am, Lord. It is I, Lord. I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.
- [Not a Red Bull](https://seedsofscripture.com/not-red-bu/) - Trust means prioritizing the day around the certainty of a future event. Trusting God means believing His promises.
- [On a Mission](https://seedsofscripture.com/on-mission/) - From John 17 – Jesus prays for the disciples (and us) I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. I am glorified in those you have given to me. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Just
- [It's TRUE!](https://seedsofscripture.com/its-true/) - Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon
- [Now What?](https://seedsofscripture.com/now-wha/) - Luke 2:17-20 (NLT) After seeing Him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and
- [Who Am I?](https://seedsofscripture.com/who-am-i/) - Psalm 103:1-2 (NLT) Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. I found a note on a small scrap of paper that said ‘all that
- [Am I In?](https://seedsofscripture.com/am-i-in/) - John 14:1-3 (NLT) Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and
- [Peace For Your Soul](https://seedsofscripture.com/peace-for-your-sou/) - John 16:33 (NLT) I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. We certainly know from experience that following Jesus isn’t a ticket to the easy life. In today’s scripture
- [Already Exhausted!](https://seedsofscripture.com/already-exhausted/) - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! Happy New Year! The media has reviewed all aspects of 2013. People continue to make resolutions for 2014. Several Christian websites even got in on the newness
- [In Sync](https://seedsofscripture.com/in-sync/) - Psalm 143:8 (NLT) Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. How? How do we trust God to direct our path? How does this trust actually work in day-to-day life? My trust increases as I feel
- [Above the Curve](https://seedsofscripture.com/above-curve/) - Romans 3:22-24 (NLT) We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through
- [All Done!](https://seedsofscripture.com/all-done/) - Image courtesy of Photobucket.com Luke 16:15 (NLT) Then [Jesus] said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts.” In my mind I think “Well, I’m not as bad as so-in-so.” But God doesn’t grade on the curve and deem me good or bad based on others’ performance. God’s
- [Camels in Heaven](https://seedsofscripture.com/camels-in-heaven/) - Mark 10:25 (NLT) In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God! Jesus’ message in this conversation must have made an impact because Matthew, Mark and Luke all include this teaching in their writing. It probably
- [Upside Down](https://seedsofscripture.com/upside-down/) - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT) Sometimes Jesus doesn’t make sense. Not only do His ideas directly contradict worldly
- [Faith is a Crutch for the Weak](https://seedsofscripture.com/1-corinthians-118-28-excerpts-nlt-i/) - 1 Corinthians 1:18-28 (excerpts - NLT) - I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds. God saw to it that the world would never find him through human wisdom. This foolish plan of God is far wiser that the wisest of human plans. God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish
- [Wise Guy](https://seedsofscripture.com/wise-guy/) - Ephesians 5:1 (NLT) Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children. I am following an online study from Good Morning Girls about being intentionally focused on God. It just started yesterday, but God has added messages from sermons and videos and conversations to lead me to think about wisdom. Haven’t we already been observing
- [Mind Control](https://seedsofscripture.com/mind-contro/) - Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Matthew 9:4 (NLT) Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? My Bible has a huge arrow
- [Our Soundtrack](https://seedsofscripture.com/our-soundtrack/) - Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV) Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. My last words to you posed a somewhat rhetorical question: How do we
- [Fixing My Thoughts](https://seedsofscripture.com/fixing-my-thoughts/) - Philippians 4:8 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. For the most part, I don’t worry. Maybe that’s a character flaw, but I’m a
- [No Worries!](https://seedsofscripture.com/no-worries/) - Matthew 6:25-27 (NLT) -That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear… Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to
- [Puttering Along](https://seedsofscripture.com/puttering-along/) - I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead. Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLT) In God is Able, Priscilla Shirer paints an image of “a little old grandma-looking woman with gray hair and slumped shoulders
- [A Pile of Stones](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-pile-of-stones/) - When all the people had crossed the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Now choose twelve men, one from each tribe. Tell them, ‘Take twelve stones from the very place where the priests are standing in the middle of the Jordan. Carry them out and pile them up at the place where you will camp
- [A Southern Gal](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-southern-ga/) - 1 Corinthians 2:9 No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. I think I’m a Southern gal. I gravitate toward the passion of authors and speakers with Southern roots – spirit filled and showing it! Not all the time, but
- [Convicted!](https://seedsofscripture.com/convicted/) - 1 Kings 21:23 (NIV) And also concerning Jezebel the Lord says: ‘Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ My group of ladies is reading Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs (who, by the way, was a fabulous speaker at the 2013 Women of Faith conference). This week’s bad girl
- [Gushing](https://seedsofscripture.com/gushing/) - John 4:13-14 (NIV) Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The first part of this verse is probably familiar. When
- [Take Action!](https://seedsofscripture.com/take-action/) - Proverbs 21:21 (MSG) Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself – glorious life! For months I have wanted to invite the new neighbors for dinner. I say ‘new’, but they moved in last summer! We’ve chatted a few times and I really like them. I look forward to knowing
- [Hard But True](https://seedsofscripture.com/hard-but-true/) - You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He
- [Lazy Nibblers](https://seedsofscripture.com/lazy-nibblers/) - Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV) Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly thing. Today I pass along excerpts of a devotion from Jen at Good Morning Girls. We hear it over and over: Focus on Christ not on
- [Questioning Our Motives](https://seedsofscripture.com/questioning-our-motives/) - 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV) If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains,
- [Flashing Neon Signs](https://seedsofscripture.com/flashing-neon-signs/) - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NLT) Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. Remember while reading further into this familiar scripture that Paul is not describing romantic love, rather
- [Fresh Words of Love](https://seedsofscripture.com/fresh-words-of-love/) - It's sometimes good to hear a fresh spin on a familiar passage. These are the words of Eugene Peterson from The Message. 1 Corinthians 13:1-10 (MSG) - The Way of Love If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak
- [All Inclusive](https://seedsofscripture.com/all-inclusive/) - 1 Corinthians 13:6-8 (NIV) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. I waited until after Valentine’s Day to complete our love scripture because V-Day is a single day while God’s love is to be celebrated and shared every
- [Love, Love, Love](https://seedsofscripture.com/love-love-love-2/) - Image from MargaretFeinberg.com
- [Real love](https://seedsofscripture.com/real-love/) - 1 John 4:10 (NLT) This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
- [Nothing, Ever](https://seedsofscripture.com/nothing-ever/) - Romans 8:35,37 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
- [Who Needs Your Love?](https://seedsofscripture.com/who-needs-your-love/) - God doesn't wait for us to get all cleaned up before He loves us. Christ died in order to make us clean. If we love like Jesus, we must love others unconditionally - before they deserve it. Who needs your love?
- [Interlaced](https://seedsofscripture.com/interlaced/) - Proverbs 17:9 (NLT) – Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Forgiveness and love are interlaced. Is one of your relationships waning due to unforgiveness?
- [Son of God study and movie - Starts March 11th](https://seedsofscripture.com/son-of-god-study-and-movie-starts-marc/) - The Son of God movie is in theaters and I will be leading a study based on the movie starting Tuesday, March 11th at the United Church of Christ in Medfield. The study is written and hosted on video by Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church and author of The Purpose Driven Life. We
- [Movie Location Changed](https://seedsofscripture.com/movie-location-changed/) - Important change in location! I'm leading a group to LEGACY PLACE in DEDHAM for the Son of God movie Tuesday, March 11th at 7:15pm. I previously advertised Bellingham, but they changed their showtime to 8pm which is too late for me. No advance notice necessary. Just come and bring a friend. I will stay in
- [How Do They Feel?](https://seedsofscripture.com/how-do-they-fee/) - Colossians 3:12 (NLT) Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. And from Maya Angelou – “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made
- [Peace and Confidence](https://seedsofscripture.com/peace-and-confidence/) - Romans 15:13 (NLT) I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. I love two phrases in this scripture: complete joy and peace & overflow with confident hope.
- [Double Dipping](https://seedsofscripture.com/double-dipping/) - Psalm 91:1-4 (NLT) Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God and I trust Him. He will rescue you from every trap and protect you
- [Explaining Hope](https://seedsofscripture.com/explaining-hope/) - 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. How do you explain your Christian hope? It’s a hard thing to put into words, isn’t it? It’s like my hope for spring in the middle
- [Second Guessing](https://seedsofscripture.com/second-guessing/) - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Two days ago, I shared how God answered my request for a fresh God-incidence I could use for my confirmation retreat devotion.
- [A Sure Thing](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-sure-thing/) - John 10:9-10 (NLT) I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Pastor Karen gave an excellent message
- [Marked With Blood](https://seedsofscripture.com/marked-with-blood/) - Exodus 12:13 (NLT) But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt. Confession: I’ve been pretty unfocused this Lenten season.
- [Why Do You Follow Jesus?](https://seedsofscripture.com/following-jesus/) - Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT) “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Why do you follow Jesus? Pause
- [An Example to Follow](https://seedsofscripture.com/an-example-to-follow/) - John 13:14-15 (NLT) And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each others' feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. Do you know this verse? Did you kinda skim through it? Me too, the first time. It’s easy
- [Following the Example](https://seedsofscripture.com/following-example/) - Ephesians 4:39 (NLT) Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. I was paid the sweetest compliment yesterday. The cashier at the Walmart in Chattanooga and I chatted about my visit to the area, my lack of a Boston accent and
- [The Best Example](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-best-example/) - Ephesians 1:7-8 (NLT) He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. It’s one thing to be pleasant in the checkout lane and another to sacrifice your
- [Adjust the Focus](https://seedsofscripture.com/adjust-focus/) - Hebrews 12:2 (NLT) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. We move toward whatever we focus on. If you
- [Our Privilege](https://seedsofscripture.com/our-privilege/) - Philippians 1:28-30 (NLT) Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him. We are in this struggle together. It is absolutely a privilege to be called a child of God. I am so
- [What is Grace?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-is-grace/) - Romans 5:15, 18, 20 (NLT) For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship
- [On My Knees](https://seedsofscripture.com/on-my-knees/) - Romans 5:6-8 (NLT) When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for
- [Fall in Love!](https://seedsofscripture.com/fall-in-love/) - John 21:16 (NLT) Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” What does Jesus mean to you? Is He a moral code of conduct? The path to heaven? A model of goodness? A passion in your life? Were your answers yes, yes, yes, and kinda? If so, Jesus might be
- [Open The Door](https://seedsofscripture.com/open-door/) - Revelation 3:20 (NLT) “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Jesus is more than a set of rules or a moral code of conduct. He is calling you into a relationship!
- [Clearing the Temple](https://seedsofscripture.com/clearing-temple/) - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NLT) Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. We have celebrated Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We know,
- [A Final Lesson](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-final-lesson/) - Matthew 21:43 (MSG) Jesus said, “Right – and you can read it for yourselves in your Bibles: The stone the masons threw out is now the cornerstone. This is God’s work; we rub our eyes, we can hardly believe it! This is the way it is with you. God’s kingdom will be taken back from
- [Another Final Lesson](https://seedsofscripture.com/another-final-lesson/) - Luke 19:41-42, 44 (MSG) When the city came into view, He wept over it. “If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it’s too late…. because you didn’t recognize and welcome God’s personal visit.” Matthew recounts another parable Jesus told in His final days - another
- [A New Kind of Love](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-new-kind-of-love/) - John 13:34 (NLT) So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Maundy Thursday. The name comes from the Latin ‘commandment’ - this new commandment of love that Jesus illustrated in the washing of the disciples feet. While knowing suffering
- [A Ripped Curtain](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-ripped-curtain/) - Matthew 27:50-51 (NLT) Then Jesus shouted out again, and He released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart. From noon until 3pm, as Jesus hung on the cross, the earth was dark “for the
- [Grief on the Sabbath](https://seedsofscripture.com/grief-on-sabba/) - Hebrews 6:9-10 (NLT) We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other believers, as you still do. I imagine
- [He Is Alive!](https://seedsofscripture.com/he-is-alive/) - 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 (MSG) Now, let me ask you something profound yet troubling… If there’s no resurrection, there’s no living Christ. And face it – if there’s no resurrection for Christ, everything we’ve told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you’ve staked your life on is smoke and mirrors. Let me pose a
- [My Song-Prayer](https://seedsofscripture.com/my-song-prayer/) - We just celebrated Easter, but the cross is an every day Truth. How do we respond to Jesus' sacrifice for us? Take my life, Lord and use it.
- [Free from What?](https://seedsofscripture.com/free-from-wha/) - John 8:31-33,35 (NLT) Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you
- [Slump Lessons](https://seedsofscripture.com/slump-lessons/) - 1 Chronicles 16:11 (NLT) Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him. Slump Lesson #1 – Tell a Friend My first step out of the slump was naming the season and telling my group. I was wandering around my pity party all alone, not knowing where I was or why.
- [No Need](https://seedsofscripture.com/no-need/) - Romans 3:22-24 (NLT) We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through
- [The Same Mighty Power](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-same-mighty-power/) - 2 Corinthians 5:19 (NLT) For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. Remember Jesus’ command to love others as He loved them? When Jesus gave His life for us, He reconciled us with God. In His
- [Kicked Out of the Slump](https://seedsofscripture.com/kicked-out-of-slump/) - Psalm 39:4,8 (NLT) Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered – how fleeting my life is. Rescue me from my rebellion. God did it again. He sent an undeniable message. As these occurrences add up, the sum proves that God is faithful.
- [A Slump](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-slump/) - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Yesterday, one of my groups discussed a sermon by Bill Hybels on the seasons of life - why we’re in the current season, what lessons we’re learning and, alas, when it’s time to move on. I had an
- [Job Description](https://seedsofscripture.com/job-description/) - Proverbs 31:10-31 - bits and pieces from A Wife of Noble Character (NLT) Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. She brings good…finds and spins wool, wakes early, prepares breakfast and plans the day, inspects and buys a field, plants a vineyard, is energetic, strong and a hard
- [Be Nice](https://seedsofscripture.com/be-nice/) - Colossians 4:6 (NLT) – Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Here’s good, practical advice for Christian living: engage in gracious and attractive conversation. Right? Be nice. Be happy. That’s easy! But wait a minute. Another translation instructs our conversations to be “always full
- [Even Harder](https://seedsofscripture.com/even-harder/) - Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV) – Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you many know how to answer everyone. Did you have any intentionally gracious and attractive conversations after reading yesterday’s post? Good for
- [Are You Listening?](https://seedsofscripture.com/are-you-listening/) - Isaiah 50:4 (NIV) – He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. Are you listening? God has an incredible way of sending messages our way, if only we’re listening. I cannot recount all the ways God has spoken to me through friends, strangers, chance encounters, online devotions,
- [Investment Advice](https://seedsofscripture.com/investment-advice/) - Ecclesiastes 11:1-2,4,6 (NLT) – Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you. But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead. Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. Plant your seed
- [Money Gone Wrong](https://seedsofscripture.com/money-gone-wrong/) - Proverbs 21:21,26 (NLT) – Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give! On the heels of Investment Advice, I was perusing the Proverbs for more financial advice. The book of wisdom is full of life’s observations. I
- [Up His Sleeve](https://seedsofscripture.com/up-his-sleeve/) - Romans 11:33 (NLT) – Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways! I’m humming again. The chorus playing on repeat is You call me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail…..and I will call upon
- [Priorities Amid Chaos](https://seedsofscripture.com/priorities-amid-chaos/) - Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLT) – I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. I’m facing another busy season.
