A Powerful Force
Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the biggest debt forgiven.”
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. (Luke 7:43)
As I’m writing, we are in the midst of a winter weather storm. Again.
It got me thinking how powerful weather can be. Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms are considered to be the most destructive. Whole communities can be destroyed in a single afternoon. Warm air and cold air collide, and thousands of people deal with the aftermath for years. It seems that our old Kentucky home is shut down with ice and an inch of snow. That water… in many forms… can be a huge force.
But, y’all, there is no force as powerful as the love of God for His children.
The same God that split the sea, raised the dead to life, and set this world in motion loves you. Read that again. He. Loves. You. There is no debt so big that He hasn’t already paid off. Now that is a force.
You don’t have to work for His love. He gives just because He wants to love you. You don’t have to set yourself straight before God can shower you with His love, flood your life with His goodness, and impact your day with His power. I always think back to the father of the prodigal son. His son hadn’t even showered after sleeping with the pigs, and his daddy came running to embrace him and savor the ability to love his boy. Y’all, God can’t wait to love you. What a force!
Simon’s head knew the answer… but his heart wasn’t as sure. Where are you? Does your heart and head struggle in understanding the impactful love of God?
Lord, we stand in awe of Your love. We ask You to impact our lives with Your love. Our biggest debts are forgiven, and we can’t thank You enough. Be a force… we are ready. Amen.
By Carrie Peterson
Carrie is happiest with her people and a pen in hand!
“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. (Luke 7:43)
As I’m writing, we are in the midst of a winter weather storm. Again.
It got me thinking how powerful weather can be. Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms are considered to be the most destructive. Whole communities can be destroyed in a single afternoon. Warm air and cold air collide, and thousands of people deal with the aftermath for years. It seems that our old Kentucky home is shut down with ice and an inch of snow. That water… in many forms… can be a huge force.
But, y’all, there is no force as powerful as the love of God for His children.
The same God that split the sea, raised the dead to life, and set this world in motion loves you. Read that again. He. Loves. You. There is no debt so big that He hasn’t already paid off. Now that is a force.
You don’t have to work for His love. He gives just because He wants to love you. You don’t have to set yourself straight before God can shower you with His love, flood your life with His goodness, and impact your day with His power. I always think back to the father of the prodigal son. His son hadn’t even showered after sleeping with the pigs, and his daddy came running to embrace him and savor the ability to love his boy. Y’all, God can’t wait to love you. What a force!
Simon’s head knew the answer… but his heart wasn’t as sure. Where are you? Does your heart and head struggle in understanding the impactful love of God?
Lord, we stand in awe of Your love. We ask You to impact our lives with Your love. Our biggest debts are forgiven, and we can’t thank You enough. Be a force… we are ready. Amen.
By Carrie Peterson
Carrie is happiest with her people and a pen in hand!
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2021
January
New BeginningsBe a LightPraying for the Gospel to AdvancePraying for Church LeadershipPraying for RestorationPraying for the Persecuted ChurchPraying for Our NationBridging the GapJesus UnderstandsYour Spiritual TankMade to WorshipProtection and WisdomDeliver Us From TemptationWholly Following the LordDistinguishing Characteristics of a True Disciple of ChristLoving Others as God Loves UsOvercoming Resistance to the GospelHow to Love Your EnemiesWinning Influence with Reciprocating LoveF-O-C-U-SA Job RejectionRejected by Your FamilyRejected by Church PeopleRejected for Your ViewpointThe Most Dangerous Rejection of AllWhat Are You Seeing?
February
112 YearsJesus Is Followed - Beth's StoryJesus Is Followed - Bryce's StoryJesus Is Followed - Jeff's StoryJesus Is Followed - Lily's StoryJesus Is Followed - Sarah's StoryClean SlateTake. Your MatHe Ain't HeavyFind Another WayPick Up And GoIt's Not About This LifeMan's Rules & God's LawLord of the SabbathTo Do Good or HarmWithered-Hand FaithGrace and TruthLooking for the RootsThe Wandering PathA Powerful ForceFinally!Do You See Them?Is Your Faith Enough?Ebony and Ivory
March
The Price You Pay for Free GraceThe Most Important Question of AllThe Nature of Saving FaithThe Way Down is The Way UpThe Effect of Shame on SinnersLet's Memorize Scripture!Extra CreditA Mailbox FriendBeing a NoticerInterruptionsThe Other GuysName Above All NamesCelebrateFilled to OverflowingCliffhangerTwo Dead EndsThe FeastGod's GoodnessOne Great ParableA Tale for All SinnersTwo Prayers, One JustificationGrace and HumilityCome to JesusWhat To Do?What is Worship?The Stones Would Cry OutJoyful Noise
April
The Lifting of HandsWorship Your WayGod Is The WindThe Trap of Human WisdomThe Danger of ComplacencyThe Quest for Meaning Apart from GodThe Futility of Living for the MomentThe Illusion of Self-righteousnessHe Is Risen!Lightning BugsIf?Pure WorshipStanding in LineI Surrender...Releasing ControlReplacementsA Worthy SubstituteThe PursuitEqual or Lesser ValueDwellChrist The Solid RockThe Search for HopeThe Hope We HaveA Gentle AnswerThe Essential TruthWhoever, Wherever, Whenever
May
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2020
March
I Am The Good Shepherd Shepherd LeadershipI Am the Good Shepherd that Keeps the GateShepherding the TeamI Am The Good Shepherd: A Note from a Thankful SheepTime OutFour DaysUp from the GraveResurrection LifeThe Shadow of DeathMore Than an Empty TombLet\'s Not Get DistractedThis Is No Time to Be TroubledJesus Christ Is The Way
April
Jesus Christ Is The TruthJesus Christ Is The LifeAn Inconvenient TruthPalm SundayI Am The VineJust Do ItI Am The DoorCuttingsThe StruggleGood FridayThe DoorAbundant GraceAbundant SalvationAbundant SecurityAbundant LifeThe Thank You NoteBreakthrough PrayerLetter to the ChurchA Time for Great ThingsPrayer for a BreakthroughThe Day of ChristAs Far As the Eye Can SeeLoosen the ChainsNothing to FearOn the Same SideWhat Are You Living For?
May
Stand Firm in One SpiritOur God of CertaintyWhy Desire Humility?The Joy of HumilityHumility in ActionThe Ultimate Example of HumilityThe Glory of HumilityThe Faith of a Mom and a GrandmotherKeep OnCelebrate Your DecisionLet Your Light ShineHow Are You Being Poured Out?Be an EncouragementManna from HeavenSafeguarding Your HeartThe Proper Way to BoastHaving Nothing to Offer GodChrist Is All I Want and NeedOn Knowing ChristNo Greater LoveBiblical ObedienceBiblical MaturityBack to ShoreEnemies of the CrossA Bridge to HeavenIt's About Time
June
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August
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