Liberty is the result of the belief that right is greater than wrong, not equal to it. We have been raised in a culture that believes that right and wrong are equal, opposing forces, and we can try really hard to oppose wrong, but we probably won’t win in the end, because that evil out there is just too strong. This view does not generate liberty, but bondage, because it results in the fear of man, and not of God, and ultimately is humanism. “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but he that trusteth in the Lord shall be exalted” (Proverbs 29:25

Garbage in, garbage out. This term refers to what we put in our computer. It means that if we put “garbage” in our computer, we’ll get “garbage” out of our computer. Or, if we put in our computer that 6x7=49, then every time our computer calculates 6x7, it will say the answer is 49.
 
I found this so interesting. It reminded me of ourselves. If we allow garbage in our minds, then garbage will come out of our mouths, attitudes, and actions.

Recently, our family had the opportunity to volunteer at a pioneer festival.  After our “shift” was over, we walked around to see the different skills being demonstrated.  Because our son is fascinated with blacksmith work, we spent an extended period of time at the blacksmith shop.
   
​As we approached his work area, we noticed several items on his table in front of us.  There were nails, fancy hooks, knives, hammers, as well as many other useful items.  Even though the items were all for different uses, and were each uniquely made, they each bore a resemblance about them to which one could notice the special touch of their maker’s hand.  

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes."
Psalm 119:71

Trials. That simple word brings to your mind something real and personal that you have walked through in the past or are currently experiencing right now. Whether your trial is acknowledged by many who know you or remains private to you and the Lord, you know what that trial is, for "every heart knows its own bitterness" (Proverbs 14:10).

“Ah, what a mercy that it is not
your hold of Christ that saves you,
but His hold of you! What a sweet fact
that it is not how you grasp His hand,
but His grasp of yours that saves you.”
 
“Trust all your concerns with Him
Who can never be taken from thee,
Who will never leave thee, and
Who will never let thee leave Him.”
~Charles Spurgeon~

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21)
 
The tongue is such a small member of our bodies, yet it holds the power of life or death. No wonder God's Word has so much to say about our words! A few years ago as I studied this topic, I was convicted by the emphasis that Scripture places on this area of our lives. Our Creator has given us the ability to speak, so that we can proclaim His glory and goodness to all people (Psalm 107). Our words should be filled with His praise for the great mercy He has shown in redemption. “And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long” (Psalm 35:28)

My Dear Sisters,

Earlier this year, I was asked to share at a ladies’ retreat. I felt very honored, but I also felt overwhelmed. Last year was hard, and to be honest, I felt inadequate to talk about having a heart of trust and surrender and contentment…because I knew that these were areas that I needed to grow in.

However, as I prayed about this opportunity, the Lord reminded me that we will never “arrive,” and through my own journey, He has graciously given me so much truth and encouragement from His Word to strengthen my heart and renew my focus…why would I not pass along that encouragement to my sisters in Christ?!

​This article is simply my notes in written form. Truly, it is not about me or anyone else “having it all together,” but about leaning on the Author and Finisher of our faith. You see, Christ wants to live His life through us. Understanding this truth has given me so much peace and victory, because it reminds me to depend on His strength instead of my own. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”—Galatians 2:20 My prayer is that the things God has been teaching me would encourage you and point you to Christ…not because of who I am, but because of Who He is.

There is a drastic difference between the ways of the world and the teachings of the Bible. While the world promotes rebellion, independence, and disrespect for authority, the Bible teaches submission and honor. While pride and “me first” attitudes are common in the world, the Bible way is to humbly prefer others before ourselves. The list could go on—in music, dress, attitude, yes—in every area of life—God’s ways, and the world’s, are in opposition.

She is thirteen years old and thoughtfully stands at a fork in the road of life. To the left is an attractive, wide path. “Popular” would be an appropriate one-word description, since much of the world and all her peers are happily traveling on it. They seem to enjoy this new adventure. To the right is a more narrow trail. She sees no one on it at the particular moment, but the worn pathway gives evidence that it has been used throughout the centuries and that occasionally, another pilgrim journeys through it.

She glances both ways. Which way should she go? Which way is best? Everyone seems to be enjoying the beginning of the path on the left, but what consequences will it reap in the end? Is it always that exciting, that easy? Just because everyone is taking the broad trail, does that mean she should? Which way should she go?