- [Free to Follow](https://seedsofscripture.com/free-to-follow/) - Galatians 5:13-14, 16-17 (NLT) – For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your
- [Correction](https://seedsofscripture.com/correction/) - Galatians 6:1 (NLT) – Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. When was the last time you corrected a friend? I don’t
- [Freedom!](https://seedsofscripture.com/freedo/) - Luke 4:18-19 (NIV) – The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
- [Hiding](https://seedsofscripture.com/hiding/) - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I’m making muffins this morning. My son is a very picky eater, but he loves muffins – certain kinds. One acceptable
- [In Plain Sight](https://seedsofscripture.com/in-plain-sig/) - Isaiah 6:3 (NIV) – Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory. In my last post I wrote about hiding things that are good for us inside something more desirable. Today I write about glimpses of God that are in plain view, yet we overlook them.
- [An Active Encourager](https://seedsofscripture.com/an-active-encourager/) - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) – Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I am stunned and quite sad this morning. I just learned of the sudden death of a good man, age 46. I only knew one facet of John’s life - his involvement in
- [See, Stop and Accept](https://seedsofscripture.com/see-stop-and-accep/) - Luke 19:1-9 (NIV) - Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a
- [Screaming!](https://seedsofscripture.com/screaming/) - Psalm 19:1-2 (NIV) – The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. Indeed God provides. When I wrote my post In Plain Sight a few days ago, I used many keyword searches trying to find this
- [How Spiritual Friends Are Guardrails](https://seedsofscripture.com/how-spiritual-friends-are-guardrails/) - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) We’re in this together. We celebrated my return to Seeds of Scripture and now we’re partners. Whether you read and comment on every post or stay silent forever, you’re my accountability partner. I committed publicly to post
- [There's No Place Like Home](https://seedsofscripture.com/theres-no-place-like-home-2/) - Ephesians 3:17 (NLT) – Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in Him. I was drawn to my Keyword Bible this morning to find out what it means to make a home or dwell, as other translations say. There’s intensity in this Greek word meaning to settle down permanently
- [Deep Roots](https://seedsofscripture.com/deep-roots-3/) - Ephesians 3:17 (NLT) – Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. You only saw half of Ephesians 3:17 yesterday. The second half describes the reward of trusting Jesus – deep roots of strength. Every
- [Words](https://seedsofscripture.com/words/) - I would like to share this beautiful post by one of my favorite author/bloggers, Holley Gerth: (https://holleygerth.com/way-can-make-sisters-feel-safe/) A Way We Can Make Each Other Feel Safe Holley, 2014-06-18 10:30 {all images are gifts for you to use and share however you’d like} I sit at a Junior High lunch table feeling self-conscious about my braces and
- [Inspired by Loss](https://seedsofscripture.com/inspired-by-loss/) - Colossians 3:10 (NLT) – Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 1 John 4:17 (NLT) – And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face
- [Scattering Seeds](https://seedsofscripture.com/scattering-seeds-2/) - 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 (NLT) – After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s
- [Becoming Less Busy](https://seedsofscripture.com/becoming-less-busy/) - I'm sharing again. This morning's post is from another of my favorite bloggers, Andy Lee (https://wordsbyandylee.com). This message is so important as we begin our summers. I have also scheduled a reminder to read this in early September. Andy gives us 3 steps to reducing our busy: Busy. It’s our middle name. Our culture. Our
- [God Loves Imperfection](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-loves-imperfection/) - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV) – For God’s power is made perfect in weakness.... For when I am weak, then I am strong. Do you have your life under control? Have you got things put together pretty well? Or is your life a mess? Do you doubt your worth? Ironically, while God can use anyone
- [You Can't Go Wrong](https://seedsofscripture.com/you-cant-go-wrong/) - Acts 20:24 (NLT) – But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Do you know your life’s purpose? We can spend loads of time searching
- [I Surrender](https://seedsofscripture.com/i-surrender/) - Matthew 16:25 (NLT) – If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Oh the songs in my head! Since posting Imperfection, my mind has been filled with refrains. A faithful friend shared Kenneth Cope's beautiful
- [A Tricky Balance](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-tricky-balance/) - Psalm 138:8 (NLT) – The Lord will work out His plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. I was recently asked if I track the number of hits to my blog and friends often encourage me to work on expanding my readership. I choose, however, not to look
- [The Middle Road](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-middle-road/) - Matthew 7:13 (NLT) – You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. I came across this gem by Francis Chan. In the video, Francis uses humor and some familiar scenarios to assess our style
- [A Challenge](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-challenge/) - Matthew 28:19 (NLT) – Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations. I don’t like change. I don’t like adopting a new tech tool because routine tasks take longer while I’m learning. But I jump into this new venture with the hope of reaching more readers with encouragement from God. A blog challenge
- [Slow Summers](https://seedsofscripture.com/slow-summers/) - Matthew 28:20 (NLT) – And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Do you feel guilty about not praying more often? Don’t! God set us free from guilt! Instead, when you have those thoughts, PRAY! Just do it right then. Slow summers. Summertime
- [A Great Nation](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-great-nation/) - Proverbs 14:34 (NLT) – Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Today’s patriotic scripture from Biblegateway.com was written by King Solomon. He was known for his wisdom and the entire book of Proverbs is famous for its nuggets of truth. Please read our short verse again thoughtfully.
- [Paradise in New Hampshire](https://seedsofscripture.com/paradise-in-new-hampshire/) - Matthew 8:23-26 (NLT) – Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you
- [Faith Is Like a Pea Plant](https://seedsofscripture.com/faith-is-like-pea-plan/) - James 2:14-17 (NIV) – What good is it if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
- [Like Hidden Treasure](https://seedsofscripture.com/like-hidden-treasure/) - Proverbs 2:3-5 (NLT) – Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. I was picking peas again this morning. Did I mention how
- [Let's Do It!](https://seedsofscripture.com/lets-do-i/) - Psalm 34:4-8 (NLT) – I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; He saved me from all my
- [More Poking and Shaking](https://seedsofscripture.com/more-poking-and-shaking/) - Psalm 37:1-7 (NLT) – Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you
- [Abundantly Blessed](https://seedsofscripture.com/abundantly-blessed/) - Colossians 2:7 (NLT) - Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Back in the garden, I have an abundance of lettuce and am giving it away as
- [#otherpeoplies](https://seedsofscripture.com/otherpeoplies/) - Romans 12:9 (NLT) –Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. God has gone and done it again. There’s a story behind this blog that I’ll share tomorrow. Today let’s look at this scripture. I embarrass my children. I’m comfortable striking up conversation with pretty much anyone. One of my favorite activities
- [The Elevator Game](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-elevator-game/) - Try the Elevator Game. Here's the link to learn the rules and how to keep score! The Elevator Game
- [God Radar](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-radar/) - Image from God Wants You To Know 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NLT) – It was to us that God revealed these things by His Spirit. For His Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can
- [This is Serious Stuff](https://seedsofscripture.com/this-is-serious-stuff/) - Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT) In recent posts we've been looking at scripture for the words and phrases that grab our attention.
- [Silence is Painful!](https://seedsofscripture.com/silence-is-painfu/) - Mark 6:31-32 (NLT) – Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be
- [In the Flesh](https://seedsofscripture.com/in-fles/) - Colossians 2:8-9 (NLT) – Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. If you want to know God, you need only
- [Get Rid Of It!](https://seedsofscripture.com/get-rid-of-i/) - James 1:21 (NLT) – So get rid of all the moral filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. While it’s possible to read God’s Word strictly on an intellectual level, we won’t understand much of
- [My Bunny Friend](https://seedsofscripture.com/my-bunny-friend/) - Matthew 10:16 (NIV) – I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. I have a furry friend. As I sat on the curb pulling weeds this spring, a baby bunny would hang out under the cover of a nearby plant. He was
- [Yogi](https://seedsofscripture.com/yogi/) - If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else. – Yogi Berra I’m in Colorado Springs at the Olympic Training Center for my son’s gymnastics competition. Along the gym walls are inspirational quotes, including this one from Yogi Berra. It applies to faith as well as many areas of
- [Encouragement](https://seedsofscripture.com/encouragemen/) - Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Don’t you love this encouragement straight from God? If we truly believed these promises, we would never
- [Choose Determination](https://seedsofscripture.com/choose-determination/) - Psalm 119:30 (NLT) – I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. My son reached a pinnacle this weekend in his gymnastics career. Through hard work and determination, he qualified to compete at the US National Championships. In words you’ll understand, this is like finishing 9th grade with
- [Guidance](https://seedsofscripture.com/guidance/) - 2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT) – Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. A crucial component to my son’s achievement that I neglected to mention yesterday is guidance. Addison’s wonderful mentor and coach guides both his physical and mental training.
- [What If....](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-if-2/) - Ephesians 5:18-20 (NLT) – Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything. Aren’t people who have this approach to life pleasant to be around? Give thanks
- [Hairballs](https://seedsofscripture.com/hairballs/) - Nehemiah 9:17 (NLT) – But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. I love dogs and although I don’t own one, I have many doggie friends all over town. Dogs love me because I give them a good scratch and often release fistfuls of fur. I
- [In Other Words](https://seedsofscripture.com/in-other-words/) - Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) – Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Sometimes we miss the meaning of scripture because we use words differently than in biblical times. I imagine that when a person exclaimed “Oh, my God!” they were down
- [Strip Down](https://seedsofscripture.com/strip-down/) - Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. I
- [It's Full of Emotion](https://seedsofscripture.com/its-full-of-emotion/) - Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Do
- [Life Giving](https://seedsofscripture.com/life-giving/) - Psalm 119:93 (NLT) – I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. I like the way this sentence is present and future tense. I will not forget. Your commands give life. They’re not irrelevant, ancient rules, but continue to guide us toward the best personal and community life possible.
- [Heaven and Earth](https://seedsofscripture.com/heaven-and-ear/) - Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. Revelation 21:1 (NLT) I really enjoyed this 7 minute video about heaven and earth by The Bible Project. In the Garden of Eden, heaven and earth were the same. After Adam and Eve’s first
- [God Help Me](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-help-me/) - Psalm 119:114 (NLT) – You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. True? Is today’s verse a statement you could say with confidence in your own words? Read it again. Do you feel safe and protected by God? Do you look to Scripture when you need hope?
- [Less Than Best](https://seedsofscripture.com/less-than-bes/) - Malachi 3:10 (NLT) – “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in!
- [First Impressions](https://seedsofscripture.com/first-impressions/) - 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT) – But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Today’s verse comes from the story in which Samuel
- [It Will Be Different](https://seedsofscripture.com/it-will-be-differen/) - Mark 10:42-45 (NLT) – So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants
- [Has Jesus Changed You?](https://seedsofscripture.com/has-jesus-changed-you/) - Philippians 2:1-5 – Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing
- [If You Can't Define Grace, Read This...](https://seedsofscripture.com/if-you-cant-define-grace-read-this/) - Ephesians 2:8 (NLT) - God save you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. If you can't explain what grace means in your own words, read this excellent post by Ken Weliever, author of The Preachers Word. I'm sure it will help you
- [Will You Join Me?](https://seedsofscripture.com/will-you-join-me/) - Matthew 9:13 (NLT) – Then [Jesus] added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture.” I’m so glad you join me in reading Scripture and giving it some thought throughout the day. Are you ready for the next step? Are you ready to discuss it in a safe, welcoming environment? There’s no substitute
- [Nourishing](https://seedsofscripture.com/nourishing/) - 1 Timothy 4:6 (NLT) – If you explain these things to the brothers and sister, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. I’m tired, not physically tired, although I feel that too. I mean tired
- [Does God Care?](https://seedsofscripture.com/does-god-care/) - Luke 12:6-7 (NLT) – What is the price of five sparrows – two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. What do you
- [People Watching](https://seedsofscripture.com/people-watching/) - Romans 7:15 (NLT) – I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. I’m waiting in lines this morning at the airport: bag drop, security and boarding. I actually enjoy people watching. All sorts of people are traveling, all
- [My Body the Temple](https://seedsofscripture.com/my-body-temple/) - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT) – Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. Zing! Remember yesterday’s
- [Never Weary?](https://seedsofscripture.com/never-weary/) - Galatians 6:9-10 (NLT) – Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. The sequence of thoughts
- [Knock, Knock](https://seedsofscripture.com/knock-knock/) - Revelation 3:20 (NLT) – Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Read today’s verse as though Jesus is speaking to you. Imagine the scene with me. What does the door
- [Never Shaken](https://seedsofscripture.com/never-shaken/) - Psalm 16:8 (NLT) – I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. I’m out of town this week, so posts will be spotty and quick. I encourage you to still connect with Scripture and open your heart for God’s message. Read today's verse
- [Dance!](https://seedsofscripture.com/dance/) - Today I'd like to share an uplifting post by Holley Gerth. Don't walk in fear. You were meant to DANCE! https://holleygerth.com/embrace-freedom/ Sign-ups for my online study of Esther are open! The 8 week study begins 9/1. Click for more info. Do you need a daily reminder to reflect on God’s Word? Follow me on
- [When I Slip](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-i-slip/) - Psalm 94:18-19 (NLT) – I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. We’ve all had heightened awareness of depression since the death of Robin Williams. There have been calls for increased kindness and understanding for
- [Bend Down](https://seedsofscripture.com/bend-down/) - Psalm 116:1-2 (NLT) – I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! What do you visualize when you read this verse? If you didn’t visualize on the first read, turn on your imagination
- [Desires of the Heart](https://seedsofscripture.com/desires-of-hear/) - Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT) – Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart
- [Calm](https://seedsofscripture.com/ca/) - Proverbs 12:16 (NLT) – A fool is quick tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. According to this proverb, are you foolish or wise? What does it take to be wise? Personally, my ability to remain calm has increased in proportion to my trust in God. It’s not my belief
- [R.E.S.P.E.C.T.](https://seedsofscripture.com/respec/) - For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery – but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself,and the wife
- [Too Much Toothpaste](https://seedsofscripture.com/too-much-toothpaste/) - Proverbs 12:8 (NIV) – The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Have you ever squeezed out too much toothpaste and tried to push it back into the tube? How has that worked for you? It’s definitely messy! Once the paste is out, it cannot be
- [Narrowing My Focus](https://seedsofscripture.com/narrowing-my-focus/) - 1 Corinthians 7:35 (NLT) – I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. WARNING: God has His hand all over my life right now and I’m on fire! As part of that, He sent me this verse yesterday. I’d like to say it
- [Head or Heart?](https://seedsofscripture.com/head-or-hear/) - Isaiah 46:4 (NLT) – I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. I’m just wondering…. when you say you know God, is it with your head or your heart
- [Love, Love, Love](https://seedsofscripture.com/love-love-love/) - 1 John 4:16 (NLT) We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. What part of this scripture speaks to you? Do you know in your soul the depth of
- [The Path to Wisdom](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-path-to-wisdo/) - James 3:13 (NLT) If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. Can you think of someone you consider wise? Pause and identify your wise person… What is the source of their wisdom? What kind of life
- [Cuts Like a Knife](https://seedsofscripture.com/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none/) - Psalm 52:2 (NIV) You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor. Do you ever tell only part of the truth in order to manipulate a result? Do you arrange and/or omit facts to get what you want? Is this deceptive? The tongue is often compared to a
- [You Before Me](https://seedsofscripture.com/you-before-me/) - Image courtesy of morguefile.com Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT) – Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. When you read this verse, does any part of it resonate (or
- [Every Word](https://seedsofscripture.com/every-word/) - Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. I apply this verse to my life all the time! In the margin of my Bible, in big
- [Let It Go](https://seedsofscripture.com/let-it-go/) - Psalm 51:17 (NLT) My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. My Bible's study notes for today's Psalm say “God is pleased with a humble heart that looks to Him when troubles crush and penitently pleads for mercy when sin has been committed.”
