Hope for Widows

 

by Barbara Latta

Marilyn Nutter experienced some of the worst pain a person can feel when she lost her husband.

She knows the isolation, despair, and hopelessness that can go through a woman’s mind when her life’s mate is taken away.

Based on the ordeal of her loss and her growth through the healing process, Marilyn wrote Hope for Widows to encourage women as they go through the cycles of grief.

You may not have gone through this life-altering circumstance yourself but you probably know a woman who has. What better way to give her an emotional boost than with a prescription for healing?

We can lift a friend or loved one out of despair by making sure she is not alone in her grief. Yes, we do sometimes need our alone time to be with God, pray, and read the Word. But we don’t want to forget about those who grieve. Months or weeks down the road, we should keep these women on our prayer list and find ways to encourage.

The important thing to remember is that we want our loved ones to know they are not forgotten.

Hope for Widows is a resource that will continue to bless a hurting heart and is available to order now on Amazon.

As a widow herself you can bless Marilyn with the purchase of this book. Perhaps you would consider buying multiple copies to have on hand for gifts. Remember the holidays that can bring to mind loneliness such as birthdays, anniversaries, and Mother’s Day for women who have lost their companion.

We can carry out the commands of the Lord by offering kindness and encouragement to the members of our circle of friends and family who need comfort.

You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry. (Exodus 22:22-23 NKJV)

You can connect with Marilyn at marilynnutter.com

What are some ways you can find to encourage a widow you know? Join the conversation.

We can carry out the commands of the Lord by offering kindness and encouragement to the members of our circle of friends and family who are widows. (click to tweet)

 Image by Wyxina Tresse from Pixabay

Word of the Father Now in Flesh Appearing

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

“Word of the Father now in flesh appearing.”

These eight words reveal the gospel message and are part of a stanza from the beautiful hymn, “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1 NKJV)

Human minds can’t figure this out.

Immortal can’t be explained by mortal. Agnostics and atheist’s attempt at logical conclusions for spiritual concepts only cause confusion.

We must accept God’s Word by faith.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

His spoken Word brought a baby into existence in a supernatural way.

Only the Holy Spirit can illuminate our hearts so we can accept this as truth.

The Word who existed in eternity past with the Father and the Holy Spirit appeared on earth in flesh.

The miracle began with the promise in the Garden of Eden that the Seed would bruise the head of the serpent.

And when the time was right the Word of God from heaven became flesh.

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4–5)

As you sing the wonderful centuries-old Christmas carols we are blessed to have from the pens of lyrical masters, may these words bring a new revelation of God's love to you. 

“Word of the Father now in flesh appearing.”

Merry Christmas!

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14 NKJV) Gods concepts can’t be explained by mortal minds. Only the Holy Spirit can illuminate our hearts so we can accept this as truth. (click to tweet)

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

What Can Hanukkah Mean to Non-Jewish Believers?

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Last Friday, December 8, began the Festival of Lights called Hanukkah.

What can this special celebration mean to those who are not Jewish?

America's History is Rooted in Gratitude

  

by Barbara Latta @barbaralata 

Four centuries ago, Europeans who yearned for a way of life where their worship of God was not controlled by an earthly king endured months tossed at sea through storms, sickness, cold, lack of food and weariness beyond what their bodies could stand. All for the desire for the freedom worship God. And when they arrived on the shores of the new land, the first thing they did was give thanks.

America’s history is rooted in gratitude.

5 Ways to Transform Your Thinking

 

 by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

A young girl sat alone in her room fighting teenage depression and feelings of worthlessness. Lies flew through her mind with voices of self-hate telling her she would never amount to anything. Tears were her only companion and a heavy heart paralyzed her thoughts. What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she be liked by others and successful at making friends?

Strength for All Seasons, A Mom's Devotional

 by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

I need to tell you about another book that was just released. This one, by Julie Lavender, is a devotional for moms of all ages. Moms of toddlers to adult kids will be able to identify with these devotions.

Reading these short stories has resonated with me. Julie has the ability to connect with us on a personal level because as the mother of four children, she knows what our days can be like.

There are 52 devotions, one for each week of the year. They are short enough to read in a few minutes but they pack a punch and can help anyone, whether a mom or not, with the daily challenges we face.

