Heartfelt Moments and Spiritual Fulfillment

Heartfelt Moments and Spiritual Fulfillment

by | Apr 18, 2025 | Blessing, God, Love

Christmas Joy
My son and I had planned to eat together after a women’s event I attended with friends. I let him know when we were about to leave the church. So he began grilling steaks and sides for the two of us.

My friends and I left the women’s event later than planned. By the time I dropped off the three friends at different locations, dinner was past ready.

When I finally walked in the house, he had prepared the food, set the table and even had a Dr. Pepper waiting, my favorite. He patiently waited for me to join him.

That meal satisfied my hunger, but it did so much more than that. It warmed my heart that a 17-year-old patiently waited (without complaint) to share a meal with me.

Pure love

That night reminded me of how our hearts are hungry too.

In our world today, we want more. More fulfillment, more satisfaction and better relationships. However, we often run to that which will never satisfy the hunger in our hearts.

When we search for fulfillment in people, we find mostly taking; people wanting more of us.

Bosses want more of our time. Social media entertains, but demands we keep watching or reading for the next comedic relief or drama in others’ lives. Sometimes even relationships – the unhealthy ones – continue to take from us until we’re exhausted and unfulfilled.

But Jesus demonstrated giving. He gave so that we could live forever with Him. He proved His love for us. A love so pure He willingly hung on a cross for our sins. Willingly endured being pierced, tortured and wounded for our sake. The creator of the universe, King of Kings and Lord of Lords took the weight of our sins upon Him, choosing to die that we might live.

Maybe the hunger of our hearts is designed to drive us to Jesus.

 

The compassion of the Lord

Isaiah 55:1-3 paints a picture of an invitation to the spiritually hungry and thirsty to come to the one and only place where our hearts can be filled.

Even the most wonderful experiences or relationships or treasures in this life do not fill that spiritual need.

With a gentle and compassionate heart, Jesus invites us to come to Him and receive a meal that will fill and satisfy the deepest hunger in our hearts. Jesus is the answer. His table is the only place our hearts can be filled.

As we reflect on Easter and the hope it brings, may we remember the sacrifice that was freely given so that we have a place at His table.

He waits patiently for us to join Him at a table prepared for us. He has paid the cost. He wants us to eat . . . and live.

 

“Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
hear, that your soul may live;
and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David” (Isaiah 55:1-3 ESV).

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Don’t know Jesus? You can.
It would be my greatest honor to take your hand, introduce you and walk you through how to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and how to have a personal relationship with Him. Find out more here.
Finding Direction in Life and Faith

Finding Direction in Life and Faith

by | Apr 7, 2025 | Forgiveness, Hope, Mercy

Christmas Joy

Two of my sons and I were riding the subway in NYC recently. After looking at a sign on the train, I noticed our train line didn’t stop at our destination. Big mistake. Two lines ran side by side for a distance, then split. It took us out of Manhattan, and across the river into Williamsburg, just north of Brooklyn.

At the first stop in Williamsburg, I knew we had to get off and take a train headed back into Manhattan. I was nervous about the unknown. We walked up to street level into a questionable neighborhood and walked across the street to catch a train traveling in the opposite direction.

I was so glad to get back on the right track, literally!

God’s mercies never end

Have you ever felt like you have gotten on the wrong train? Got off on the wrong path? And you’re clueless about how to turn yourself around? Maybe you feel hopeless or guilty over a sin or neglect. Or experiencing conflict in a relationship. Does your spiritual walk need a re-vamp? Or do you simply long for a change?

You are not alone.

No matter where you are, how stuck you may seem,

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases. His mercies are new every morning. They never come to an end.” (Lamentations 3:22)

God will give us the strength to turn and set our face toward Him.

Total Transformations

Zacchaeus found himself on the wrong path, but one encounter with Jesus transformed him. He came for a glimpse of Jesus from the branches of a sycamore tree. Maybe what started with curiosity and a search for more ended in a breakthrough. His life was no longer the same. (See Luke 19:1-10.)

I think after the rooster crowed the third time; Peter’s heart must have sunk. Peter denied he knew Jesus. His denial must have been the lowest point in his life. But his story didn’t end with his mistakes and betrayal. He experienced God’s mercy. He repented and with Jesus’ love and forgiveness, He turned his life around and brought the message of hope and joy to all those he encountered. (See Luke 22:54-62.)

Paul was on a journey with an evil purpose. A shining star among the Pharisees. But after a life-altering experience with Jesus, he turned his life around. He turned from a persecutor of Christians to a preacher of Christ throughout the Roman Empire. (See Acts 8:1-24.)

The name of Jesus changes everything

I think we can learn from the author of Lamentations. When we end up on the wrong path, we can remind ourselves of the truth.

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” (Lamentations 3: 21-24 ESV).

Maybe we need to evaluate and turn from the path we’re on. Jesus will not leave us stuck. God’s mercies never end. A single encounter with Jesus can lead to significant change and hope. He welcomes sinners and gives us the means to change direction and move forward on the path He has for us. We can call on Jesus, the name that changes everything.

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Don’t know Jesus? You can.
It would be my greatest honor to take your hand, introduce you and walk you through how to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and how to have a personal relationship with Him. Find out more here.
Flowers Grow in the Valley

Flowers Grow in the Valley

by | Mar 5, 2025 | Faith, God, Moments

Christmas Joy

Tears streamed down my face as I sat in my car listening to a new song on the radio.