- [Remembering The Pain](https://seedsofscripture.com/remembering-pain/) - Romans 5:3 (NLT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they help us develop endurance. Romans 8:28 (NLT) And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.
- [My Dear Children](https://seedsofscripture.com/my-dear-children/) - 1 John 2:1-2 (NLT) My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins
- [Rest for the Weary](https://seedsofscripture.com/rest-for-weary-2/) - Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. Isaiah 30:15 (NLT) Boy do I need this scripture today! I am one stressed gal, running around like a maniac. I haven’t been very good company lately either. My insides feel panicked with all
- [Beyond Your Understanding](https://seedsofscripture.com/beyond-your-understanding/) - Do you feel like the Bible is beyond your understanding? Hard to read? Yes! Sometimes it is! But Jesus said He would give us the Holy Spirit to help.
- [Speechless](https://seedsofscripture.com/speechless/) - Psalm 37:7 (NIV) Be still (silent) before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. How often does the Bible tell us to slow down and spend time with God? This ‘be still’ is particularly interesting because, in the original Hebrew, it means to be so astonished that you can’t speak. Awestruck. Speechless. Have
- [What Really Matters](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-really-matters/) - Philippians 1:9-10 (NLT) I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. There are many things that matter:
- [What are you thinking?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-are-you-thinking/) - Image courtesy of The Preacher's Word Proverbs 23:7 (NLV) For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. The Preacher’s Word this morning atypically sounds like a self-help blog. Ken Weliever quotes James Allen as saying “man is the master of thought, the molder of character, and maker and shaper of
- [Have I Told You Lately?](https://seedsofscripture.com/have-i-told-you-lately/) - Ephesians 3:17-19 (NLT) I pray that you may have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. We fill our minds with
- [Not a Fan](https://seedsofscripture.com/not-fan/) - Luke 5:27-28 (NLT) Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him. What’s the difference between a player and a fan? Football season is underway,
- [More than a Fan](https://seedsofscripture.com/more-than-fan/) - James 1:22 (NLT) But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. I caused a ruckus with my post Not a Fan. It’s challenging to develop a complete thought in my intentionally brief devotions and clearly I did a poor job. I used
- [Exceptional Security](https://seedsofscripture.com/exceptional-security/) - Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV) Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” The following are the words of Lisa TerKeurst, author of The Best Yes and
- [Don't Worry!](https://seedsofscripture.com/dont-worry/) - Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT) I pride myself in not being a worrier. There’s that awful word pride! Years ago I was a wreck, suffering sleepless nights, anxious about many things. I don’t remember if
- [Writing](https://seedsofscripture.com/writing/) - Psalm 19:14 (NLT) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. I’m in New Hampshire at the New England Christian Writer’s Retreat, where I got my blogging start. The wifi is pitiful, so I’ll be taking a blogging break
- [Out in the Boonies](https://seedsofscripture.com/out-in-boonies/) - Deuteronomy 32:12 (NLT) The Lord alone guided them; they followed no foreign gods. How would you handle 4 days with no cell service and no internet? I had planned to spruce up my blog while in the hills of New Hampshire at the New England Christian Writers’ Retreat. Then BAM! My goal for
- [My Sour Mood](https://seedsofscripture.com/my-sour-mood/) - Image courtesy of Freefoto.com Luke 5:16 (NLT) But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. My mood matched the blustery, drizzly 42 degrees as I drove away from my writers’ retreat in the beautiful hills of New Hampshire and it grew darker with each mile (my mood, that is, not the weather).
- [What's Unique About Christian Community?](https://seedsofscripture.com/whats-unique-about-christian-community/) - New England Christian Writers' Retreat 2014 Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. The
- [You Might Not Believe This](https://seedsofscripture.com/you-might-not-believe-this/) - I don’t believe in coincidences. I believe God constantly guides us with God-incidences - an opportunity, timely care, a relevant message.
- [You're Wrong!](https://seedsofscripture.com/youre-wrong/) - Image courtesy of morguefile.com 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and
- [You Are a Refugee](https://seedsofscripture.com/you-are-refugee/) - Hebrews 11:13-15 (NLT) All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country
- [There's No Place Like Home](https://seedsofscripture.com/theres-no-place-like-home/) - Mark 1:14-15 (NLT) Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” [Note: I’ve been developing one thought these past few days. You might call it a
- [How's Your Accent?](https://seedsofscripture.com/hows-your-accen/) - Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [It’s official. This is part 4 in a series. Click
- [Putting Down Roots](https://seedsofscripture.com/putting-down-roots/) - image courtesy of the Univ. of Conn. Matthew 13:31-32 (NLT) Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make
- [Vanilla or Chocolate?](https://seedsofscripture.com/vanilla-or-chocolate/) - Psalm 28:1-2 (NLT) To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward
- [Guilty as Charged](https://seedsofscripture.com/guilty-as-charged/) - Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. I read a passage recently that pointed a convicting finger right in my face. Scripture has the
- [Slow, But Steady](https://seedsofscripture.com/slow-but-steady/) - Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus. There’s an older gentleman who lives in my neighborhood. He
- [You're Not Alone](https://seedsofscripture.com/youre-not-alone/) - 1 Corinthians 12:24-26 (NLT) God has put the body together…so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. Are you wearing a mask? For the past month I’ve been wearing the strong,
- [I'm Back!](https://seedsofscripture.com/im-back/) - Galatians 5:16 (NLT) So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Did you hear it? Did you feel it? The whisper. I did. Some of you did too. One friend told me she oddly woke up one morning praying for me, not knowing why. After reading Seeds of Scripture she
- [Yes Sir!](https://seedsofscripture.com/yes-sir/) - Psalm 119:143 (NLT) As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Find joy in commands? I’ve been turning this verse over in my mind all day. So short. So simple. So hard to understand. I don’t like commands. I prefer guidance or advice. I want
- [Eyes Wide Open](https://seedsofscripture.com/eyes-wide-open/) - Psalm 119:18 (NLT) Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. When prayed sincerely, God will answer this prayer. Write these words on an index card you keep with your Bible and pray them earnestly: Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. If you read
- [A Return Trip](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-return-trip/) - Psalm 82:1-4 (NLT) God presides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: “How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked? Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of
- [Slave of God](https://seedsofscripture.com/slave-of-god/) - 1 Peter 2:16 (NLT) For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Did I read that correctly? We’re free yet we’re slaves? When did I sign up for slavery? This stuff is confusing! In his book Not a Fan,
- [Truly Grateful](https://seedsofscripture.com/truly-gratefu/) - Jeremiah 31:13-15 (NLT) The young women will dance for joy, and the men – old and young – will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing. The priests will enjoy abundance, and my people will feast on my good gifts. I,
- [Privileged to Serve](https://seedsofscripture.com/privileged-to-serve_24/) - I am privileged to serve Jesus. Though I am still often disobedient and rebellious, I joyfully serve Him. But it wasn't so when I first believed.
- [What's the Message?](https://seedsofscripture.com/whats-message/) - Colossians 3:16 (NLT) Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Are you still recovering from your Thanksgiving weekend? Perhaps you cooked up a feast or entertained house guests. Perhaps you fought traffic or things weren’t what you hoped for. Maybe Thanksgiving is already a distant memory because you dove
- [Good News / Bad News](https://seedsofscripture.com/good-news-bad-news/) - Psalm 112:7(NLT) They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. You don’t need me anymore. I am traveling this Thanksgiving to spent time with my husband’s family and will take a break from blogging. Do not be afraid! If you find some relaxed time
- [Keep Giving Thanks](https://seedsofscripture.com/keep-giving-thanks/) - Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV) Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Don’t you hate those people? You know, the ones who have the bulk of their shopping
- [The Best Gift Ever!](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-best-gift-ever/) - Philippians 2:6-7 (NLT) Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. Why do you exchange gifts at Christmas? This is not a
- [Countdown to Cambodia #1](https://seedsofscripture.com/countdown-to-cambodia-1/) - Mark 16:15 (NLT) And then He told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Many of you know my friend Donna and I traveled to Cambodia 3 years ago. We worked with two Christian NGOs (non-government organizations) that address the problem of human trafficking. Well…. We’re
- [He's Coming!](https://seedsofscripture.com/hes-coming-2/) - Hebrews 9:28 (NLT) He will come again… to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for Him. Advent is all about anticipating the big day. Don’t we know it! We decorate inside and out, select and wrap gifts, mail cheerful photo greetings, bake once-a-year goodies, and gather with friends and family – all
- [Countdown to Cambodia #2](https://seedsofscripture.com/countdown-to-cambodia-2/) - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. What will you be doing? It’s the most frequently asked question about our mission trip to Cambodia and the answer isn’t clear. This trip differs from a hurricane cleanup or a Habitat building project
- [Will You Miss It?](https://seedsofscripture.com/will-you-miss-i/) - Luke 2:17-19(NLT) After seeing Him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. I wonder how much hope the Jews had left.
- [Countdown to Cambodia #3 - Collecting Items](https://seedsofscripture.com/countdown-to-cambodia-3-collecting-items/) - 2 Corinthians 9:1-3 (NLT) I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches… that you were ready to send an offering a year ago… But I am sending
- [Unwrap Your Gift!](https://seedsofscripture.com/unwrap-your-gif/) - Romans 6:23 (MSG) God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master. You’ve just won a million dollars! Too good to be true? One of my favorite bloggers, Ken Weliever (thepreachersword.com), retells a true story from several years ago of the winner of H&R Block’s “Million Dollar Giveaway”. A random
- [Countdown to Cambodia #4 - Flooding and Fire](https://seedsofscripture.com/countdown-to-cambodia-4-flooding-and/) - Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT) Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.” I’ve been swept up in preparations for Christmas and Cambodia. It’s been a little
- [Finding the Perfect Gift](https://seedsofscripture.com/finding-perfect-gif/) - Philippians 2:13,15,17 (NLT) God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a
- [Phew!  It's Over!](https://seedsofscripture.com/phew-its-over/) - John 1:1-3,10,14 (NIV,NLT) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognize
- [It Blows My Mind](https://seedsofscripture.com/it-blows-my-mind/) - Luke 2:18,33,47; 8:25; 11:14 (NLT) All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished. Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about Him. All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. The disciples were terrified and amazed “Who is this man?” The crowds were amazed. When were you
- [Countdown to Cambodia #5 - Reviewing History](https://seedsofscripture.com/countdown-to-cambodia-5-reviewing/) - I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and Grandchildren; the entire family is affected – even children in the third and fourth generations. Exodus 34:7 (NLT) I arrive in Cambodia on January 2nd for a trip to support survivors of sex trafficking and encourage the fulltime missionaries who serve these women and
- [Blastoff to Cambodia - The Never Ending New Year](https://seedsofscripture.com/blastoff-to-cambodia-never-ending-new/) - We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy. Colossian 1:11 (NLT) Happy New Year (x12)! I am experiencing the never ending start of 2015. I depart NYC minutes after ringing
- [All That I Am](https://seedsofscripture.com/all-that-i-a/) - Psalm 103:1-2 (NLT) Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. As I travel, I've scheduled a few scripture posts. Read the verse a few times.
- [Rest For The Weary](https://seedsofscripture.com/rest-for-weary/) - Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (NLT) How do you feel when you read this verse? Are you weary or burdened? Do you long for relief? Can you lay your troubles at Jesus feet and trust Him
- [Don't Be Troubled](https://seedsofscripture.com/dont-be-troubled/) - John 14:1-3 (NLT) "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and
- [Cambodia - God Is In Control](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-god-is-in-contro/) - Psalm 107 (paraphrased) God delivers people out of every situation even if they created their own trouble. I almost missed my flight to Cambodia. I just plain messed up and waited at Gate 9 instead of Gate 6. It didn't help that the flight crew for Gate 9 arrived late, delaying the flight by 45
- [Find Peace](https://seedsofscripture.com/find-peace/) - John 16:33 (NLT) I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Are you facing something difficult? Feeling regret or grief? Read today's verse as if Jesus is speaking directly to
- [Immense!](https://seedsofscripture.com/immense/) - Ephesians 3:14-19 (NLT) When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts
- [Cambodia - Don't Do It Alone](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-dont-do-it-alone/) - Don't try it alone. Steph and I were tourists these past few days in Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat and many other ancient temples. We awoke early to photograph the sunrise over the temple, after which we explored the temple grounds on our own. We looked at the many buildings and intricate carvings.
- [Never Ending](https://seedsofscripture.com/never-ending/) - Lamentations 3:22 (NLT) The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Celebrate His mercies which are new every day and never ending.
- [Cambodia - Sister Visit](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-sister-visi/) - Matthew 25:40 (NLT) And the King will say "I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" Sunday afternoon, we traveled by bus to Kampong Cham to visit World Hope's Adelphe community development
- [Cambodia - Tuol Sleng Prison](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-tuol-sleng-prison/) - Barbed wire enclosure prevents suicide. Photo - Steph Chung Psalm 78:4 (NLT) We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power and His mighty wonders. We had a moving tour of the Tuol Sleng prison museum where
- [Cambodia - Toilets and Clean Water](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-toilets-and-clean-water/) - Gutters collect rainwater - photo Steph Chung Genesis 21:19 (NLT) Then God opened Hagar's eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink. World Hope's Adelphe community development program has begun relationships with five new villages even further into the countryside
- [Cambodia - Pajama Party](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-pajama-party/) - Psalm 126:2 (NLT) We were filled with laughter, and we were filled with joy. The other nations said "What amazing things the Lord has done for them!" We've been swarmed by beautiful girls two times! Our first trip to World Hope's Assessment Center was to tour the facility and meet the staff. The AC is
- [Delight and Rejoice](https://seedsofscripture.com/delight-and-rejoice/) - Zephaniah 3:17:(NLT) For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Jesus came to this earth in human form. When He ascended in to heaven,
- [Cambodia - A Worship Experience](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-worship-experience/) - Psalm 100:1-2 (NLT) Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy! I wish you could share this worship experience with me. It is truly an experience at the International Christian Assembly, the church where Sherry, co-founder and director of WL worships. Every lyric
- [Cambodia - Encouragement](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-encouragemen/) - We exchanged smiles with these construction workers near our guest house every day 1 Thessalonians 5:11-12 (NLT) So encourage each other and build each other up just as you are already doing. Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual
- [Cambodia - A Success Story](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-success-story/) - Mark 5:2-3,55 (NLT) When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came down from a cemetery to meet him. This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills,
- [Cambodia Devotions With the Girls](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-devotions-with-girls/) - 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God's servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It's not important
- [Cambodia - Your One Word](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-your-one-word/) - Habbakuk 2:2 (NLT) Then the Lord said to me "Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others." For a second day in a row, we have shared devotions with Sherry (co-founder/director), the WL staff and several young women. These devotion times with the WL girls have
- [Cambodia - The Men](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-men/) - Habakkuk 1:2-3 (NLT) How long, O Lord, must I cry for help? But you do not listen! "Violence is everywhere!" I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Today I share an executive summary from a recent report about the
- [In Pursuit](https://seedsofscripture.com/in-pursui/) - Psalm 23:6 (NLT) Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life. God pursues you. He never gives up. His love is unfailing, no matter how far you stray. Look for Him - He's trying to get your attention.