As parents, we can be attacked with the plague of regret over mistakes we make while raising our children. One chapter of Strength for All Seasons focuses on encouraging us to look forward instead of living in regret. We have all been there. We can gain encouragement from biblical characters who made mistakes. God always redeemed those failures for His glory.

Julie tells us, “Instead of dwelling on our past mistakes, God wants us to look ahead at what great things are to come. Paul the former persecutor of new Christians, said, in Philippians 3:13 (NIV), ‘But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.’ God has good things planned for us. Let’s leave regrets in the past where they belong.”

We sometimes look at other moms and dads and think they are perfect, at least more perfect than we are. I experienced this when my boys were growing up. When I homeschooled them, in my mind the other kids fared better than mine and their parents were better teachers. When my sons attended public school, my thoughts played other games with me for different reasons.

God doesn’t want us to compare ourselves to others whether in parenting or other issues of life. We need to look to Christ for our identity and only use Him as the standard for our lives.

We can be successful parents when we look to Christ and live according to His character.

I know you will enjoy reading this book which is available on Amazon. Don’t forget Christmas is coming and this would make a wonderful gift for a mom.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

Strength for All Seasons, A Mom’s Devotional (click to tweet)

https://www.amazon.com/Strength-All-Seasons-Devotional-Powerful/dp/0593690230/ref

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay 

5 Ways We Can Pray for Israel

 

5 ways to pray for Israel

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

The latest atrocity in Israel is beyond description. As the post from last week encouraged us to make hearts strong to withstand the last days, this war shows us another fulfillment of Bible prophecy (Matthew 24).

Some may ask, “Why should we care? Why does it matter to us what happens over there?”

3 Ways to Prepare for the End of This Age

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Recent natural disasters bring to mind the signs of the times Jesus talked about. Hurricanes carve paths of destruction across miles of land. Volcanoes erupt and decimate all in their paths. Drought and floods kill people and animals.

Each year the earth suffers violent weather patterns. We prepare as much as possible for power outages, scarcity, and damage because we want to protect property and lives.

But the most important part of our lives to protect is our spiritual condition. With Halloween right around the corner, we are reminded of how evil is glorified in the world today. Images of devils, ghosts, and vampires cover lawns and store windows.

The signs of the times can indicate the return of Christ is near. And even if His second appearance is years away, we don't know when we will be leaving this earth in death. 

Here are 3 ways we can prepare for meeting the Lord.

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?

4 Benefits We Receive From Living in Christ's Love

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

As Paul ministered to the churches he established, he never lost sight of them even when he was not there in person. His letters indicate his love and care for these saints and his encouragement to them that they stay in the fold of Christ and follow God’s precepts.

What Does Falling From Grace Mean?

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Grace is the Lord’s gift of favor and mercy given to us for salvation because of the sacrifice of Christ. We are given eternal life, the fruit of the spirit, and power over the enemy of our souls because of what Jesus did at the cross. We accept His finished work by faith not by something we do (Ephesians 2:8).

What did Paul mean when he told the Galatians they had fallen from grace?

Back to School With God

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Summer vacation is not what it used to be. My school years gave us enough summer to enjoy vacations, picnics, time with friends, and swimming. The session ended in May and didn’t begin again until after Labor Day.

Both my grandparents planted gardens every year, so a lot of my summer activities included shucking corn and shelling peas. Now school starts again not long after the last bell rang at the end of the previous year. Schedules are different now and so are the enemies that wait for kids as they begin a new educational season.

3 Life Lessons From the Geography of the Holy Land

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

I recently enrolled in courses with the Israel Bible Center. The first class I have viewed is “The Land of the Bible.” This fascinating tour of the landscape of Israel involves more than just a geography lesson about dirt.

7 Life Lessons From Biblical Figures + Remedies for Feeling Like a Failure

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

The Bible gives us accounts of several biblical figures and the result of their actions and decisions while raising their children.

 

We can learn lessons from our biblical ancestors. We can discern wisdom from their choices and the consequences of their decisions, whether good or bad.

4 Lessons I Learned From Vacation Bible School

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. (Judges 2:10)

What happens when the youth of today have nothing to feed on except what the world gives them? A repeat of Judges 2:10.