In the middle of an exciting time in my life, I found myself down. Moments of uncertainty and sadness, moments of frustration and disappointment all set in, hitting me at once. In that moment, the weight of everything crashed down on me.

The song spoke of my life.

“Someday you’ll see that flowers grow in the valley.” That truth moved me.

Reflecting on my life’s valleys, I now see God’s work and how He changed me, even when I didn’t realize it at the time.”

I can see where the valleys drew me closer to God, how they strengthened my faith. How they prompted me to make needed changes in my life and to trust Him more.

Think on this

He will do the same for you. Whether you find yourself in the valley or on a mountaintop, remember that God is always near and working in your life. In the valleys, take comfort in His presence and trust that He is guiding you through. On the mountaintops, reflect on His blessings and the growth that has come from your journey. Embrace each moment, knowing that every experience shapes you and brings you closer to Him.”

Flowers grow in the valley. Wherever you are, find moments of joy — stop and appreciate the flowers — along the way.

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Don’t know Jesus? You can.
It would be my greatest honor to take your hand, introduce you and walk you through how to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and how to have a personal relationship with Him. Find out more here.
Where are you, God?

Where are you, God?

by | Feb 7, 2025 | Encouragement, God, Prayer

Christmas Joy

When I woke up, I remembered the snow and ice storm coming across the Midwest heading east, with rain on its way to my part of the country. My son was traveling home from Kentucky that day, prompting me to look at the weather in his location. Sure enough, a snowstorm hovered over that entire part of the country. And he was driving in it.

I immediately thought of the dangers and reached out to a handful of people, asking for prayer for my son and those traveling with him.

Less than an hour later, he called me. They had been in a three-car wreck on the interstate. Everyone was shaky but okay. 

As I thought about the events of the day, I wondered about all those prayers lifted on their behalf. Did God not hear us? Why didn’t he protect them?

In my spirit, these words pricked my heart. “Maybe He did.” Even though they wrecked, God protected them from injury. Things certainly could have been a lot worse.

Have you experienced a similar situation where God spoke to your heart about something you prayed over?

Joseph must have thought God had abandoned or forgotten him when his brothers sold him into slavery. Later, after being wrongly accused and sent to prison, did he question God? Did he wonder if that was the end of his story? (See Genesis 37, 39.)

Hardships can serve a greater purpose

The Bible tells us God wasn’t done with Joseph. He used those experiences to protect Joseph and his family for many years.

Do hardships sometimes come when we are trying to do the Lord’s work? I believe so. We see this often in Scripture as well through our own experiences.

My son and his friends had just left a Christian conference focusing on sharing the good news of Jesus with others. That wreck had to be disheartening after the spiritual encouragement and inspiration they had just experienced.

But God wasn’t done with them and their mission to share Christ.

Now, my car . . . that’s another story.

 

“Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things” (Ecclesiastes 11:5 NLT).

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Don’t know Jesus? You can.
It would be my greatest honor to take your hand, introduce you and walk you through how to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and how to have a personal relationship with Him. Find out more here.
Glimpses of Hope

Glimpses of Hope

by | Jan 22, 2025 | Beauty, Encouragement, Hope

Christmas Joy

It was dead of winter. A week of twenties and thirties temps had this southern girl moving quickly to get to mom and dad’s door.

In my rush,  I almost missed it. But a single rose grabbed my attention. It spoke of hope against all odds. After the prior week’s temperatures, it should have already frozen and drooped by then. Everything else had. But it held on tight, bringing a glimpse of joy and hope to those who would stop long enough to see it.

Hope in a dirty river

We find a man named Naaman in 2 Kings 5. Naaman found hope in a dirty river, but he almost missed it. When the prophet Elisha sent word to wash seven times in the Jordan to heal his leprosy, pride grew in his heart. He left in a rage because the answer he sought did not meet his expectations. Elisha failed to recognize his importance. But pride took a back seat as he listened to his servants and dipped in the Jordan anyway. He was healed.

That simple step changed his perspective. He found hope in a simple act of obedience. He returned to Elisha and gave honor to the God of Israel.

“And he said, ‘Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel’” (2 Kings 5:15 ESV).

If Naaman had not listened to his servants, he would have missed the healing, the blessing God had for him.

Find hope today

Hope discovers meaning in life’s simple experiences.

Has someone sent you a handwritten note? Texted a word of encouragement or a spontaneous word of appreciation? Have you heard a child’s sweet outburst of song? Watched the speck of the sunrise grow on the horizon? Have you experienced a warm hug at just the right time?

What sparks hope in your heart today? Let God encourage you through subtle moments. Embrace the beauty in the ordinary, the simple and the everyday. He’s got an encouraging word woven into everyday experiences. Look for it. And let’s open our hearts to receive it. 

Then let’s become a messenger of hope and share what we’ve discovered with someone who might need it too.

I’m glad I stopped to see that rose and take a picture. I hope it reminds you to have eyes to see God, and recognize His glorious presence in everyday moments.

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Don’t know Jesus? You can.
It would be my greatest honor to take your hand, introduce you and walk you through how to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and how to have a personal relationship with Him. Find out more here.
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