- [Cambodia - The Missionaries](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-missionaries/) - Sherry Lile of WL, Cathy, Donna and Stephanie John 15:5 (NLT) “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. I love the missionaries. Their passion ignites more passion. It's quite a
- [Cambodia - The Corruption](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-corruption/) - A monument to the King Proverbs 28:15-16 (NLT) A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear. A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life. Almost every missionary described the most difficult part
- [Cambodia - Flood, Grief, and Rebuilding](https://seedsofscripture.com/cambodia-flood-grief-and-rebuilding/) - Remnants of the cleanup Psalm 71:20-21 (NLT) You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again. No wonder there’s flooding. There’s nowhere for the
- [A Look at Our Priorities](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-look-at-our-priorities/) - Image courtesy of FoxNews.com Proverbs 31:8-9 (NLT) Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor ad helpless, and see that they get justice. Re-entry has been tough. My third world experience is impacting my tolerance for our perceived first world
- [Arm Yourself](https://seedsofscripture.com/arm-yourself/) - For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.
- [She Never Knew](https://seedsofscripture.com/she-never-knew/) - Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on. Hebrews 10:24-25 (MSG) I attended a book signing last night for Jean (Sangster) Niven Lenk, a former member of my church who recently published Fertilizer Happens. The title aptly describes
- [What Do They Think I Need?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-do-they-think-i-need/) - Volkswagen Starwars Commercial 2011 Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Do you look forward to the Super Bowl ads? I’m entertained by them every year, but am trying to view
- [Dirty Snow](https://seedsofscripture.com/dirty-snow/) - Isaiah 1:18 (NLT) “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.” I love the snow. I hate when it gets dirty.A thought occurs to me each time we have a fresh snowfall (every few days here in New England). Perhaps
- [The Party's Over](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-partys-over/) - Esther 9:22 (NLT) He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. How was your big celebration? What? You didn't celebrate Mardi Gras? Me either. I spent Tuesday waiting in airports trying to get out of Boston!
- [Fasting from TV](https://seedsofscripture.com/fasting-from-tv/) - Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 (NLT) There’s something about 40… The rains flooded the earth for 40 days and nights, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years,
- [Time to Fast!](https://seedsofscripture.com/fas/) - Blow the ram’s horn! Announce a time of fasting. Joel 2:15 (NLT) If this post is about repentance, humility and self-sacrifice, will you continue reading? If you answered yes…. The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days – until Christ is crucified on Good Friday. It
- [Strapped In](https://seedsofscripture.com/strapped-in/) - 1 Corinthians 7:35 (NLT) I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. What happens when I’m strapped to a seat for 8 hours without internet? I get things done! My flight to Las Vegas was highly productive allowing me to catch
- [Your Turn](https://seedsofscripture.com/your-turn/) - 1 John 4:7-8,17,20 (NLT) Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So
- [Soul Detox](https://seedsofscripture.com/soul-detox/) - I travel home from Las Vegas today, so I am passing along this beautiful blessing from Suzie Larson. I am praying this over myself and all of you. May the Holy Spirit detoxify your soul! May He show you what habits, thoughts, and actions need to go so the Lord can strengthen you for
- [Making Changes](https://seedsofscripture.com/making-changes/) - Matthew 3:2 (NLT) Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Lent is a time self reflection and repentance. We open our lives before God - our habits, our priorities, our relationships, how we spend our time. What are we doing that needs to change? Jesus died
- [More Than Anything](https://seedsofscripture.com/more-than-anything/) - Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT) “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” I know the
- [Don't Arrest Me!](https://seedsofscripture.com/dont-arrest-me/) - 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT) “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Please Officer, don’t arrest me for drunk driving. Yes sir, I know what it looks
- [At the Half-way Mark](https://seedsofscripture.com/at-half-way-mark/) - If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to Him in prayer! Job 11:13 (NLT) We’ve reached the half way mark. Lent is half over. How is your preparation for the crucifixion? Have you made intentional efforts to connect with God or reflect on your life? I haven’t
- [God is Indeed God](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-is-indeed-god/) - Deuteronomy 5:7 (NLT) Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps His covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him and obey His commands. What are you thinking? (This question reminds me of youthful relationships when conversation was
- [Self Care is Hard Work](https://seedsofscripture.com/self-care-is-hard-work/) - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (MSG) Didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual
- [Make An Effort](https://seedsofscripture.com/make-effor/) - 2 Peter 1:5-8 (NLT) In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection and brotherly
- [Living Water](https://seedsofscripture.com/living-water/) - John 7:37-38 (NLT) On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” Imagine your home without plumbing.
- [Flying High](https://seedsofscripture.com/flying-hig/) - But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) I love when God sends a clear message! He often whacks me over the head because I don’t respond
- [Unmatched Socks](https://seedsofscripture.com/unmatched-socks/) - Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT) “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” I love the sense of completion
- [Who? What? Why?](https://seedsofscripture.com/who-what-why/) - (Jesus weeps over Jerusalem) But as He came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, He began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace.” Luke 19:41-42 (NLT) Holy Week begins next Sunday as we celebrate Palm Sunday. It takes effort to make this
- [Scattering seeds](https://seedsofscripture.com/scattering-seeds/) - I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, “You are my servant”; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help
- [Deep Roots](https://seedsofscripture.com/deep-roots-2/) - But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of draught. Their leaves stay green, and they
- [A Disciple on Palm Sunday](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-disciple-on-palm-sunday/) - Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey – riding on a donkey’s colt. Zechariah 9:9 (NLT) Palm Sunday certainly sounds like a party, doesn’t it? The Message translates shout
- [Jesus' Parade](https://seedsofscripture.com/jesus-on-palm-sunday/) - As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into the village over there,” He said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just
- [An Angry Outburst](https://seedsofscripture.com/an-angry-outburs/) - Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling dove, and He stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will
- [Save Us!](https://seedsofscripture.com/save-us/) - Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven! Mark 11:9-10 (NIV) Did you sing Hosanna on Sunday? Did you know it means ‘save us’? Did you sing sincerely, asking Jesus to save
- [The Sound of Money](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-sound-of-money/) - While Jesus was in the Temple, He watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a
- [Stamped and Delivered](https://seedsofscripture.com/stamped-and-delivered/) - Jesus saw through their trickery and said, “Show me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well then,” He said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” Luke 20:23-25 (NLT) Some of Jesus’ final conversations were on His crucial-to-teach-before-death
- [Substance or Show?](https://seedsofscripture.com/substance-or-show/) - A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go. “Which
- [Do the Unexpected](https://seedsofscripture.com/do-unexpected/) - Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him. Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought
- [Welcome Back](https://seedsofscripture.com/welcome-back/) - Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’” Matthew 26:31 (NLT) It was an intimate meal - Jesus with his closest friends and dearest enemies. The disciples were probably confused. Four days ago
- [Run and Hide!](https://seedsofscripture.com/run-and-hide/) - Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” Matthew 26:33 The Maundy Thursday service is my favorite. Not Christmas Eve. Not Easter. Maundy Thursday. I hesitate to say ‘favorite’ for such a sad service and sometimes use ‘most meaningful’. It is, by far, the most moving service
- [Does it Matter?](https://seedsofscripture.com/does-it-matter/) - Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. This means that anyone
- [All For You](https://seedsofscripture.com/all-for-you/) - [Jesus speaking] I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. John 17:19-20 Jesus was thinking about you while He hung on the cross.
- [My Prayer for You](https://seedsofscripture.com/my-prayer-for-you/) - Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7 (NLT) As Confirmation Sunday approaches, it’s my privilege to select a scripture and pray for each of my students.
- [Walk With Jesus](https://seedsofscripture.com/walk-with-jesus/) - Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) Susie Larson’s Daily Blessing really touched me today, and so I pass it along to you. My you
- [No Thanks?](https://seedsofscripture.com/no-thanks/) - Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NLT) Will you help? I found the perfect gift for someone! I love when that happens! It was expensive, but if she’d put it to use, I believed her life would improve dramatically! I was so excited! I wrote a personal
- [The Giver](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-giver/) - The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT) In my last post, I shared a situation about giving an awesome, perfect and expensive gift, but receiving casual acknowledgment and
- [I Can't Hear You!](https://seedsofscripture.com/i-cant-hear-you/) - If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NLT) Declare with your lips. Confess with thy mouth. Say it out loud. All the various translations, and the original Greek, emphasize this element:
- [Cravings](https://seedsofscripture.com/cravings/) - Money is the root of all evil. 1 Timothy 6:10 Have you heard this Scriptural one-liner? Unfortunately, it’s a phrase lifted out of context and used inappropriately. Money does sometimes cause problems, but it can also be powerful for Good. 1 Timothy 6:10 actually says: For the love of money is
- [You Know It](https://seedsofscripture.com/you-know-i/) - Without God life is empty. Jesus paid a costly price to rescue you and offer you abundant life. The Lamb of God died for the forgiveness of all.
- [He's Got You](https://seedsofscripture.com/hes-got-you/) - For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. Matthew 11:30 (NLT) I am repeatedly moved by Susie Larson’s Daily Blessings. Since I haven’t had time to write myself, I’m passing this along to bless you. Before you take another step today, may you pause and give
- [Follow His Voice](https://seedsofscripture.com/follow-his-voice/) - After He has gathered his own flock, He walks ahead of them, and they follow Him because they know His voice. John 10:4 (NLT) I am repeatedly moved by Susie Larson’s Daily Blessings. Since I haven’t had time to write myself, I’m passing this along to bless you. May you grow to LOVE
- [God Is Like a Mother](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-is-like-mother/) - As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. Isaiah 66:13 (NLT) I enjoyed these Encouraging Words by Lucinda Secrest McDowell about Mother’s Day – appreciating Mom, expressing gratitude and giving her time, remembering the motherless and childless. I also appreciated the Scriptures in which God compares Himself to a mother. Follow
- [Love](https://seedsofscripture.com/love/) - When you consider the commandment to love, what do you think? (Please pause and answer before you continue) I immediately think of people: family, friends, dogs (OK, mostly people). I also think about the lonely, hungry, forgotten, and hurting. If your answer was similar, then neither of us named the most important kind of
- [The Kingdom of God](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-kingdom-of-god/) - [Jesus] said, “A nobleman was called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return. Before he left, he called together ten of his servants and divided among them ten pounds of silver, saying, ‘Invest this for me while I am gone.’ But his people hated him and sent a delegation after
- [When Jesus Returns](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-jesus-returns/) - [Jesus] said, “[The king] returned and called in the servants to whom he had given the money. He wanted to find out what their profits were.” The first servant reported, ‘Master, I invested your money and made ten times the original amount!’ “’Well done!’ the king exclaimed. ‘You are a good servant. You have been
- [Testimony Tuesday](https://seedsofscripture.com/testimony-tuesday/) - After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:5-6 (NLT) Sometimes
- [Which Seat?](https://seedsofscripture.com/which-sea/) - When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, He gave them this advice: When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you
- [Soul Gardener](https://seedsofscripture.com/soul-gardener/) - As I head to the garden this Memorial Day weekend, I share this beautiful post by Stephanie Bryant. It poetically expresses my own time in the garden. I feel closer to God, hands in tilled soil, dirt under fingernails, breeze on my face, sun warmth on my back. This is where I came from.
- [Some Encouragement](https://seedsofscripture.com/some-encouragemen/) - [Jesus speaking] “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations… Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20(NLT) I’ve been focusing on Jesus’ own words as a source of
- [Remembering Why](https://seedsofscripture.com/remembering-why/) - [Jesus speaking] “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we
- [Sorting Out](https://seedsofscripture.com/sorting-ou/) - [Jesus speaking] “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away. That is the way
- [Priceless](https://seedsofscripture.com/priceless/) - Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! -Jesus Matthew 13:45-46(NLT) The merchant is an expert on pearls, acquiring only the best. He has an excellent reputation for having an inventory
- [Craftsmanship](https://seedsofscripture.com/craftsmanship/) - The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. Psalm 19:1-2 (NLT) This time of year, I spend a lot of time outside. Even when I’m stuck inside, I find myself looking out the window, mesmerized by
- [Habits](https://seedsofscripture.com/habits/) - Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 ‘Be still’ was the subject of two devotions this morning. As a result of my busy spring, I crave stillness. School is not yet out in the Northeast, but the end is in sight. The string of end-of-the year celebrations is fun, but even
- [Excuses, excuses, excuses](https://seedsofscripture.com/excuses-excuses-excuses/) - Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse
- [Squeezing Through](https://seedsofscripture.com/squeezing-throug/) - Mark 10:25 (NLT) In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God! Jesus’ message in this conversation must have made an impact because Matthew, Mark and Luke all include this teaching in their writing.
- [A God-incidence](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-god-incidence-2/) - Everything is possible for him who believes. -Jesus Mark 9:23 (NIV) Regular readers of Seeds know I’ve been writing about our most reliable source of Truth - Jesus’ teachings. Along this theme, I have a God-incidence to report. (A God-incidence is what I call a ‘coincidence’ that is actually the hand of God.)
- [Just What I Wanted](https://seedsofscripture.com/just-what-i-wanted/) - So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. - Jesus Luke 11:14 (NLT) I squeezed my daughter in a hug after her year overseas. She arrived last weekend and I
- [Your Story](https://seedsofscripture.com/your-story/) - We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us…. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. 1 John: 1:3-4 (NLT) Have you ever experienced something so incredible you couldn’t wait to tell someone? Didn’t it
- [Setting Goals](https://seedsofscripture.com/setting-goals/) - And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? - Jesus Mark 8:36 (NLT) What is your purpose in life? At what point will you feel satisfied that you’ve accomplished your goal? For what are you striving? Popularity? Comfort? Success? Security? Wealth? Happiness? Big questions
- [Are You Prepared?](https://seedsofscripture.com/are-you-prepared/) - I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! – The Apostle Paul Philippians 3:10-11 (NLT) I want to suffer. Can you
- [You Are What You Eat](https://seedsofscripture.com/you-are-what-you-ea/) - II am the bread of life. –Jesus John 6:35 You are what you eat. I have two kinds of kids. One could live on Five Guys and ramen noodles. The other measures every strawberry and ounce of chicken breast. Outwardly, they both look like competitive athletes, but we can’t know if they are
- [What Are You Afraid Of?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-are-you-afraid-of/) - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – Apostle Paul 2 Timothy 1:7 What are you afraid of? Do you fear being poor, homeless, and dependent on others? Are you afraid you’re not loved or that you’ll face
- [A Birthday Gift](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-birthday-gif/) - God’s love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear Him. Psalm 103:17 (MSG) One man, one woman, and God delivered a gift today. In What We Talk About When We Talk About God, Rob Bell encouraged readers to experience God’s presence every moment of every day, in the small
- [Recharged for Writing](https://seedsofscripture.com/recharged-for-writing/) - Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat. Mark 6:31 (MSG) I apologize. Without actually deciding to, or announcing it, I took a break from blogging this summer. Some of you have
- [Perfect Peace](https://seedsofscripture.com/perfect-peace/) - You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) Did you have a moment or two of perfect peace this summer? Calm in your soul free from worry or anger? How do we find those moments during the start
- [Radical Pruning](https://seedsofscripture.com/radical-pruning/) - I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. -Jesus John 15:1-2 (NLT) I love pruning – cutting out dead or unproductive branches, thinning to allow
- [Bending Down](https://seedsofscripture.com/bending-down/) - I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Psalm 116:1-2 (NLT) I remember the advice I received when I had young children; when you stop what you’re doing, kneel down to their level,
- [Go For Gold](https://seedsofscripture.com/go-for-gold/) - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) Have you
- [The Best Teacher](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-best-teacher/) - This is what the Lord says - your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17 (NLT) The current buzz is about teachers - which ones are nice, tough, old, fun,
- [Teaching Newbies](https://seedsofscripture.com/teaching-newbies/) - Jesus tells to teach others ALL that He commanded. Is it OK to pass on what we know, even if we might not know it all?