6 Ways to Pray for Those who Disagree With Us

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

In our fallen world full of billions of people, we are presented with opportunities for disagreements. Because we are each designed as individuals with certain mindsets and personalities, we will not all think the same way.

Our God is a Person of unity. His perfect will was set forth in the Garden of Eden with a perfect couple who conversed with Him daily. There was no division because there was no sin.

But the tempter came and sowed his sinful seed into the minds of Adam and Eve and wholeness was broken and blame resulted.

Sin brought knowledge of self, and self wants to preserve the flesh. Believers are born again people whose spirits have been transformed into new creations, but we can still let the default settings of the mind control us at times.

This is why Paul admonished us in Romans 12:1-2 to always be focused on the renewal of our thinking. We can’t live in unity with our brothers and sisters, or in peace with those of the world, unless the Holy Spirit is in control.

The Bible gives us guidelines on how to handle these fractured opinions without causing violence and aggression.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groanings. (Romans 8:26 NIV)

Here are 6 Ways to Pray for Those Who Disagree With Us.

1. Pray For the Unsaved.

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. (Romans 10:1)

An unsaved person’s opinion will be in opposition to a believer, most of the time. Unbelievers can still be nice people and may not always persecute us, but their hearts are hardened to the truth of Christ’s sacrifice.

2. Pray For Those Who Persecute Us Because of the Gospel.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:44-45)

When we pray for those who attack us because of our witness for Christ we can know they are not attacking us personally, they are listening to the evil one who wants to silence the message that would get them saved.

We can pray for their eyes to be opened.

3. Pray For Those in Government and Authority.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

Praying for these leaders to have their eyes opened to the truth shows them that we serve a different God than they do. Reacting in violence against legislation we disagree with only drags us down into the same way of thinking as those who oppose us.

We can pray for ungodly principles to be reversed.

4. Pray to Have Wisdom to Answer Those Who Question Us.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:15-16)

As we live for the Lord in word and deeds, the world can see our reactions to circumstances. They will not understand the control of the Holy Spirit who helps us when we face unpleasant and difficult situations.

When they ask us how we are able to react the way we do, we have an opportunity to share the love of God with them. We can only do this by letting the Holy Spirit fill us and control our emotions every day. Our prayer for wisdom will show us what to say (Luke 12:12).

5. Pray For Peaceful Conversation When Disagreeing With a Believer.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no division among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. (1 Corinthians 1:10).

The separation of denominations is a reflection of how Christians don’t always agree with each other. But being drawn into theological arguments does not lift up Jesus.

While we may not always agree on interpretation of Scripture, we can agree to be united in the love of God and pray for each other.

Even the great Apostle Paul had disagreements with his partner, Barnabus, about John Mark (Acts 15:36-41). They disagreed so much they parted ways. But the Holy Spirit brought good out of their division in that the gospel was preached in different parts of the world.

Paul obviously changed this opinion about John Mark later as he urged Timothy to bring Mark to him (2 Timothy 4:11).

6. Pray For Those Who Hurt Us.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)

We will all be hurt by other people at some point in our lives. At times, the hurt may not be intentional, but we may perceive a word or action as an attack against us. To be obedient to God’s command, we should pray for enlightenment, study the Bible, and forgive.

Our emotions may not agree with our words at first, but the more we submit to God’s will, the feelings will eventually match what we are praying about. When we remember that Christ has forgiven us, we can know we have no right to hold a grudge against another person.

Praying for those who hurt us can remove the bitterness of soul. Even if a rift doesn’t get healed in a relationship, we can know we did our part in forgiving, and that the other person’s heart is left up to God. (click to tweet)

God’s Will Is For Peace

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)

We don’t have to agree with everyone’s opinions, but we can choose to live peaceably by praying according to God’s will, following His precepts, and controlling our own emotions.

Peace between all people will only be accomplished when the King of kings sets up His reign on the new earth. Until then, we can do our part through the guidance of the Holy Spirit to avoid arguments and disagreements to the point of dissension.

What are some other ways you can think of to pray for those who disagree? Share your thoughts.

  

This article first appeared on Crosswalk.com June 16, 2021.

Image by ThuyHaBich from Pixabay

Father's Day Memes to Share

 by Barbara Latta

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

In honor of this special day, here are some memes you can download and share if you like.

Feel free to join the conversation and share your favorite Scripture about fathers.

