If there is one thing many if not all of us are experts in is distraction. In this devotional series we’ll take a deep dive into the topic of “distraction”. To start we’ll focus on 3 Myths About Distractions. The subject of distraction is based on Luke 10:38-40. Focusing on the story of Mary and […]
What’s In Your Wallet Doesn’t Matter
I love the Capital One commercials where the tagline goes “what’s in your wallet”. I happen to have their card in my wallet. However, what’s in your wallet, doesn’t matter in eternity. What does matter is our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s a truth that every human being will have to answer. But, […]
Some Things Money Can’t Buy
The next Powerball drawing is estimated at $473 Million! With a cash value of $255.7 Million! You could do and buy a whole lot with that kind of money. However, some things money can’t buy. A passage in Song of Songs illustrates this point well. Many waters cannot quench love, Nor can the floods drown […]
A Leap of Faith
Ever taken a leap of faith? Ill equipped to do a task on your own, but you just went for it! As I read the story of Jesus’ birth through Mary, I’m astonished! She dared to believe what the angel Gabriel said that she would bring forth the long prophesied Messiah! 26 Now in the […]
What Are You Thankful For?
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season? So much has transpired this year for many Americans, who continue try and cope with post pandemic issues. A 2020 survey from Nashville-based Lifeway Research, more than 4 in 5 Americans (84%) say they are thankful for their family. When googling what Americans are giving thanks for […]
Are You Offended by Jesus?
“You’ve made better”. When my husband says things like that about a dinner I’ve prepared, it sends me into a tizzy. To say his insensitivity offended me is an understatement. Jesus’ words offended many of His disciples who heard Him speak of Himself as the Bread of life. 60Therefore many of His disciples, when […]
Are You Adding or Subtracting?
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you) Relationships can be complicated. Understand, two transactions are at work in relationships. Sometimes we need to ask […]
Heavy
This post is part of the FMF Writing Prompt Link-up :: Heavy It’s heavy and wearisome seeing the toll of the war and chaos reigning in the Ukraine. As we look at what’s happening in our world, and most times too in our personal life, it can seem so overwhelming that you don’t know what […]
The Unheard Black Voices and My Testimony
There are many unheard, silent black voices in our world. It’s the silence that many people shy away from even in the Body of Christ. It’s unfortunate as we celebrate Black History that so many black babies’ own history and voice will be forever silenced, unable to tell their story. I wrote a guest post […]
Building Community Survey
One of my goals for 2022 is to engage more with you in building the Speaking Truth In Love community. I want to connect with you and other women to… encourage each other’s hearts in the Lord especially in the turbulent times that we’re living. In light of that please take a few minutes to fill […]
What is Love?
Have you ever had a song stuck in your head? The song “What is Love”, by 90’s singer Haddaway began ringing in my head the other day as I was reading 1 John 4. The lyrics are in stark contrast to John’s letter on the subject: What is love? Oh baby, don’t hurt me Don’t […]
Will You Take God At His Word This Year?
“What is your word for 2022?” I’ve been seeing the trend on social media asking that question. I think it’s a great question to ponder in the new year to have a word that speaks to you personally and use it as your theme or motto. Of course with any trend, it’s easy to get […]
This Same Jesus
who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11 The other day while reading Chapter 1 in the Book of Acts, I found myself […]
Why Should We Give Thanks In Everything?
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Here we are in 2021 by God’s grace into the beginning of the holiday season celebrating Thanksgiving. Of course many people are not in a celebrating mood this Thanksgiving because of loss of loved ones. […]
God is Our Strength
My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. – Psalm 73:26 Today would have been my mother’s 99th birthday. Wow!…I can’t believe it’s been 16 years since she passed. Tears still well up thinking and even writing about her. Such is that delicate relationship between […]
Stay In the Moment
When I hear the phrase “stay in the moment”, it always sounds so idealistic and a tad bit cheesy. Sure we all wish we could stay in the moment when we’re doing and enjoying the things we like. Let’s face it, that concept is not so easy to embrace when staying in the moment means […]
YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET
What is the most valuable asset you own? Is it your home, a vintage car? Perhaps it’s your investment portfolio? According to Architectural Digest the most expensive property in the world is Buckingham Palace in London coming in at #1. Buckingham Palace is valued at $2 billion! We place a lot of value on the […]
The Divided States of America
“What country am I living in?” This was the question my friend, who is a military wife, posed while we were texting back and forth about the events of the past few days. My immediate reply was we’re living in the “divided states of America”. When I read the words to the Pledge of Allegiance, […]
An Enemy of the State
If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use […]
It’s Not About Conspiracy Theories
Since the days of Jesus, there were conspiracies. The Pharisees had many opinions and theories about who Jesus was, even to the point of blaspheming by referring to the Lord as doing the work of Satan! It’s not about conspiracy theories. To be quite honest, I’m very much over all the talk/controversy/conspiracy surrounding the COVID […]
Awesome is Who GOD is and What He Does
Let them praise Your great and awesome name— He is holy. – Psalm 99:3 Here’s a thought to ponder: When was the last time you used the word “AWESOME”? We use the word so flippantly to describe anything that the magnitude of its meaning can get lost. The word awesome is used over 100 times in the […]
Does the Bible Say Anything Good About PRIDE?
