A Place at His Table

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

@jeanniewaters44

Have you ever thought about how many times God invites us to enjoy communion with Him through the rich offerings He presents?

How Can We Adorn Ourselves With the Gospel of Christ?

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. (Titus 2:10 NKJV)

We women love to adorn ourselves with new clothes, jewelry, and hair styles. We spend hours making ourselves as beautiful as possible before we walk out the door.

When we are young girls we meticulously prepare for special dates such as high school proms, dinners, banquets, and meetings. We plan for months with attention to every detail as the biggest event of our lives approaches—the wedding. We want everything to be perfect.   

Females love to be adorned with beauty.

4 Ways Fear Affects Us Plus 5 Solutions We Can Use

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

I could say, “Have you ever been afraid?,” but that would be a silly question. Of course, we have all faced fear at some time in our lives. A germ spread panic around the world three years ago. Weather reports or hurricane warnings can instill terror for those in coastal regions as we see more storms forming in the ocean. Terrorism, crime, and rising prices can keep us wrapped in knots of anxiety.

No matter what we do apprehension can grip our hearts if we allow this enemy to grow. But if we give in, this emotion can deter us from success in our lives and can cause health and emotional problems.

Interview with Debbie Wilson, author of Little Strength, Big God

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta @debbiewilson

We are in for a treat as this week’s post gives us a deeper peek at Debbie Wilson’s new book, Little Strength, Big God. I interviewed Debbie to learn more about how God’s strength has upheld her and what she learned from the biblical characters she studied for this book. I know you will be inspired by her answers. Little Strength, Big God released on September 5 and you can order from Amazon. 

Barbara: Would you tell us a little bit about your background for those who may not know you yet? How did you get started in Christian ministry?

Debbie: In college I sensed God’s call to join Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru). I was sure our perfect God had made His first mistake because I had no interest or experience in ministry. But I obeyed and loved it. I met and married my husband Larry while on staff.

Seeing how many of our students’ struggles traced back to their families, we became interested in counseling and left staff to move across the country for two years of counselor training. From there we moved to North Carolina to set up a Christian nonprofit counseling ministry.

 Barbara: This quote from the book really stood out to me. “The many military examples in Hebrews 12 remind us life is a battleground, not a playground.” You gave us several examples in Little Strength, Big God of some of your battles and how God came through for you. Would you share one of those for the readers of this blog?

Debbie: My most recent battle involves my health. In 2015 an exposure to mold set off a health crisis. I spent the morning of my scheduled launch party at Barnes and Noble in 2016 for my book Little Women, Big God at the oncologist. Thankfully, surgery showed my mass was benign, and my worst mold issues eventually lessoned after some health interventions. But last November Covid resurrected some prior symptoms and left me with debilitating exhaustion. 

As I’ve dealt with little strength, I remind myself that God only wants my obedience. He has enough strength for both of us. Since it seems I must live the title of my books, I’m thinking of writing Europe’s Best Gardens and Gelatos!

Barbara: Has getting to know these biblical characters in a deeper way changed you in ways you wouldn’t have anticipated?

Debbie: Yes. They have helped me enjoy God’s grace in my life. God remembers His children’s faith, not their flaws. This helps me be more gracious to myself and to others. I’ve also seen the importance of taking the small step God sets before me without having to figure out what comes next. My part is obedience. God takes responsibility for the rest.

 

Barbara: Here is another quote that resonated with me. “Dark backdrops showcase diamonds and faith.” How would you explain this insight to someone who didn’t yet know Christ if they were afraid of trusting Him because they might be persecuted?

 Debbie: Some of the worst scenes in our story provide the best set-ups for God’s glory. Even in secular stories, without hard times there would be no heroes. Think, The Hiding Place, Lord of the Rings, and Brave Heart.

This life is but a vapor. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says God has put eternity into our hearts. I think we intuitively know there is something bigger and greater than a human lifespan. Knowing Jesus fills the hole in our hearts and gives us spiritual discernment to value eternal glory over temporal tinsel or ease.

Barbara: Do you have ideas for more books in the Big God series?

Debbie: I have some topics in mind, but I’m not sure they will go into the Big God umbrella. I would love to dig deeper into Joseph and Daniel. Both men inspire me.

Barbara, thank you so much for having me today.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts about how God's strength upholds you.

 

Want to meet some of the characters in Little Strength, Big God? To learn more about Little Strength Big God, meet some of the biblical characters in an online matching game, and receive a free download of the 40 Days to Strength Scripture pack, go to BigGod.us. (click to tweet)

Debbie W. Wilson is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and former Christian counselor who speaks and writes to connect fellow sojourners to the heart of Christ. She and her husband lead Lighthouse Ministries, a non-profit Christian counseling and Bible teaching ministry. Connect with Debbie, find free resources, and learn about her books, including Little Strength, Big God, at debbieWwilson.com.

Deception's Attraction

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta 

Sin attracts us when we are deceived into thinking something that appeals to our senses is good. The danger lies in not recognizing if a desire is right or wrong.

What Do You Believe About God and Why Do You Believe It?

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Have you ever been questioned about your Christian beliefs? Or have you questioned yourself and examined where your beliefs come from?

Why do you believe in God and why do you believe Jesus is His Son?

How do you know the Bible is true?

6 Scriptures to Help Combat Negative Thoughts

 

by Barbara Latta

The temptations from the enemy have not changed since mankind fell. He whispers through TV, radios, and electronics with headlines, debates, opinions, advertisements, and entertainment that compete for our attention with engraved invitations to participate in the banquet of worldly living.

Other times words can come from our own minds due to past experiences. Other people may say things that don’t intend harm but we can take their conversations the wrong way and create assumptions that hurt our hearts.

How do we resist letting these thoughts grab our minds?