- [Always and Forever Held](https://seedsofscripture.com/always-and-forever-held/) - I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah 46:4 (NLT) Isn’t this wonderful? When I read today’s verse, this reassurance from God melted into all my nooks
- [What If?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-if/) - I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! Psalm 77:11-14(NLT) What
- [An Unexpected Visitor](https://seedsofscripture.com/an-unexpected-visitor/) - Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. -Jesus John 14:23(NLT) I’m a terrible house keeper. When I know someone’s coming over I swiftly wash dishes, clear counters, and stash laundry out of
- [Perfect Timing](https://seedsofscripture.com/perfect-timing/) - Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29(NLT) God’s timing is perfect. This scripture was BibleGateway.com’s verse of the day on Saturday while I was on retreat with the Senior High
- [It Takes Time](https://seedsofscripture.com/it-takes-time/) - Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Ephesians 5:1(NLT) I’ve been told that I’m becoming like my mother. As a teenager, this was an offensive statement, but now I consider it a compliment. As is bound to happen in a church community, I often teach my friends’
- [Pray Constantly](https://seedsofscripture.com/pray-constantly/) - So we have not stopped praying for you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow
- [Guided](https://seedsofscripture.com/guided/) - We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:9-10 (NLT) What is God’s will for your life? That’s a big question. Not many of us
- [God Takes Revenge?](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-takes-revenge/) - Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins… Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made
- [No Rules. Just Right](https://seedsofscripture.com/no-rules-just-rig/) - Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 (NLT) Put God first in your life. Be humble. Take care of the sick and
- [Time, Heat, and Pressure](https://seedsofscripture.com/time-heat-and-pressure/) - So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains
- [Too Much Praise?](https://seedsofscripture.com/too-much-praise/) - O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you. Psalm 63:1 (NLT) I’ve been listening to too much praise music. Is that possible? My iPod contains mostly Christian music with a little bit of country. I plug in my earbuds
- [My Big Fail](https://seedsofscripture.com/my-big-fai/) - Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) I messed up. Today’s scripture is one of my mantras. I refer to it often to remind myself that words are powerful. I stay away from gossip as much
- [How is a Christian Like a Pumpkin?](https://seedsofscripture.com/how-is-christian-like-pumpkin/) - A Christian is like a pumpkin? What? It's a comparison, but the process of selecting and carving a pumpkin describes God care for us.
- [Do You Ever Wonder?](https://seedsofscripture.com/do-you-ever-wonder/) - Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. -Jesus Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) Do you ever wonder if you’re on
- [Curb Your Worry By...](https://seedsofscripture.com/curb-your-worry-by/) - Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. -Jesus Matthew 6:32-34 (NLT) What does it mean to
- [Make Some Room For Me](https://seedsofscripture.com/make-some-room-for-me/) - Do we take time for reflection? God invites us to spend time with Him, listening for guidance, assessing our lives, making changes.
- [Who Are You Becoming?](https://seedsofscripture.com/who-are-you-becoming/) - Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Psalm 25:4 (NLT) Show me the way, God. I read this psalm every day as I write. It’s a participatory prayer. First I need a desire to reach His destination. Then I need to pay attention, see the
- [Mind Your Own Business](https://seedsofscripture.com/mind-your-own-business/) - Image courtesy of care2.com Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in
- [A Best Seller](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-best-seller/) - Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received His message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very Word of God – which, of course, it is. And the Word continues to work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NLT)
- [The Trip of a Lifetime](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-trip-of-lifetime/) - They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” Mark 14:32 (NLT) I’m leaving on a jet plane… I’m excited to announce that I’m leaving Oct 27th for an amazing trip to the Holy Land. It’s an educational faith expedition led by an author
- [True and God Inspired?](https://seedsofscripture.com/true-and-god-inspired/) - All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) Did you know? The Bible has 40 different authors who weren’t authors by trade. They held 20 different occupations including shepherd, fisherman, religious
- [The Sun Will Come Up Tomorrow](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-sun-will-come-up-tomorrow/) - Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us the assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) Are you certain that the sun will rise tomorrow? Even on a cloudy night, do you know the moon and stars remain in the sky? One of my
- [Israel - Flight](https://seedsofscripture.com/israel-1-flig/) - I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to
- [Israel - Coming to Life](https://seedsofscripture.com/israel-3-coming-to-life/) - Olives on the Tree We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 I'd been told it would happen. The scriptures are coming alive for me. I honestly didn't realize how significantly it would change my
- [Israel - The Mount of Olives](https://seedsofscripture.com/israel-2-mount-of-olives/) - Overlooking Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. On that
- [Israel - The Sheep Gate](https://seedsofscripture.com/israel-4-sheep-gate/) - The Sheep Gate - also call the Lion's Gate and Stephen's Gate Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for the feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. John 5:1-2 Just
- [Israel - Jesus Undercover](https://seedsofscripture.com/israel-jesus-undercover/) - The Pools of Bethesda [At the Pools of Bethesda] Here a great number of disabled people used to lie - the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long
- [Israel - One Body](https://seedsofscripture.com/israel-one-body/) - The Inaugural Proverbs 31 Tour Group at the Sea of Galilee The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. If the foot should say, "because I am not a hand, I do not belong
- [Israel - God Provides](https://seedsofscripture.com/israel-god-provides/) - The Via Delorosa For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 God always provides what we need to do His work. In the Old Testament, when Moses led the Israelites out of slavery, He instructed them to ask the
- [Israel - Pray Through Unpleasantries](https://seedsofscripture.com/israel-pray-through-unpleasantries/) - The Dome of the Rock - a mosque on the Temple Mount I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and
- [Shabbat Shalom!](https://seedsofscripture.com/shabbat-shalo/) - So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his word of creation, so He rested from all His work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when He rested from all His work
- [Shine Your Light on the Darkest Day](https://seedsofscripture.com/shine-your-light-on-darkest-day/) - I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. -Jesus John 12:46 (NLT) What do we desire on the darkest day of the year? Light, of course! We also crave light when
- [Unending Mercy](https://seedsofscripture.com/unending-mercy/) - The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT) After Israel, I spent 4 nights in Prague. I traveled alone, so felt most comfortable eating dinner in the hotel restaurant while reviewing trip photos on my iPad. The
- [Israel - Do You Love Me More?](https://seedsofscripture.com/israel-do-you-love-me-more/) - The Sea of Galilee from Peter's Primacy After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter
- [I'll Be Praising Him](https://seedsofscripture.com/ill-be-praising-hi/) - The Sea of Galilee Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises. Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds. 1 Chronicles 16:8-9 (NLT) I felt God strongly during our boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.
- [A Jordan Baptism](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-jordan-baptis/) - Lysa TerKeurst baptizes in the Jordan River After His baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great
- [Sing Carols!](https://seedsofscripture.com/sing-carols/) - Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16 (NLT) Can you imagine Christmas without carols? My church’s Carol Sing formally kicks off my season
- [He's Coming!](https://seedsofscripture.com/hes-coming/) - The Lord has sent this message to every land: “Tell the people of Israel, ‘Look, your savior is coming.’” Isaiah 61:11 (NLT) We’ve barely cleared the Thanksgiving plates, but the Christmas season is upon us. The church calls it Advent, the coming of Christ. It is described as a time of waiting, but
- [Joseph Dreamed of a Picket Fence](https://seedsofscripture.com/joseph-dreamed-of-picket-fence/) - This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly,
- [Noticing the Invisible](https://seedsofscripture.com/noticing-invisible/) - The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the
- [What's Wrong With Me? I'm Still Hungry](https://seedsofscripture.com/still-hungry/) - Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 3:65 (NLT) What’s wrong with me? I’ve ‘eaten’ the bread of life. I believe in Jesus with my whole heart. And yet spiritually, I sometimes still hunger
- [A Light in Our Darkness](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-light-in-our-darkness/) - Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:2 (NLT) It’s a dark time of year and a dark time in our world. ISIS is intent on bringing on
- [An Uneven Exchange - Sin for Grace](https://seedsofscripture.com/an-uneven-exchange-sin-for-grace/) - The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. Romans 7:14-15 (NLT) I missed it. It’s my own fault. The town’s Christmas
- [Lessons from Simeon Who Greets Jesus](https://seedsofscripture.com/lessons-from-simeon-who-greets-jesus/) - The White Synagogue in Capernaum Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, He was name Jesus, the name given Him by the angel even before He was conceived. At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come
- [Waiting For Jesus Like Anna](https://seedsofscripture.com/waiting-for-jesus-like-anna/) - Riverside village in Cambodia Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, He was name Jesus, the name given Him by the angel even before He was conceived. Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple… She was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived
- [When To Tell Someone About God](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-to-tell-someone-about-god_16/) - Image by stockimages courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net At the very time Simeon was praying, [Anna] showed up, broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38 (MSG) Anna couldn’t keep her mouth shut. She broke into
- [Be in the Right Place at the Right Time](https://seedsofscripture.com/be-in-right-place-at-right-time/) - Anna went about her daily routine, but God was always at the center. She constantly sought Him in fasting and worship.
- [Do We Mean What We Sing?](https://seedsofscripture.com/do-we-mean-what-we-sing/) - Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. Psalm 51:16 (MSG) Do we mean what we sing? We’ve been surrounded by Christmas music these past several weeks which helps us get in the spirit. We sing the first verse from memory and hum along
- [The Savior is Born - Christmas Greetings](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-savior-is-born-christmas-greetings/) - Friend, the Savior is born! I pray that you have a joyful celebration for this God-child - the most beautiful bitter-sweet gift! The King has left His throne to become flesh. God is with us! We will come to know God through this divine human because “Christ is the visible image of the
- [God Moved Into the Neighborhood](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-moved-into-neighborhood/) - The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but
- [God Knows Just What I Need](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-knows-just-what-i-need/) - Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NLT) I read this familiar verse bright and early this morning. Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day is always one of the first things I read. I confess, I gave
- [Good News at a Funeral](https://seedsofscripture.com/good-news-at-funera/) - I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace. Ephesians 3:7 (NLT) The preacher called her selfish. Jolayne requested a Biblical funeral. No life story. No funny anecdotes. Just the preacher's godly words which seems the opposite of selfish. But it was. Jolayne selfishly wanted every person attending
- [Your Best with God in 2015](https://seedsofscripture.com/your-best-with-god-in-2015/) - Photo by Stuart Miles courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.net Sing to the Lord; praise His name. Each day proclaim the good news that He saves. Publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! Psalm 96:2-4 (NLT) ‘Tis the season
- [When a Weather Delay is a Gift](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-weather-delay-is-gif/) - Trust in the Lord with all your heart; Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, And He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) I waited 7 hours in the Ft. Lauderdale airport. As luck would have it, the day I
- [Sometimes God Speaks Directly to Me](https://seedsofscripture.com/sometimes-god-speaks-directly-to-me/) - Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NLT) Sometimes God speaks directly to me. This Psalm was the Verse of the Day from Bible Gateway on the day of my step-mother’s funeral. Bible Gateway didn’t know what was happening in my life. They
- [Why Does Faith Matter?](https://seedsofscripture.com/why-does-faith-matter/) - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV) I pose the question again. What is faith and why does it matter? Have you given these questions
- [Prayers Please](https://seedsofscripture.com/prayers-please/) - Prayers please. I have minor hand surgery Tues morning. I am hoping for a 2 for 1 in that they're going to primarily remove a small bone that has spurs and causes pain, but hoping to also fix carpal tunnel on the same hand. One surgery, one recovery. 2 for 1. I should be home
- [What Is Faith?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-is-fai-2/) - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) What is faith and why does it matter? I’m preparing for a confirmation lesson entitled What is Faith and Does It
- [Successful Surgery - Thank You](https://seedsofscripture.com/successful-surgery-thank-you/) - Thank you for your prayers. My surgery went better than anticipated. I was home an hour earlier than expected. I got my 2 for 1 so now on to recovery. Ice and elevation are my friends right now. I'm learning to do things left handed, like typing very slowly, probably against doctors orders. Will be
- [Parting Words Southern Style](https://seedsofscripture.com/parting-words-southern-style/) - Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24 (NLT) I’ve just returned from the land of kind politeness. This isn’t Downton Abbey polite. I’m talking about sincere, how-can-I-help-you Southern kindness. In Houston I was called ma’am as in “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am”.
- [A Man Reaps What He Sows](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-man-reaps-what-he-sows/) - Don’t be misled – you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. Galatians 6:7-8 (NLT)
- [Temptation, Endurance, and Faith](https://seedsofscripture.com/temptation-endurance-and-fai/) - The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, when
- [Let's Celebrate Fat Tuesday](https://seedsofscripture.com/lets-celebrate-fat-tuesday/) - These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as [the Israelites] did, or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some
- [What is Ash Wednesday?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-is-ash-wednesday/) - Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Matthew 3:2 (NLT) Let’s think about repentance, humility and self-denial… The Shrove Tuesday indulgence is over. Lent has begun. The 40 days of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates with the resurrection. It is a self-reflective
- [What Do Ashes Represent?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-do-ashes-represen/) - By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return. Genesis 3:19 (NLT) Why do people put ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday? The answer is most commonly based in
- [Why is Lent 40 days long?](https://seedsofscripture.com/why-is-lent-40-days-long/) - Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live
- [God's Kindness Turns Us Away From Sin](https://seedsofscripture.com/gods-kindness-turns-us-away-from-sin/) - Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your
- [A Churchy Word - Repent](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-churchy-word-repen/) - From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of heaven is near.” – Jesus Matthew 4:17 (NLT) So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” – Jesus Luke 22:32 (NLT) Does it sometimes feel like the Bible, hymns and prayers
- [Another Churchy Word - Grace](https://seedsofscripture.com/another-churchy-word-grace/) - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) Let’s talk about grace, another churchy word. Is grace a mealtime prayer? Yes. Is it an
- [An Encouraging Churchy Word - Justified](https://seedsofscripture.com/an-encouraging-churchy-word-justified/) - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace…a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Romans 3:23-24,28 (NIV) Phew! Today’s scripture is jam packed with churchy words! Sin. Glory. Justified. Grace. We’ve been looking at the meaning
- [A Churchy Word That Isn't What You Think - Hope](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-churchy-word-that-isnt-what-you-think/) - Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:22-23 (NLT) How often do you hear or say the word hope? We hope she arrives safely. We hope you
- [Potential Beyond Your Dreams](https://seedsofscripture.com/every-seed-has-great-potential-for/) - Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. -Jesus John 12:24-25 (NIV) I’m finishing
- [Baring Your Heart to God](https://seedsofscripture.com/baring-your-heart-to-god/) - Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) My sister and I are in Florida visiting my dad and settling some of his late wife’s affairs. I’ve focused
- [What Do We Learn From Creation?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-do-we-learn-from-creation/) - The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7 (NIV) According to the creation story, God spoke all things into being. The story repeats “God said” and out of nothing, it came into
- [Who Is Lord of Your Life?](https://seedsofscripture.com/who-is-lord-of-my-life/) - Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) In previous studies of this verse, we’ve focused on always being ready to explain the hope we have in Jesus. Forming the words ahead of
- [God's Required Clothing](https://seedsofscripture.com/gods-required-clothing/) - Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NLT) I won’t mention any names, but the word ‘mercy’, reminds me of an unpleasant childhood game in which someone painfully twists another's arm until they beg for mercy
- [Jesus Was Misunderstood](https://seedsofscripture.com/jesus-was-misunderstood/) - Jesus was misunderstood. His entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday was a military hero’s homecoming – a ticker tape parade. Jesus was the long anticipated Savior! But the crowd missed the signs. Jesus rode a humble donkey, not a battle horse. He taught servanthood over status and love for one’s enemies. Jesus wasn’t the
- [What Does Trust Look Like?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-does-trust-look-like/) - Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never
- [Jesus Pressed Between the Past and the Future](https://seedsofscripture.com/jesus-pressed-between-past-and-future/) - He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”…Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot
- [I Would Have Run, Too](https://seedsofscripture.com/i-would-have-run-too/) - Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:56 (NIV) I would have run too. When the soldiers arrested Jesus, I would have saved my own skin. Not only am I conflict averse, I would have panicked in fear and confusion. In hindsight I’d regret my cowardice, but flee I would.
