Posted February 24, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Deuteronomy 30:15,19 (New Living Translation)
“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster….Oh, that you would choose life.”
Consider
Choosing life means surrendering our hearts and minds to God’s loving authority. Choosing death means leaving God out of our lives so we can go our own way.
When it comes to relationships, we choose life when we seek out others who will honor and support our walk with God. Life-nurturing companions respect our desire to learn God’s ways and obey his laws.
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Posted February 17, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Psalm 34:6-7 (New International Version)
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Consider
God’s promises to us are specific: We are never alone. He never abandons us. We are never far from help.
We fail to grasp these truths and trust in God’s constant vigilance because our human sight is so limited and we trust in ourselves too much.
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Posted February 10, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (New International Version)
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Consider
God wants to imprint his very nature on our hearts and minds. He wants to be so real and present for us that we instinctively turn to him when conflicts and relationship hurts arise.
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Posted February 3, 2014 | Judith Ingram
Scripture
1 John 4:17-18 (New Century Version)
This is how love is made perfect in us: that we can be without fear on the day God judges us, because in this world we are like him. Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear. It is punishment that makes a person fear, so love is not made perfect in the person who fears.
Consider
Why does criticism hurt? Why does betrayal seem unforgivable? Why do mistakes shame us and trigger defensive maneuvers?
The answer is fear of judgment. We fear being exposed for inadequacies that would make others despise us.
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