The Benefits of Silence

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta 

“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NKJV).

I sat outside early one morning sipping my coffee and listening as birds graced the air with their songs. The air was unusually cool for a summer day and the breeze was refreshing. I watched a squirrel scurry down a tree and investigate something on the ground. A small, green lizard perched on the arm of my chair, its throat pulsating with orange. It stared at me for a few moments before scampering away in search of an insect meal. God’s creation was in symphony and my soul was at rest.

But as peaceful as this scene was there was still some noise. The noise of nature is beautiful with the chirping birds and the gentle wind blowing, but have you ever contemplated the benefit of total silence?

One of the instructors at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference that I just returned from was Eva Marie Everson. I purchased her book, The Third Path, Finding Intimacy with God on the Path of Questioning. I had intended to buy this book months earlier, but you know how intentions are, they don’t produce anything.

But I am glad I was finally in the place where this tome was before me and I grabbed it, excited to find out about the third path. This journey carries us through twenty-six questions God asked different people throughout the Bible and the result of their answers.

What is our answer to these same queries? How do they affect our lives, decisions, and relationship with our heavenly Father?

The goal of this volume is to encourage us to get away with God and experience total, complete silence. A quietness that is not disturbed by even the squeak of a door or the tick of a clock.

Then listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit.

When the Lord tells us to be still and KNOW that He is God, He is commanding us to put away everything else that gets in the way. We can find out more about our identity in Christ by KNOWING Him in a way we never have before. 

If you want to pursue a deeper relationship with God, I can highly recommend this book to help you think deeply about who you are and what the Lord means to you. You can find out the benefit of silence.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts. 

Find out the benefit of silence through The Third Path by Eva Marie Everson (click to tweet)

Image courtesy of  bess.hamiti@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

3 Lessons Biblical Memorials Can Teach Us

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

The Bible contains multiple references to memorials which show us the importance of remembering certain events and actions.

God appeared to Jacob in a dream as he fled from his brother, Esau. Jacob poured oil on the stone he used as a pillar to dedicate the place where God established a covenant with him.

Joshua commanded twelve men to each carry a stone across the Jordan River to safeguard the knowledge of the miracles God had performed for future generations.

The Feast of Purim in the book of Esther proclaims the day the Jews were saved from annihilation by the wicked Haman.

The Word of God documents so many times people were commanded to remember someone or something that we can’t discuss them all here. But these following incidents in Scripture can reveal to us three lessons biblical memorials can teach us.

1. We can remember and be thankful for what God has done. In Exodus 17:14 Joshua led the Israelite warriors to victory over Amalek. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. (NKJV)”

The outcome of this battle can show us how God also delivers us from our enemies. We can record these victories in journals or notes in our Bible. At times when we are tempted to fear or fall into despair these words can remind us of the Lord’s sovereign power to deliver us from evil.

2. We can remember and be thankful for what others have done for us. Jesus had dinner with Simon the leper. Many prominent people were probably in attendance. A sinful woman came into the room and anointed Jesus’ feet with fragrant oil. Some of the dinner guests were indignant and only thought about the value of the oil thinking what she did was a waste. But Jesus told them to leave her alone. She would be recognized in the gospel for her devotion to Him.

Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is peached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. (Matthew 26:13)

Sacrificial gifts come to us from other people throughout our lives. The impact these offerings have on us can leave a lasting remembrance of kindnesses.

3. We can remember and be thankful for what we have done that has impacted the gospel message. This doesn’t mean we should brag about our giving or accomplishments but we can be thankful God has blessed us with resources and opportunities to spread the message of grace. Acts 10:4 shows us the result of Cornelius’ prayers and giving. As this Roman centurion prayed he had a vision of an angel talking to him. And when he observed him, he was afraid and said, “What is it, lord?” so he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.”

Present Day Observances

We observe a special day on our calendar in May. We honor the sacrifices of our military members who gave their lives on the battlefield to preserve the freedoms we now enjoy. The precedent for this and other observances was set in the Bible to honor heroes, events, and why they happened.

On this Memorial Day, may we look back to the battles over the centuries where American men and women bled, died, and are buried. The principle their sacrifices preserved is embedded in America’s foundation which is the rock of the gospel.