- [He Is Risen!](https://seedsofscripture.com/he-is-risen/)
- [Seven Stanzas at Easter - John Updike](https://seedsofscripture.com/seven-stanzas-at-easter-john-updike/) - Seven Stanzas at Easter by John Updike Make no mistake; if he rose at all It was as His body; If the cell's dissolution did not reverse, the molecule reknit, The amino acids rekindle, The Church will fall. It was not as the flowers, Each soft spring recurrent; It was not as His Spirit in
- [God's Love Has No Boundaries](https://seedsofscripture.com/gods-love-has-no-boundaries/) - Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NLT) He is risen! He is risen, indeed! During Holy Week, we remembered the crucifixion and burial. On Easter Sunday we celebrated the empty tomb, hunted eggs, and joined around
- [Singing The Wondrous Cross From My Heart](https://seedsofscripture.com/singing-wondrous-cross-from-my-hear/) - When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of Glory died; My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ, my God; All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His
- [Why The Two Criminals?](https://seedsofscripture.com/why-two-criminals/) - Two criminals were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left…One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself – and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested. “Don’t you fear God even when you have been
- [Excited About an Old Testament Prophesy](https://seedsofscripture.com/excited-about-old-testament-prophesy/) - I’m blown away by this passage every Easter. The suffering servant passage, as it’s called, is one of the reasons I believe the Bible is God’s Word – written by humans who were inspired by God. This prophesy by Isaiah was written 700 years before Jesus’ birth! There’s no way Isaiah, on his own, imagined
- [Love So Deep](https://seedsofscripture.com/love-so-deep/) - I pray that because of the riches of His shining-greatness, He will make you strong with power in your heart through the Holy Spirit. I pray that Christ may live in your heart by faith. I pray that you will be filled with love. I pray that you will be able to understand how wide
- [Unusual Blessings from God](https://seedsofscripture.com/unusual-blessings-from-god/) - And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will about in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) Today I share this benediction by Margaret Scott, Pastor at the United Methodist Church in Fairport, NY. (original source unknown) May God
- [Turn Worries Into Praises and Prayers](https://seedsofscripture.com/turn-worries-into-praises-and-prayers/) - Celebrate God and trust Him with your concerns Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in Him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show
- [My Heartfelt Prayer For You](https://seedsofscripture.com/my-heartfelt-prayer-for-you/) - I pray that the great God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ may give you the wisdom of His Spirit. Then you will be able to understand the secrets about Him as you know Him better. I pray that your hearts will be able to understand. I pray that you will know about the
- [Light a Lamp](https://seedsofscripture.com/light-lamp/) - Photo courtesy of morguefile.com Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your goodness and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew
- [The Path to Trust](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-path-to-trus/) - Photo courtesy of morguefile.com Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:1,5,6 (NIV) It’s your turn. I’m on a study retreat
- [Believe and Speak](https://seedsofscripture.com/believe-and-speak/) - If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)
- [Deep Roots](https://seedsofscripture.com/deep-roots/) - "Setting Down Roots" Sculpture by Neal Personeus www.nealpersoneus.com And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you
- [New Questions from an Old Story](https://seedsofscripture.com/new-questions-from-old-story/) - It's a fun children's story with cute animals. But there's a disturbing side. A lot of people died in the flood. Why would God flood the world?
- [What Do You Hear?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-do-you-hear/) - God knew what He was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love Him along the same lines as the life of His Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity He restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives
- [Worth Everything](https://seedsofscripture.com/worth-everything/) - The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! -Jesus Matthew13:45-46 (NLT) This might be the shortest parable in the Bible – just two sentences! The note in my study Bible interprets
- [An Insatiable Appetite](https://seedsofscripture.com/an-insatiable-appetite/) - [The Holy Spirit] will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. -Jesus John 14:26 (NLT) I’m reading a book by Christine Caine called Unstoppable. She is on fire, baby! In describing her early spiritual journey she says: “Driven by an insatiable appetite for God’s truth, I bought the
- [Access to Power](https://seedsofscripture.com/access-to-power/) - This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. –Apostle Paul 1 Corinthians 1:25 (NLT) Here’s another passage from the powerful book, Unstoppable, by Christine Caine. In her early 20’s, she was given an assignment to start a youth center
- [Faith Grows in the Red Sea](https://seedsofscripture.com/faith-grows-in-red-sea/) - Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. -Moses Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV) Let me share one more passage from Christine Caine’s Unstoppable. You
- [Which Way Should We Go?](https://seedsofscripture.com/which-way-should-we-go/) - Show me the right path, O Lord; Point out the road for me to follow. Psalm 25:4 (NLT) Do you always follow the directions your GPS provides? Do you sometimes know a better route and decide to ignore its instruction? I don’t know about you, but I know lots of back roads and shortcuts,
- [An Unappreciative Houseguest](https://seedsofscripture.com/an-unappreciative-housegues/) - Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV) Have you ever had unappreciative house guests? You cleaned more deeply than normal, prepared company recipes, fluffed up the seldom used guest towels, and provided an interesting bedside read. One
- [Overcoming a Negative Label](https://seedsofscripture.com/overcoming-negative-labe/) - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) He shuffled into the hotel’s breakfast room with his wife at his arm, and I noticed the bib clipped around his neck. I smiled broadly because I tend to be extra friendly to those with
- [OMG!](https://seedsofscripture.com/omg/) - Hallowed be thy name. Matthew 6:9 (KJV) Do we mean what we say in the Lord’s Prayer? The Lord’s Prayer is among my most treasured scriptures. I have studied it in depth and pray the words with heartfelt sincerity. I’m continually bothered by the contradiction of our praying “hallowed be thy name” and our
- [Privileges and Responsibilities as a Child of God](https://seedsofscripture.com/privileges-and-responsibilities-as/) - You received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Romans 8:15 (NLT) So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the
- [What's More Important?](https://seedsofscripture.com/whats-more-importan/) - Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. 1 Samuel 15:24 (NLT) King Saul succumbed to popular opinion rather than following God’s instructions. Have you ever been in this situation? The back story: The Israelites have
- [Message from God](https://seedsofscripture.com/message-from-god/) - Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Instead, give yourselves completely to God... use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right. Romans 6:12-13 (NLT) You may know that I’m sometimes slow to catch on. Because of this character trait, God often repeats
- [God Knows Just What Our Hearts Need](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-knows-just-what-our-hearts-need/) - Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways! Romans 11:33 (NLT) In obedience to God’s prompting to reprioritize my mornings, I prayed before opening emails or Facebook. I praised God for His magnificence and marveled at how beyond us and
- [Everyday, ordinary life](https://seedsofscripture.com/everyday-ordinary-life/) - So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life — your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life — and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture
- [A Building-Up Community](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-building-up-community/) - Correction is unpleasant. It requires humility to accept and learn from it. How do we build one another up without accepting correction?
- [Practical Advice](https://seedsofscripture.com/practical-advice/) - Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 (NLT) Another nugget of life wisdom. Memorize this one friends.
- [God's Love Never Runs Out](https://seedsofscripture.com/gods-love-never-runs-ou/) - They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the Lord that day. 1 Chronicles 29:22 (NIV) I am such a nerd. Even when my brain is on summer vacation, I can’t resist jotting down a few thoughts during a concert. Yup, that’s me, taking notes at a sold-out House of Blues.
- [I'm a Phony](https://seedsofscripture.com/im-phony/) - Now may the God of peace equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him. Hebrews 13:20-21(NLT) I’m a fraud, a phony. I preach the ability of God to change lives with daily prayer and scripture study, but I’ve become sloppy about practicing
- [Snap Judgments are Natural](https://seedsofscripture.com/snap-judgments-are-natura/) - But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT) I can’t help myself. I make judgments based on appearance.
- [Seek the Heart](https://seedsofscripture.com/seek-hear/) - When God really wants me to hear a message, He repeats himself until I take heed. He must want me, or perhaps you, to focus on the heart because I read the following words from Ken Weliever after my last post. In his 8/7/16 blog post Sunday Seed Thoughts, Ken writes: “The heart is central,” wrote John Eldredge
- [Transitioning Back to a Scheduled Life](https://seedsofscripture.com/transitioning-back-to-scheduled-life/) - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV) I hear girls screaming across the street. The gleeful squeals are a perk of living near the middle school on the first day of class. Social media posts these past 2 weeks
- [Quietly Slipping Away](https://seedsofscripture.com/quietly-slipping-away/) - The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. Psalm 119:1-4
- [Where Do You Hide?](https://seedsofscripture.com/where-do-you-hide/) - You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Psalm 119:114 (NLT) I jumped all over today’s scripture. Yes! Scripture is my source of hope. It’s full of God’s promises to love, forgive, provide, equip and strengthen me. He speaks of a bigger plan that I can’t yet understand
- [How to Be Transformed](https://seedsofscripture.com/how-to-be-transformed/) - These instructions are not empty words – they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy. Deuteronomy 32:47 (NLT) Have you transitioned to fall smoothly? It’s been hard for me. My summer was exhausting rather than refreshing. I needed a few days to
- [Learn from the Best Instructor](https://seedsofscripture.com/learn-from-best-instructor/) - This is what the Lord says – your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.” Isaiah 48:7(NLT) The kids are back to school and adjusting to new teachers. What’s his or her style
- [An Exact Imprint of God](https://seedsofscripture.com/an-exact-imprint-of-god/) - Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by a Son. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being. He sustains all things by His powerful word. Hebrews 1:1-3(NRSV) Jesus is
- [Made with a Goal in Mind](https://seedsofscripture.com/made-with-goal-in-mind/) - I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah 46:4(NLT) My mind immediately goes to the image of white hair. It’s not a positive one these days as marketers peddle
- [Why We Shouldn't Love Tomorrow](https://seedsofscripture.com/why-we-shouldnt-love-tomorrow/) - Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring. Proverbs 27:1(NLT) Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16(NRSV) God spoke with me today about tomorrow. It was a conviction, a reprimand.
- [It's Not About Being Sorry](https://seedsofscripture.com/its-not-about-being-sorry/) - Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it…I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance... Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in
- [What is the Evidence of Your Faith?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-is-evidence/) - If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13(NLT) “Prove it” taunt the hands-on-hips schoolgirls when I brag about my full splits on both sides. “Prove it” think those who know I’m a Christian. I
- [Being Unselfish, Humble and Other-Centered](https://seedsofscripture.com/being-unselfish-humble-and-other/) - Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3-4(NLT) This verse reminds me of my mother. Betty loved people. She focused on others. Whether you were meeting for the
- [Worth More than a Glance](https://seedsofscripture.com/worth-more-than-glance/) - May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14(NLT) Don’t skim. I know. I do it too - glaze over the benedictions Paul uses to close his letters. But I want you to understand this beautiful
- [Why We Accept Everyone](https://seedsofscripture.com/why-we-accept-everyone/) - Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Romans 15:7(NLT) Guess what? I’m not perfect. That’s no surprise, but the fact is, we’re all a mess in some way. But Christ accepts us, warts and all. He doesn’t care about our bank account,
- [First Things First](https://seedsofscripture.com/first-things-firs/) - Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:36-39 (NLT) What are the
- [Why Bother to Plan?](https://seedsofscripture.com/why-bother-to-plan/) - Get all the advice and instruction you can and be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:20-21(NLT) That second sentence ruffles my feathers. We have no control over our future? Are we just God’s puppets? Why bother with goals and dreams?
- [When I Don't Like a Bible Verse](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-i-dont-like-bible-verse/) - For we know the one who said, “I will take revenge. I will pay them back.” He also said, “The Lord will judge his own people.” It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:30-31(NLT) I don’t like some Bible verses. I usually ignore these ‘bad’ verses, but
- [The Power of Three Small Words](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-power-of-three-small-words/) - God has saved us. 2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV) We’ve heard it a thousand or more times. God saved us. Or maybe the phrase we’ve heard over and over is ‘God loves us’ and it just seems like the same idea. Let’s consider the meaning of these three small words ‘God saved us’. This
- [When I Get Bossy With God](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-i-get-bossy-with-god/) - Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. Luke 22:42 (NIV) I often pray for a Christian friend who has devoted her life to serving God. However I see gifts in her that God isn’t utilizing so I tell Him about her amazing abilities. I
- [Why Give Thanks for the 'Bad' Guys](https://seedsofscripture.com/why-give-thanks-for-bad-guys/) - I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone 1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV) You may have wondered why Seeds of Scripture has been sporadic. One reason is that I’ve guest posted for Sweet to the Soul. Join me over there today to learn why we should pray
- [What is Faith?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-is-fai/) - What does it mean to take a leap of faith? How can we believe God exists and learn to trust Him? What are the steps and who are our role models?
- [Ready When You Are](https://seedsofscripture.com/ready-when-you-are/) - When you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey Him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where He scattered
- [When You're Embarrassed to Share Your Faith](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-youre-embarrassed-to-share-your/) - So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me His prisoner. Rather, join me in suffering for the gospel….He has called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. [The gospel] is why I am suffering as
- [Is the Bible True?](https://seedsofscripture.com/is-bible-true/) - If the Bible is true, does that mean we read the stories literally? Or is there a truth behind the stories we're meant to hear?
- [When I'm Tired of Being Thankful](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-im-tired-of-being-thankfu/) - Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV) A few weeks ago I met a woman who was new to the shelter where I sometimes
- [What Thanks Really Means](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-thanks-really-means/) - Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9 (NIV) I’m fascinated by the original meaning of Biblical words. Andy Lee, one of my favorite authors, feeds my curiosity in her Word Wednesday
- [Light an Advent Candle for Hope](https://seedsofscripture.com/light-advent-candle-for-hope/) - Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:22-23 (NLT) On the first Sunday of Advent, my church lights a candle for the hope that Jesus’ birth brings (other
- [When Re-Gifting is Admired](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-re-gifting-is-admired/) - I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. Genesis 12:2 (NLT) Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. James 1:17 (NIV) What if re-gifting was encouraged and became the
- [What to Expect When Jesus Comes Again](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-to-expect-when-jesus-comes-again/) - And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world – from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.
- [What's an Appropriate Gift for Jesus?](https://seedsofscripture.com/whats-appropriate-gift-for-jesus/) - They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11-12 (CEB) We know the names of these gifts well even if we can’t describe or identify myrrh.