Earlier this month, President Joseph Biden proclaimed June 2021 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. Pride is often touted as a virtue. Which begs the question does the Bible say anything good about PRIDE? The short answer is emphatically NO. The purpose of the President’s proclamation was to recognize and honor the […]
God Qualifies the Called
Have you ever felt under qualified? It’s not a comfortable feeling. After graduating from college, an event planning firm that I interned with hired me as their Sponsorship Coordinator. My job was to raise money for their non-profit client events. Although, I didn’t feel “qualified”; the firm still hired me for the position. The same […]
The Richest Place on Earth
14For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. 15To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. – Matthew 25:14-15 TPT The richest place on the […]
Awakening the Call of God on Your Life!
One of the biggest issues many Christian women have faced is not knowing their God given purpose. Most don’t even know where to begin, and unfortunately the Church has been less than eager to help in this area as well. This is why I’m excited to be a guest on Girlfriend’s Talking with my friend […]
To Everything There is a Season
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: These are the words of wisdom. Solomon’s point that we go through seasons in our life is very accurate. Sometimes those seasons are hard. As the natural seasons change, so too the spiritual seasons of our lives change. It may be spring/summer […]
Let Your Misery Be Your Ministry
There’s a saying that misery loves company. That’s one way of looking at it. Or you can let your misery can also be your ministry that God uses to help others. Don’t discount the trials you go through as just something you’re going through for you. It’s much bigger than that. When we find ourselves […]
YOU WANT TO MOVE? BE STILL
Kids are not the only ones who have a hard time keeping still. As adults, we too can be fidgety and unable to keep still. Especially when it comes to wanting God to move in an area of our life and it’s seems a slow process. Cue the fidget spinner. However, sometimes when you want […]
Jesus is Attractive Religion Not So Much
Jesus was attractive, because He connected with people where they were. The Lord Jesus didn’t judge them. He knew their hearts already, but he listened to their needs. The Pharisees along with religious leaders displayed no interest in connecting with the people. And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your […]
Forgiveness is Never a Choice
Luke 17:1-10 TPT As I think about the George Floyd trial and the verdict this week, I’m reminded of the importance of forgiveness. Forgiveness is never a choice we willingly make. You hear a lot about choosing to forgive, but for a Christ follower, it’s not a choice. It’s a command. A few years ago […]
He Holds Everything Together
It’s so easy to feel like things are falling apart in our life when things don’t go as planned. The unexpected diagnosis, marital discord, sudden passing of a loved one, I’m sure you can fill in your own blank. And the world around us doesn’t look any better. But…Even when it looks like things are […]
What Can You Give Out Of Your Poverty?
Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. – Mark 12:42-43 NLT As I read the story in Mark 12 about the widow’s mite, I pondered […]
The Cross of Endurance
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2 Not only did Jesus despise the shame of the Cross, He endured the suffering […]
Will You Be Ready?
“But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ – Matthew 25:10-11 Our time in life is limited. […]
Glimpses of God in the Storm
35On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so […]
Exemptions are only on Tax Forms… Claim God!
Exemptions are only on tax forms…claim God! That was a comment made by a patient I spoke with last year, but seems highly appropriate as we enter into the tax season. We all love exemptions especially ones that can give us a break on our taxes. However, when it comes to the Lord, we can’t […]
The One Who Enables
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13 This is post is part the FMF Writing Prompt Link-up :: Enable The One who enables is the One who Saves! The One who enables is the God who enables us to do anything through HIM. Apart from Him, believers or unbelievers […]
The Beauty of Distraction
One of my favorite spots to read and just soak in the Scriptures is sitting by my bay window. As I look out, I find myself caught up in the beauty of distraction from God’s creation. I’m distracted by the Lord’s beauty, watching the sparrows flit about from a nearby bush. Just looking at the […]
A Disposable Society
Have we become a disposable society? Seems like it, since we dispose what we don’t want even when it comes to our children. There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children. Nelson Mandela we have become more concerned with the preservation of our planet […]
The Warfare is Real and So Is God
The catch phrase “the struggle is real” has been used to describe everyday frustrating situations that are expressed in a joking, hyperbolic, and ironic way. Well, the spiritual warfare going on in our nation is real too. However, so is God. But there is nothing funny or exaggerated about either. My Pastor issued a challenge […]
Born for This
Luke 2:34 – Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against The holiday frenzy has quieted down as we look hopefully forward to 2021. In thinking about this past Christmas, my attention focused to […]
DID WE HAVE EYES TO SEE THE CHAOS OF THIS YEAR?