Our greatest reminder of life is the empty tomb in Jerusalem. The large stone that rolled away revealed the vacant hole that no longer contains a body because Jesus is alive.

He is our legacy of salvation, grace, and truth.

Because of what He did we can live in a land where we can worship and preach His message. May Memorial Day remind you of the blessings you now enjoy.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts and memorials.

3 lessons biblical memorials can teach us (click to tweet)

 

 

 

 

 

What To Do When We Feel Our Lives Don't Change

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

After two years away from home, I was anxious to get my hands in the dirt again and plant flowers and vegetables. I was probably overly anxious because I started a little too early while the weather was still cool and my efforts were fruitless. The air was still too cold even for some cool weather crops.

Mother's Day Scriptures and Memes

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Mother’s Day is celebrated as a memorial to our maternal parent. We celebrate the lives and memories of our own mothers and we receive accolades from our children.

God's Love Story Shines Through the Romance of Boaz and Ruth

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Last year Lighthouse Bible Studies published a compilation titled, For Love’s Sake. This book is now a finalist in the Selah awards given at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I was privileged to contribute to this wonderful book.

I have always loved the book of Ruth in the Bible and my contribution to this book is based on the love between Boaz and Ruth. I shared part of this story in another blog post For Love’s Sake, the Life-changing Facets of love. Here is the rest of that article. 

God’s Love Story

God painted a picture of the gospel through the palette of His Word in the romance of Boaz and Ruth. Boaz’s name means “strong redeemer.”¹ He became the redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. Christ, the second Adam, became the Kinsman Redeemer for mankind.

Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people. (Luke 1:68 NKJV)

The Old Testament vision of Jesus’ love for all mankind is enacted through the book of Ruth through acceptance, provision, protection, and rest. What are the similarities in the two stories of redeeming love?

Acceptance

Ruth was accepted by Naomi (Ruth 1:22), by Boaz (2:14), and by Israel (2:6); and she wasn’t judged for her past (2:6). Ruth approached Boaz by faith (3:6).

Believers are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), and we are not judged by God for our past (Psalm 103:12, Romans 8:1). We approach God through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8).

Provision

God led Ruth to glean from the fields of Boaz when she didn’t know who Boaz was (Ruth 2:3). Boaz provided for Ruth (2:8), fed Ruth (3:15), and shared his wealth with Ruth and Naomi (4:11).

God draws us to Him before we know who He is (John 15:16). God provides for us (Psalm 37:25), Jesus feeds us (John 6:35), and He sees our poverty and need and makes us rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Protection

Boaz protected Ruth from the reapers (Ruth 2:9), and he signified his protection of her by covering her with his garment—Take your maidservant under your wing (3:9 NKJV).

God protects us from the world (Galatians 1:4), and He covers us with His wings of protection (Psalm 91:4).

Rest

Boaz brought Ruth out of the heat of the day and gave her refreshment (Ruth 2:14). Ruth rested at Boaz’s feet in obedience (3:6). Redemption gave Ruth and Naomi peace (4:15).

Jesus refreshes us with living water (John 6:35). We are to rest by giving Jesus our burdens (Matthew 11:28). Jesus gives us peace (John 14:27).

Redeemed by Love

Ruth was a foreigner who had nothing until Boaz extended grace toward her (Ruth 2:13). We were foreigners without God (Ephesians 2:12) and had nothing until the Father extended love to us through Jesus.

Ruth’s acceptance into Israel shows that God loves all races of people. When God included Ruth in the line of the Messiah, He revealed that His plan of redemption was for all mankind, not just the Jews (Ephesians 3:6, Galatians 3:8).

Redemption turned the tragedy of Ruth and Naomi’s lives into triumph (Ruth 4:15), and it turned the tragedy of the cross into triumph for God and us (Romans 8:28, Colossians 2:15).

It was for love’s sake that Boaz redeemed Ruth and made her part of his family. It was for love’s sake that God visited His people and redeemed us through Christ.

Information about the book, For Love’s Sake

This amazing collection of articles will bless your soul as you read about the different ways God’s love has affected the lives of people. You can order from Lighthouse Bible Studies  or find the compilation on Amazon. 

What does the book of Ruth say to you? Please feel free to share your thoughts. 

God’s Love Story Shines Through the Romance of Boaz and Ruth (click to tweet)