- [God's View of Humanity](https://seedsofscripture.com/gods-view-of-humanity/) - For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23 (NLT) I absolutely love the beauty of our world. I love landscapes of forested snow capped peaks as much as ocean sunrises. I enjoy a mountaintop view as well as one from the valley. While we notice the heights and depths
- [Your Personal Assessment to Wrap Up 2016](https://seedsofscripture.com/your-personal-assessment-to-wrap-up-2016/) - We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:1-3 (NLT) ‘Tis the season for year-end reviews and New Year resolutions. News summaries portray a
- [Making God's Words Our Own](https://seedsofscripture.com/making-gods-words-our-own/) - My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. Proverbs 3:1 (NLT) Are you ready for a challenge? I have been promoting scripture memorization for years and the time has come to challenge you. Along with Beth Moore’s Living Proof Ministries blog, I’d like us to memorize
- [Christmas Isn't Ever Done - God Is Still With Us](https://seedsofscripture.com/christmas-isnt-ever-done-god-is-sti/) - Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel, which means ’God is with us.’ Matthew 1:23 (NLT) Christmas is in the rearview mirror. The tree has been hauled away and the decorations packed in boxes. Returns have been made and gifts are
- [More Listening, Less Talking](https://seedsofscripture.com/more-listening-less-talking/) - Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in Him! Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful
- [Remember What God Has Done](https://seedsofscripture.com/remember-what-god-has-done/) - So that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful. Joshua 4:24 (NIV) Have you noticed that Seeds of Scripture has been absent from you inbox? Some of you have worried about me. I should have updated you sooner. I apologize. I am better than fine!
- [God Continually Amazes Me](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-contually-amazes-me/) - He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT) Today is the day I resolved to write a Seeds of Scripture post and I’m happy to be back. I’ve
- [How to Rock Your Faith](https://seedsofscripture.com/how-to-rock-your-fai/) - Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you. Joshua 3:5 (NIV) Consecrate yourself. What does that mean? Merriam-Webster’s definition says “to dedicate to a sacred purpose”. Dedicating yourself to a sacred purpose sounds pretty heavy, although isn’t that what we try to do as followers of Jesus? A more informal
- [How to Explain Your Faith](https://seedsofscripture.com/how-to-explain-your-fai/) - If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15b (NLT) Be ready to explain yourself. Always. Biblical hope means being certain about God (my earlier post about hope), so we could say: If someone asks about your [confidence] as a believer, always be ready
- [A Mid-Lenten Reflection](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-mid-lenten-reflection/) - Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Matthew 3:2 (NLT) It’s midway through Lent and I am counting the days until Easter. You see, I give up television and all social media during Lent and I am missing it. Sacrifice is the point, right? My intent
- [Locker Room Jesus Talk](https://seedsofscripture.com/locker-room-jesus-talk/) - We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves
- [Let This Soak In](https://seedsofscripture.com/let-this-soak-in/) - There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected – a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
- [Will All Self-Proclaimed Christians Go To Heaven?](https://seedsofscripture.com/heaven-for-all-christians/) - Pope Francis provocatively said that not all self-proclaimed Christians are actually saved and going to heaven. Who does the Pope think is in and who is out? What does Scripture say? What do you believe?
- [New Eyes on a Familiar Story - Jesus Feeds 5,000](https://seedsofscripture.com/new-eyes-on-familiar-story-jesus-feeds/) - Late that afternoon or evening the disciples came to him and said “…Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy food and find lodging for themselves.”Turning to Philip, [Jesus] asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Philip, for he already
- [Is This Jesus' Most Important Miracle?](https://seedsofscripture.com/is-this-jesus-most-important-miracle/) - In my last post I presented the story of the Feeding of the 5,000 that I mashed together from all four Gospel accounts. The familiar tale is included in almost every child’s story Bible. It’s non-violent, has a happy ending, includes a child, features a calm, benevolent Jesus and doesn’t challenge the world order. Does
- [Does Science Hinder Faith?](https://seedsofscripture.com/does-science-hinder-fai/) - Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NLT) Do scientific advancements hinder your faith in a Creator God? Weather patterns and fetal development were wildly
- [Does Google Hold Knowledge or Wisdom?](https://seedsofscripture.com/does-google-hold-knowledge-or-wisdo/) - Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. Proverbs 9:10 (NLT) We swipe, type and click our way to knowledge, however, knowledge does not make us wise. Knowing God makes us wise. (tweet this) The phrase ‘fear of the Lord’ doesn’t mean we’re frightened by
- [A View From My Empty Nest](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-view-from-my-empty-nes/) - For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT) Incredibly, my last blog post was two months ago. It’s been a busy season transitioning to an empty nest. I never before imagined putting the words busy and empty nest together, but busy empty nester describes this season
- [Becoming an Engaged Listener](https://seedsofscripture.com/becoming-engaged-listener/) - Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. James 1:19 (NLT) Are you quicker to listen or to speak? Do you listen to understand or to respond? Some of you are excellent listeners. You’re attentive and curious, eager to understand the
- [When I Realize I Need God](https://seedsofscripture.com/when-i-realize-i-need-god/) - But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay. Psalm 70:5 (NLT) With palms upturned to receive His grace, I humbled myself before God along with 800+ worshipers who sang “I need you, oh I need you.
- [They're For Your Own Good](https://seedsofscripture.com/theyre-for-your-own-good/) - Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. Psalm 119:91-93 (NLT) Nothing good happens after midnight. Are these your mother’s words? Have
- [Like a Splash of Cold Water](https://seedsofscripture.com/like-splash-of-cold-water/) - I have called you friends. John 15:15 (NLT) Like an icy cold splash of water in my face, the lyrics awaken me to the stunning truth. The One who reigns forever, He is a friend of mine. - Chris Tomlin It’s beyond comprehension. The God who created mountains and oceans and galaxies also thought
- [A Good Fear of Missing Out](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-good-fear-of-missing-ou/) - Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God
- [The Devil Nearly Won](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-devil-nearly-won/) - The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) The devil nearly won this round.
- [An Appropriate Portion of Humble Pie](https://seedsofscripture.com/an-appropriate-portion-of-humble-pie/) - Image created using Typorama And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe in the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:6 (NLT) I was confident.
- [What Does it Mean to be Holy?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-holy/) - As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written; “Be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-15 (NIV) One of the first things I’ve learned
- [What I Miss When I Don't Pray](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-i-miss-when-i-dont-pray/) - Photo: Lightstock Father, I am beginning to know how much I miss when I fail to talk to thee in prayer, and through prayer to receive into my life the strength and the guidance which only thou canst give. Forgive me for the pride and the presumption that make me continue to struggle to manage
- [Pleasantly Surprised by Prayerful Poetry](https://seedsofscripture.com/pleasantly-surprised-by-prayerful-poetry/) - Surprise! I am enjoying poetry as prayer. Poetry is usually too flowery for me, but this poem is practical and straightforward. Except for the ‘thee and thou’ language, it expresses my heart. I invite you to read the following poem slowly as though it were your personal prayer to God: Oh Jesus, I have
- [Do We Mean What We Say?](https://seedsofscripture.com/do-we-mean-what-we-say/) - Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O Lord, and
- [Discovering Value and Restoring Power](https://seedsofscripture.com/discovering-value-and-restoring-power/) - God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV) I’m not a car enthusiast, but I appreciate this story. Imagine the most powerful, beautiful car ever built. You choose the make and model, but imagine that car dented and rusted, parts broken,
- [Ready or Not, Here He Comes!](https://seedsofscripture.com/ready-or-not-here-he-comes/) - Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen Revelation 1:5-8 (NIV) They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him
- [Immanuel, God With Us!](https://seedsofscripture.com/immanuel-god-with-us/) - Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Christmas Blessings! God is with us! Immanuel. God has always wanted to dwell among His people. · In the Garden of Eden He walked with
- [Come, Long Awaited King](https://seedsofscripture.com/come-long-awaited-king/) - Come, thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth thou art; Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet
- [Caffeine and Devotions](https://seedsofscripture.com/caffeine-and-devotions/) - Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 After the holidays and nearly a month of travel, I’m trying to re-establish habits. Regular exercise, healthy eating, devotions and writing haven’t happened in quite a while. So after a workout class this morning, I sat at my desk with my devotional. The weekly
- [It Really Happened](https://seedsofscripture.com/it-really-happened/) - For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes….we ourselves heard that voice from heaven. 2 Peter 1:16,18 (NLT) The more I study Scripture, the more I’m convinced it really happened. Peter was
- [What I Didn't Know Was Missing](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-i-didnt-know-was-missing/) - Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us? Luke 24:32 (NLT) The fire is back. I noticed it missing when I taught a class recently. I didn’t have my usual passion for the Word and felt flat. I couldn’t pinpoint the
- [Stand Back and Watch](https://seedsofscripture.com/stand-back-and-watc/) - Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 (NLT) You’re not crazy. I did recently write about this same verse and our need to enter God’s presence with calm spirits. However, study in the beliefs of ancient society unveiled a new perspective. The psalm was written when people believed that
- [Another School Shooting. Why?](https://seedsofscripture.com/another-school-shooting-why/) - I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27 (NLT) Another school shooting. 17 dead. I hate the need to say ‘another’. It’s so distressing. The analysts will talk about access to guns, video games and TV shows that desensitize us to
- [Be Prepared....How?](https://seedsofscripture.com/be-preparedhow/) - Therefore, keep alert, because you don’t know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13 (CEB) My devotional book has me pondering what being ready for Jesus’ second coming looks like. Today’s verse summarizes Jesus’ lesson from the parable about ten bridesmaids who are awaiting the groom’s arrival. Five have planned ahead and brought spare
- [What is Our Hope?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-is-our-hope/) - Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, because He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) What is the ‘hope we profess’? In the Old Testament, the Jews repeatedly tell the story of God’s activity in their history and His promise to be ruler over the nation of Israel. They tell it
- [Feel Full on This Diet](https://seedsofscripture.com/feel-full-on-this-die/) - Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.” But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other. Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing His
- [I Can't Do It](https://seedsofscripture.com/i-cant-do-i/) - We can't use pure willpower to behave properly. We must have God's help. God knows this and is ready and willing to help.
- [Words from the Wise](https://seedsofscripture.com/words-from-wise/) - Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. Proverbs 1:20,23 (NLT) The following excerpts from wise men of faith have helped reshape my devotional time. They suggest refreshing perspectives and practices for our time with
- [Come and Talk with Me](https://seedsofscripture.com/come-and-talk-with-me/) - My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me”, and I respond, “I am coming.” Psalm 27:8 (NLT) Come and talk with me. I love this invitation, don’t you? I imagine God patting the sofa cushion and encouraging me to sit. And I try to respond “I am coming”, because I’m at
- [God Was Testing Me](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-was-testing-me/) - We're told to be prepared to answer questions about our faith. This requires us to decide what we believe and why. It also means we recognize opportunities when they arise.
- [I Met a Man](https://seedsofscripture.com/i-met-man/) - Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. Isaiah 1:17 (NLT) I met a young man named Tommy at the Dunkin’ Donuts. Don’t spread rumors. We were only together 2 hours. He opened the door as I entered, but grunted at my
- [Don't Follow My Example](https://seedsofscripture.com/dont-follow-my-example/) - I have become a servant… to present to you the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for… generations, but is now disclosed to all [believers]… God has chosen to make known…the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you... We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching
- [It's Harder Than I Thought](https://seedsofscripture.com/its-harder-than-i-thoug/) - To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself
- [Winning and Losing](https://seedsofscripture.com/winning-and-losing/) - How could giving up my plans for the future yield a better life, one truly worth living? This is Jesus' promise, but it's so hard to release control.
- [Let Them See You in Me](https://seedsofscripture.com/let-them-see-you-in-me/) - I heard this song for the first time in church this morning - Let Them See You by Colton Dixon. The song beautifully expresses the hope I wrote about in Don't Follow My Example. Here are two YouTube links. The first is a Laura Daigle cover which makes the song a universal prayer that any of us could say. The
- [Is There Only One Way to Heaven?](https://seedsofscripture.com/is-there-only-one-way-to-heaven/) - Jesus says He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Some cannot believe in Jesus if this excludes anyone from heaven. What does Jesus mean?
- [The Kingdom's Power Pyramid](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-kingdoms-power-pyramid/) - For you granted [your Son] authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. John 17:1,4,19(NIV) Jesus had authority
- [A Good Fight](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-good-fig/) - Remind the believers… they must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. Titus 3:1-2 (NLT) There’s an appropriate, effective and productive way for us to disagree with one another: don’t slander or quarrel, but be gentle and truly humble. Taking the original
- [Privilege or Responsibility?](https://seedsofscripture.com/privilege-or-responsibility/) - The covenant-call to be God’s people, far from being primarily an invitation to special privilege, is first of all a summons to special responsibility. God calls a people to live in response to the needs of others, to live in right relationship with God, to bring justice and mercy to the land, and to lead
- [Fully Committed](https://seedsofscripture.com/fully-committed/) - But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24 (NLT) Can you imagine being completely dedicated to spreading the message of God? All activities, decisions and
- [Be More Human](https://seedsofscripture.com/be-more-human/) - Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.” Genesis 1:26 (NLT) What does it mean to be more human? I’ve recently been immersed in Crossfit (see Facebook Cathy Alger Chung for details). It’s a wonderfully friendly and supportive community ranging from elite athletes to people trying
- [Good News!](https://seedsofscripture.com/good-news/) - This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King
- [Where to Look for Help](https://seedsofscripture.com/where-to-look-for-help/) - I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Psalm 121:1-2 (NLT) This verse has always inspired me. I love nature and see God revealing Himself in all of creation. Sunrises, mountain views, any kind of water
- [Believe Jesus? Or Know Jesus?](https://seedsofscripture.com/believe-jesus-or-know-jesus/) - If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. John 14:7 (NLT) My summer was crazy exciting, but I strayed from blogging. The fall routine has arrived and I’m bursting with inspirational thoughts! I don’t know where to begin so I’ll start with Jesus. I love Jesus and I
- [The Aroma of Jesus](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-aroma-of-jesus/) - Through us, [God] brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation – an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like
- [Ah-Ha! Burning from Within](https://seedsofscripture.com/ah-ha-burning-from-within/) - The angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight – why the bush does not burn up.” Exodus 3:2-3 (NIV) Ah-ha!
- [They Warned Me It Would Happen](https://seedsofscripture.com/they-warned-me-it-would-happen/) - Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (ESV) They warned me. They said it would happen. They said I would get so deep in studying the Bible that I would lose my connection with God. They
- [Do Unto Others - Jesus' Final 24 Hours](https://seedsofscripture.com/do-unto-others-jesus-final-24-hours/) - But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. Do to others as you would like them to do to you. Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting
- [Conform or Transform?](https://seedsofscripture.com/104591-2/) - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV) How do we know God’s will for our lives? Three key words
- [A Process of Growth](https://seedsofscripture.com/104604-2/) - In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence (goodness), and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
- [Only the Best for Our Babies](https://seedsofscripture.com/only-the-best-for-our-babies/) - Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 1 Peter 2:2-3 (NLT) Think about how we feed an infant. Our goal is to provide the healthiest nutrition
- [A Good Imitation](https://seedsofscripture.com/a-good-imitation/) - Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Ephesians 5:1(NLT) I’ve been told that I’m becoming like my mother. As a teenager, this was an offensive statement, but now I consider it a compliment. As is bound to happen in a church community, I often teach my friends’ children and
- [The Privilege of Faith](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-privilege-of-faith/) - For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him. Philippians 1:29 (NLT) Are we privileged? No matter our position in this world, as believers we are distinctly privileged to trust Christ and claim all God’s promises. Do we forget our place in God’s
- [Three Small Words](https://seedsofscripture.com/three-small-words/) - God has saved us. 2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV) We’ve heard it a thousand or more times. God saved us. Or maybe the phrase we’ve heard over and over is ‘God loves us’ and it just seems like the same idea. Let’s consider the meaning of these three small words ‘God saved us’. This statement separates
- [Will We Follow?](https://seedsofscripture.com/will-we-follow/) - We like to be in control, but life works much better when we let God take the driver's seat. He offers us power and strength. Why are we afraid to use it?