Matthew 13:11, 13-15 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 13Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they […]
5 Minute Friday – BEYOND
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us – Ephesians 3:30 NASB For this week’s Five Minute Friday the prompt word is BEYOND. This brings to my mind that God has done exceeding abundantly above and beyond […]
Is God a Busybody?
Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name. – Malachi 3:16 Have you ever listened in on your kids’ conversations? Ok, I admit I have. But it wasn’t to be a busybody in their […]
Join The 25 Days of Encouragement Challenge
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. – Hebrews 10:24 This season, I want to challenge you (and myself) to join the 25 Days of Encouragement! Now that we’ve come off of the Thanksgiving holiday, we see the usual sales and deals for this and the […]
Standing Your Ground
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. – Ephesians 6:13 NLT You may be familiar with the term “stand your ground” from the Trayvon Martin case. That was an awful […]
It is Finished!
Happy Friday! I’m posting this quickie, as a part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up with today’s word being “CANCEL”. These words of Jesus should burn in our hearts as a reminder that: 1. He canceled our eternal sin debt by nailing it on that Cross. 2. That word cancel means it’s a fresh […]
What are you saying to God?
My object in life is to dethrone God and destroy capitalism.Karl Marx https://www.azquotes.com/quote/466849 Two things come to mind with Marx’s quote: 1. The fool has said in his heart there is no God. 2. What are you and I saying to God in our hearts? To see what God says about us, read my post […]
Timeout for Disneyland & Granola Christians
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 I say this with genuine love for my fellow brothers and sisters in the Christian faith,… it’s timeout for being Disneyland granola Christians! The Disneyland […]
Which Way Are You Headed?
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. – Proverbs 14:12, 16:25 You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche Knowing which way you’re headed is important. It’s true that […]
Can You Handle The Truth?
Do you remember the iconic line from A Few Good Men, by Jack Nicholson, “You can’t handle the truth”? Well, if we’re honest, with ourselves as humans, we can’t. Actually, it’s not so much a question can we handle the truth?… it’s more a matter of, we just don’t want the truth. One of the […]
Jesus Dropped The Charges
“Jesus dropped the charges”. These words were spoken to me by a young man I met during a homeless outreach. How true this statement is for those who place their trust in Christ. News reports constantly show people charged with all types of crimes. It’s also true that some people are charged unjustly, who are […]
We Are All Ministers and Servants
1 Corinthians 4:1 – Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. I became ordained two years ago as a minister at our church. Although unexpected, I was uncomfortable with it until I researched the definition of a minister. Once I saw that it meant “servant” I was […]
You Lose What You Keep
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. – Luke 9:24 You lose what you keep, when you try to hold on to something or someone. I’m reminded of this since my daughter just turned 16 last Sunday. Moms especially, are painfully […]
Throwing Out the Baby with the Bath
In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. – Judges 21:25 I’ve been wanting to write this post for quite some time now. As a civilized society, I believe, we’ve come to the point of throwing out the baby with the bath. What is happening in America and abroad […]
Living Our Lives On Purpose
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17 Hearing the disheartening news of the sudden passing of the gifted actor Chadwick Boseman, made me think about living our lives on purpose. It’s impossible for someone to be […]
Are We On A Collision Course?
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28 Are we on a collision course? If we go by this year, then the answer is YES! 2020 has shown itself to be a doozy of a year. Look […]
What is God Saying About You?
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. – Proverbs 18:4-7 How do you respond when life throws you lemons? Most likely you’re not saying I’ll go make some lemonade out of this. We, as mothers, wives, etc.., have a tendency to be […]
A Remnant may not be a lot, but it’s Enough!
