This is a guest devotional by Kathy McCullough A little over a year ago in the early morning hours, I was reading my Bible as I do each morning. It was still dark outside and I had opened the living room blinds to watch the sun come up As I was watching the sun peeking through the trees with all its colorful glory, I was also reading the Proverb chapter of the day. It was talking about wisdom. I could not help but see how the faithful sun that comes up in the morning was just one of the faithful ways that God shows us WHO HE IS and His…
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What a Deal!
This is a guest devotional by Rhonda Burke, Blanchester, Ohio. It gives me great pleasure to find a deal when I am shopping. I watch to see when Goodwill sells everything that can be placed in a sack for $5. It is so wonderful to find fifty percent off at a clothing store. I enjoy eating the daily special at a restaurant. My favorite is BOGO (buy one, get one free)! Now that’s a deal! The free item accompanies the purchased item. God has the greatest deal of all deals for us. His gift of salvation is FREE to us, but it was bought by a great price, the death of…
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The Preparation and Presence of Biblical Hospitality
This is a guest post by Jamie Lamson Biblical hospitality is a virtue that has grown in my heart over the past couple of years. As I began fostering a nurturing and welcoming environment for my husband and children, I have noticed that my home has evolved into an open door and a seat at my table for anyone Jesus would bring my way. When I think about biblical hospitality, I am instantly reminded of Mary and Martha, the sisters from Bethany (Luke 10:38 to 42). Both have unique strengths and visions, and I believe that we, as believers, can relate to either sister in some form or capacity. Both…
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Are You Using the Right Umbrella for Protection?
The word “umbrella” comes from the Latin root word, “umbra,” which means to shade or shadow. Ancient umbrellas were originally used to shade and protect you from the sun. From what I understand, the Chinese were the first to get creative and coat their paper parasols with lacquer and wax to make them waterproof. Whatever the facts may be, I am THANKFUL for the simple invention of an umbrella every time it rains! My umbrella has protected me from getting soaked on numerous occasions. Unfortunately, my umbrella has also failed me a few times… On a couple of occasions, I left my umbrella at home even though I could plainly see…
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Pondering the Protection, Provision and Plan of God
Guest post by Mary Sparks, pastor’s wife, Joplin, Missouri I’ve learned some lessons about Moses. As I have recently retired from working for the same company nearly 20 years, I have been thinking about God’s Protection and God’s Provision. Psalm 121:2 says, “My help cometh from the Lord; which made heaven and earth.” The mother of Moses must have had some slight fears when she learned that all the firstborn babies were to be killed. She must have immediately gone into “planning mode”. A basket of sorts was prepared, and a trip down to the river bank was treaded with much prayer for the safety of her child. Placing him…