- [God Answers Unspoken Prayers](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-answers-unspoken-prayers/) - And four great beasts came up out of the sea… Daniel 7:3(ESV) The following story is evidence that God answers even unspoken prayers. For me, Holy Week is the most meaningful of the whole year. I’ve been complaining (not praying) that I will miss Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday services due to travel.
- [I Didn't Think I Was Lost](https://seedsofscripture.com/i-didnt-think-i-was-lost/) - For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10 (NLT) This verse isn’t for me. I’m not lost. I know where I’m going and what I’m doing and when I don’t, I Google it. I don’t need help - I can handle it. Sound familiar? Nor did I
- [Believing 'In' or Believing 'That'](https://seedsofscripture.com/believing-in-or-believing-that/) - And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:17 (NLT) I’ve been exploring the expansion of the church after the New Testament. All the church had to work with were oral accounts of Jesus’ teaching, the Jewish scriptures, Paul’s letters, and the Holy
- [Making Space for the Kingdom of God](https://seedsofscripture.com/making-space-for-the-kingdom-of-god/) - Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT) I’m steeped in 3rd century church history right now and learning how monasteries got started. I’ve always found this simple life of devotion appealing. Had I been Catholic, I’d have considered becoming a
- [God's Home is With Us](https://seedsofscripture.com/gods-home-is-with-us/) - Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. John 14:23 (NLT) God will make His home with us – each of us. Doesn’t that sound good? Because homes are never perfect, 'home' doesn’t always evoke
- [Jesus Is Our Firm Foundation](https://seedsofscripture.com/jesus-is-our-firm-foundation/) - “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug deep down and laid the foundation on
- [May My Life Please God](https://seedsofscripture.com/may-my-life-please-god/) - If I do nothing else in life, I want to please God. So each day I remind myself of Psalm 19:14 - May my words and thoughts be pleasing to you, O Lord. What can we do to please God? The verses in the Psalm just before this one give us an idea. Let's look at them on the blog.
- [You Are God's Masterpiece](https://seedsofscripture.com/you-are-gods-masterpiece/) - We are God's masterpiece, both individually and as a community of believers. The church is God's ongoing 24/7 project to reshape the world to resemble His beautiful kingdom. The church is not a location or time of worship but a diverse community of believers living in unity.
- [Following Jesus Leads to Thankfulness](https://seedsofscripture.com/continuing-thankfulness/) - Following Jesus is a continuous activity, not a one time event. As we grow roots in Him and build lives based on His teachings, our faith grows strong. We encounter God's Truth in action and the outcome is positive. Continuing to follow leads to thankfulness.
- [God is Doing a Great Work - Elizabeth and Mary](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-doing-great-work-elizabeth-mary/) - Consider Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist. God is doing a great work through her pregnancy and her character. Her response to Mary is noteworthy.
- [Joseph Gave Up His Dreams](https://seedsofscripture.com/joseph-gave-up-dreams/) - Let's consider Joseph. He had dreams for the future before God chose Mary as the mother of Jesus. What did Joseph give up by obeying God?
- [The Shepherds - the First to See Baby Jesus](https://seedsofscripture.com/first-to-see-baby-jesus/) - Why did God choose the lowly shepherds as the first to see the baby Jesus? They were the only ones to receive an angelic birth announcement. What can we learn from God's choice?
- [Jesus Offers Rest For Your Soul](https://seedsofscripture.com/jesus-offers-rest-for-your-soul/) - Are you worn down and tired? Jesus says "Come to me and I will give you rest." He isn't offering a day to sleep late, but rest for your soul. Inner rest. Will you come?
- [How to Make New Year's Resolutions Into Prayers](https://seedsofscripture.com/making-new-years-resolutions/) - How do you make New Year's resolutions? Is God part of the process? Let's turn these goals into answered prayers.
- [Marriage Prepares Us for God's Love](https://seedsofscripture.com/bride-of-christ/) - We say "the two shall become one flesh" to describe marriage, but this deeply personal love is also used to describe Jesus' love for His bride, the church. How does marriage prepare us for God's love?
- [Why is David a Man after God's Own Heart?](https://seedsofscripture.com/man-after-gods-own-heart/) - King David is called a man after God's own heart, yet we know he slept with another man's wife and killed her husband. Why does God honor this man over others?
- [The God of the Old Testament and the God of the New](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-old-testament-new/) - The God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament seem so different. Are they the same God? Yes! God is unchanging, loving, just, and merciful. Only God can solve the Old Testament / New Testament dilemma.
- [Patience is a Virtue in Christian Life](https://seedsofscripture.com/patience-is-a-virtue/) - When the early church was forming, the patience of Christians set them apart from non-believers and attracted them to join the community. What did patience mean at that time? Why was it so highly valued?
- [Life is Fragile](https://seedsofscripture.com/life-is-fragile/) - Wen tragedy strikes, we remember that life is fragile. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. We wonder what heaven is like and who will be there.
- [Accidentally Planning to Do Evil](https://seedsofscripture.com/accidentally-planning-to-do-evil/) - I sometimes do things that are no big deal, but I sense they're wrong. Little things. No one gets hurt. No one even notices. Is this sin?
- [What is the Season of Lent About?](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-is-the-season-of-lent-about/) - The season of Lent began Wednesday, approximately 40 days before Easter. Why 'approximately' 40 days? What is Lent about? Let's explore our faith.
- [The Upside Down Kingdom of God](https://seedsofscripture.com/upside-down-kingdom-of-god/) - Jesus brought God's kingdom which flips the world's ways upside down: the last are first, the humble are lifted, the inner circle are society's losers...
- [Be Strong and Courageous, not Safely on Shore](https://seedsofscripture.com/be-strong-and-courageous-not-safely-on-shore/) - Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people… Be strong and very courageous… Meditate on [the scriptures] day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous!
- [When Social Distancing Makes Space for God](https://seedsofscripture.com/social-distancing-space-for-god/) - Lent is a time for sacrifice and self-reflection. The Coronavirus has forced sacrificial social distancing so let's fill the space with God.
- [The Cross - You Can't Make This Stuff Up](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-cross-you-cant-make-this-stuff-up/) - In uncertain times we can be certain of Jesus' love and constant presence. Jesus' crucifixion makes no sense unless it's true. You can't make this stuff up.
- [A New Thing (for me)... A Holy Week Video!](https://seedsofscripture.com/holy-week-video/) - Jesus walked purposefully, willingly toward the cross. What did He teach as He headed to Jerusalem? This video message presents some of His final instructions.
- [Two Stops on the Way to Jerusalem](https://seedsofscripture.com/two-stops-on-the-way-to-jerusalem/) - Jesus approaches Jerusalem knowing His death is near. This video message looks at two of Jesus' final stops before His Palm Sunday entrance into Jerusalem.
- [Holy Week - Jesus Avoids the Trap](https://seedsofscripture.com/holy-week-jesus-avoids-the-trap/) - The Jewish authorities set a trap for Jesus by sending spies. But Jesus is too clever. He turns the tables on them, leaving them speechless.
- [Holy Week - Jesus Commends a Generous Hero](https://seedsofscripture.com/jesus-commends-generous-hero/) - Jesus taught in the Temple every day before His arrest. What were His final lessons? In this video message we learn that the poor widow is a generous hero.
- [Holy Week - God is Faithful, No Matter What](https://seedsofscripture.com/holy-week-god-is-faithful/) - In Genesis, God signed a contract with Abraham saying He'd die to keep His promise. God rescues us from slavery and brings us home to Him.
- [Can Good Come from Isolation?](https://seedsofscripture.com/can-good-come-from-isolation/) - When suffering, the Israelites recognized how far they had drifted away from God. They reset priorities and returned to God. Will COVID help us return?
- [Are You Feeling Stuck Inside?](https://seedsofscripture.com/stuck-inside-like-noah/) - We're feeling stuck inside during COVID-19 which helps us understand Noah's safety inside the ark with family, animals, and a promise. Is there hope?
- [Have We Learned to Obey During Covid-19?](https://seedsofscripture.com/have-we-learned-to-obey-during-covid-19/) - We've learned that the Covid-19 restrictions are in our best interest. Could our obedience during the pandemic help us obey the teachings of Jesus?
- [The Golden Rule for Reopening after COVID-19](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-golden-rule-for-reopening-after-covid-19/) - How can we apply the Golden Rule as we reopen the world after COVID-19? Let's step into the other's shoes and love them like ourselves.
- [Groundhog Day is Biblical](https://seedsofscripture.com/groundhog-day-is-biblical/) - The pandemic stripped away the control we had over life. But were we really in control? Are we better positioned to give God control?
- [It Starts with Me - I Am Racist](https://seedsofscripture.com/it-starts-with-me-i-am-racist/) - I'm trying to comprehend the black experience. How can a white woman who follows Jesus make a difference? Examine my own thoughts.
- [Jesus' Command Is This: Love Each Other](https://seedsofscripture.com/jesus-command-is-love/) - We can summarize the whole Bible into one word: Love. Love on another as Jesus loved. Of course, we need to know Jesus in order to love others like Him.
- [Is Scripture Inspired or Inspiring?](https://seedsofscripture.com/is-scripture-inspired-or-inspiring/) - If humans collected the books of the New Testament why do Christians claim that Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit? How were books included or omitted?
- [Lord, Give Me Eyes to See](https://seedsofscripture.com/eyes-to-see/) - We're often so comfortable with the status quo that we don't have eyes to see what needs correcting. Admitting our errors requires humility. Change is hard. God knows.
- [God Uses Our Ordinary Days](https://seedsofscripture.com/god-uses-our-ordinary-days/) - God uses our everyday routines. Our ordinary days are not wasted. When we're faithful and consistent, God can depend on our availability.
- [Why We Speak the Truth in Love](https://seedsofscripture.com/why-we-speak-the-truth-in-love/) - Christians are responsible for helping one another mature. At times this means speaking the truth in love and at times humbly receiving it.
- [Love is a Four-Letter Word](https://seedsofscripture.com/love-is-a-four-letter-word/) - Jesus loved people by spending time with them. He sat, ate, listened, touched, and healed. Love, time, and busy - all four-letter words.
- [The Good News and the Bad News](https://seedsofscripture.com/good-news-bad-news-2/) - John the Baptist calls for change which sounds like bad news. He is demanding and critical. But he is preparing us to receive Jesus, to change to something better, and that is good news.
- [Why Morning Devotions Matter](https://seedsofscripture.com/why-morning-devotions-matter/) - When I truly turn my attention and my heart God in morning devotions it changes the day. God fills me with His strength to take on the day.
- [Let's Celebrate!](https://seedsofscripture.com/lets-celebrate/) - I'm back and I have good news! What's next for me? Speak, Lord... Your servant is listening.

## Pages

- [Home](https://seedsofscripture.com/) - Is Scripture Inspired or Inspiring? By CathyChung | Jun 24, 2020 | Ah-Ha! | 1 Comment If humans collected the books of the New Testament why do Christians claim that Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit? How were books included or omitted? Read More Welcome! I'm so glad you're here Welcome to Seeds of
- [QR Code Landing Page](https://seedsofscripture.com/qr-code-landing/) - I'm so glad we met! Speaking Click the link for samples and topics Access Samples and Topics Writing Click the link to read my latest posts Read the Latest Posts Subscribe Click the link to receive posts by email Subscribe to Seeds
- [Blog](https://seedsofscripture.com/blog/) - Recent Posts Why is the Body of Christ such Good News? By CathyChung | Feb 15, 2023 | Ah-Ha!, He Knows You | 1 Comment The body of Christ is a community in which all members are equally valued and essential. Sound like good news? You’re invited! Put an end to striving for status and
- [My Faith Journey](https://seedsofscripture.com/my-faith-journey/) - Faith Journey I've been a believer my whole life, but haven't always known God. I attended a Christian school and loved church. I could tell Bible stories, recite key verses, and be a good Christian. But I didn't know God's love. I feared God. Actually I feared hell, so I worked hard to earn a
- [What Makes Me Tick](https://seedsofscripture.com/what-makes-me-tick/) - What Makes me tick? Dirt Therapy Just give me time in the garden to refresh my soul. In the quiet, I process life and listen for God's inspiration. The sacred beauty of fresh snow also renews my spirit as I shovel and chat with God. Student & Teacher I love learning. When my nest emptied,
- [Speaker](https://seedsofscripture.com/speaker/) - Speaking My Philosophy for Speaking I love Scripture. I love the way the stories weave together to make one complete story. While we often read Bible stories independent of each other, they all fit together into God's over arching story of love and redemption. And we have a role in that story as it progresses
- [Contact Cathy](https://seedsofscripture.com/contact-cathy/) - Contact Cathy I'd love to connect with you! Please use this form to send me an email. Name* First Last Email* PhoneYour Questions and/or Comments*CAPTCHAEmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Want me to speak at your next event? Please fill out the speaker inquiry form! Topics to Dig Into Each
- [Book Cathy](https://seedsofscripture.com/book-cathy/) - Book Cathy I would love to speak at your next event! Let's chat about your event so I can meet your needs. I've spoken at breakfast events, led 3-day retreats, preached at Sunday services and taught Bible studies. Since I'll craft a message especially for your group, I'd like to know about your attendees and
- [Meet Cathy](https://seedsofscripture.com/meet-cathy/) - Seeds of Scripture CathyChung
- [Supporting Cast Members of Christmas](https://seedsofscripture.com/cast-of-christmas/) - Has the familiar Christmas storybecome, well.... too familar?Would you welcome some fresh findings? Let's step into the sandals of3 pre-nativity characters tolearn how they prepared for Jesus.Subscribe below for this free download. ! ! Subscribe Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again. Facebook Linkedin Pinterest Email
- [The first seeds](https://seedsofscripture.com/the-first-seeds/) - How Seeds Got Started Why Seeds? God’s hand has been all over Seeds of Scripture. He prepared and guided me every step of the way, something I was only able to see in hindsight. After taking my first Bible study led by my Associate Pastor, she invited me to co-lead a small group saying “I

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## Categories

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- [Who is He?](https://seedsofscripture.com/category/who-is-he/) - What is God like? Who is this man Jesus? How can we understand the Holy Spirit?
- [The Visible God](https://seedsofscripture.com/category/the-visible-god/) - God is present and active in our lives, often working through people and ‘coincidences’. Thank and praise Him!
- [He Knows You](https://seedsofscripture.com/category/he-knows-you/) - God’s love is unconditional. He knows our hearts and continually invites us into relationship.
- [Making it Practical](https://seedsofscripture.com/category/making-it-practical/) - Following Jesus in today’s world can be challenging. But living according to Jesus’ teaching is incredibly worthwhile. Call it life-changing.
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