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. – Romans 11:5 We recently had a new floor installed in our home and there was a remnant of flooring left over. It wasn’t much but would come in handy if a floorboard needed to be replaced. […]
The Favor of a Blessed City
19 For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice… Genesis 18:19 We’re living in a time and season where some of our cities feel more like the fire and brimstone hailed down on Sodom and […]
Grief Is A Sign of Hope
Lamentations 3:22-24 22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” It’s hard to imagine that out of the dust of ashes from our pain and grief that hope could arise. Yet when I read Lamentations two months ago, that’s exactly […]
7 Great Reasons to Yield to the Holy Spirit
I know when we hear the word “yield” we go on autopilot and think to submit. Yielding can be challenging. We are naturally prone to self-preservation. In essence, we gravitate to doing what we want, when and how we want. We don’t want to do anything that will make us accountable to someone else. Yielding […]
How To Pray Precision Prayers
This is Part 4 of the Series on PRAYER: If You Don’t Pray, God Can’t Move Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The […]
In our repentance, there is healing
15 Their minds are dull and slow to perceive, their ears are plugged and are hard of hearing, and they have deliberately shut their eyes to the truth. Otherwise they would open their eyes to see, and open their ears to hear, and open their minds to understand. Then they would turn to me and let […]
What Do You See?
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Jesus […]
Power Belongs To God
Scripture Reference: Psalm 62:11 God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God. PART 2 OF “If you don’t pray, God Can’t Move I mentioned in my last post that PRAYER is our way of communicating with God like we would with anyone we’re in a relationship with. It’s so important that […]
IF YOU DON’T PRAY, GOD CAN’T MOVE
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. This is Part 1 of a 6-week series on PRAYER. Years ago, before I came to faith in Christ, I remember having conversations with friends about […]
Please Stop I’ve Heard This Before
Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He. This week there have been articles, news reports, from corporations pledging their allegiance to support all things pertaining to “black lives matter” and social justice causes. I received a few emails this past week in reference […]
What’s Love Got To Do with Unrest in America?
1 John 4:7-11 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, […]
What Have You Been Searching For?
What have you been searching for that’s valuable or important to you? It could be something as valuable as a piece of expensive jewelry or as important as a certified document like a birth certificate. Perhaps something that was handed down to you from a cherished relative? Recently I found 2 things that I had […]
The Vine of Christ
I am a true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father. 4 So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined […]
Taking Authority
Concluding our celebration of Women’s Month, our final quote comes from the most famous woman of all time…Mary the mother of Jesus. This may sound bizarre, but this quote from Mary the mother of Jesus always reminded of a scene in The Godfather Part 3, where Connie, the sister of Michael Corleone, tells her nephew […]
“What Are You Holding”?
In the wake of everything going on around us right now, this quote speaks volumes! How many of us are holding on to stuff that in the grand scheme of life, we can’t take with us, and won’t have any value? Closer to home and to our heart is WHO are we holding onto that […]
“Whatever You Do, Don’t Stumble!”
“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. – John 16:1 Whatever you do don’t stumble… To stumble means to trip or momentarily lose one’s balance; almost fall. In Greek, it means to trip up. The context in which Jesus was speaking to His disciples was essentially giving […]
Knowing God
Philippians 3:8 – Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. I love the above quote from Christian author, speaker, and radio host, […]
Saying the Right Thing At The Right Time
Proverbs 15:23 – Everyone enjoys giving great advice. But how delightful it is to say the right thing at the right time! “If I were you….” How many of you have received advice that began with those words? Sometimes the advice given was welcoming and helpful. Other times, it could be off the mark […]
A Fool’s Heart
The Bible speaks a lot about what makes a fool and foolish behavior. We are living in a time where expressing yourself and how you feel trumps (no pun intended) anything else. Today’s Winsome Word of Wisdom Wednesday post is based on Proverbs 18:2. The definition of a fool according to Webster’s Dictionary is a […]
Does Going to Church Make You A Christian?
Does going to church make you a Christian? What exactly does it mean to be a Christian? Our “Thought For Today” quote reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23 about people coming to Him on the last day saying “Lord, Lord”, and thinking that they’re in good with Jesus. When in fact nothing […]
Gracious Speech
Every Wednesday will feature an inspiring lighthearted quote, thought, or scripture to encourage you the rest of the week. Today, we’re featuring a verse from the Apostle Paul found in Colossians 4:6. It can be a challenge to many of us, like myself to watch what we say. This is the most challenging and apparent […]
What Can We Takeaway from the Movie Black Panther?
Besides the action, adventure, and obvious diversity of this dynamic and much-applauded film, the movie Black Panther offered some very good spiritual insights and comparisons to the Church that I think Christians can glean and learn from. (WARNING: SPOILER ALERT) So disheartening to wake up hearing the news on the passing of Chadwick Boseman. As […]
