When You Feel Overwhelmed

When You Feel Overwhelmed

When you feel worried and stressed withdraw to a quiet place and talk to Jesus about the needs of your family and friends.
by Sharon Hinck

But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Luke 5:15–16 (ESV)

“There’s not enough of me to go around,” I told my husband. A friend’s father had died, and I wanted to make her a meal. I hadn’t talked to my grown kids in several days and wanted to check in with them. Another friend was facing tough medical issues, and I wanted to visit with her. In fact, everyone I knew was in a place of need.

My longing to help others soon transformed into worry, panic, and stress. Jesus must have felt similar pressure. People clamored for His help, and His compassionate heart never wanted to turn anyone away. He spent long days teaching, healing, comforting, and feeding those who came to Him. Yet when the needs arrived in a never-ending flood, He didn’t push harder, longer, or faster. He didn’t complain or draw attention to how exhausted and burdened He felt. Instead, He withdrew to pray.

When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I can remember Jesus’s example. I can step back to a place of quiet and pray. As I do that, He equips and strengthens me and brings new wisdom, showing me how to prioritize my efforts. He reminds me that the Body has many members, and together we can do His will. Most important, He deepens my reliance on Him. Of course there is not enough of me to help in every way I’d like. I’m not the Savior; He is. When we fret as if the burden of every human need is on our shoulders, let’s withdraw to a quiet place with our Lord. We don’t have to be enough. Jesus already is.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 40: The Way

For the LORD watches over THE WAY of the righteous, but THE WAY of the wicked will perish. ~Psalm 1:6

I have chosen THE WAY of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. ~Psalm 119:30

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in THE WAY of evil men. ~Proverbs 4:14

THE WAY of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. ~Proverbs 12:15

In THE WAY of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality. ~Proverbs 12:28

Jesus answered, I am THE WAY and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ~John 14:6

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 39: Worship

WORSHIP the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. ~Psalm 96:9

WORSHIP the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. ~Psalm 100:2

True worshipers will WORSHIP the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. ~John 4:23

God is spirit, and his worshipers must WORSHIP in spirit and in truth. John ~4:24

Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of WORSHIP. ~Romans 12:1

Let us be thankful, and so WORSHIP God acceptably with reverence and awe. ~Hebrews 12:28

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 38: Freedom

I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart FREE. ~Psalm 119:32

So if the Son sets you FREE, you will be FREE indeed. ~John 8:36

Live as FREE men, but do not use your FREEDOM as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. ~1 Peter 2:16

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with FREEDOM and confidence. ~Ephesians 3:12

You, my brothers, were called to be FREE. But do not use your FREEDOM to indulge the sinful nature. ~Galatians 5:13

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM. ~2 Corinthians 3:17

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 37: Glory

The heavens declare the GLORY of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. ~Psalm 19:1

GLORY to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. ~Luke 2:14

If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his GLORY. ~Luke 9:26

Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the GLORY of God?" ~John 11:40

For all have sinned and fall short of the GLORY of God. ~Romans 3:23

The Son is the radiance of God's GLORY and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. ~Hebrews 1:3

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 36: Wisdom

Is not WISDOM found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? ~Job 12:12

To God belong WISDOM and power; counsel and understanding are his. ~Job 12:13

The mouth of the righteous man utters WISDOM, and his tongue speaks what is just. ~Psalm 37:30

For the LORD gives WISDOM, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. ~Proverbs 2:6

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's WISDOM, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. ~1 Corinthians 1:25

If any of you lacks WISDOM, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ~James 1:5

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 35: Wise

Listen to my instruction and be WISE; do not ignore it. ~Proverbs 8:33

Instruct a WISE man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. ~Proverbs 9:9

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is WISE. ~Proverbs 11:30

He who walks with the WISE grows WISE, but a companion of fools suffers harm. ~Proverbs 13:20

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not WISE. ~Proverbs 20:1

Be very careful, then, how you live?not as unwise but as WISE. ~Ephesians 5:15

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 34: Pray

But I tell you: Love your enemies and PRAY for those who persecute you. ~Matthew 5:44

Watch and PRAY so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. ~Mark 14:38

I PRAY for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. ~John 17:9

So what shall I do? I will PRAY with my spirit, but I will also PRAY with my mind. ~1 Corinthians 14:15

Dear friend, I PRAY that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. ~3 John 2

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 33: Walk

Blessed is the man who does not WALK in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. ~Psalm 1:1

Even though I WALK through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. ~Psalm 23:4

Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will WALK in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. ~Psalm 86:11

Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who WALK according to the law of the LORD. ~Psalms 119:1

He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose WALK is blameless. ~Proverbs 2:7

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never WALK in darkness, but will have the light of life. ~John 8:12

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 32: Listen

Hear my prayer, O God; LISTEN to the words of my mouth. ~Psalm 54:2

LISTEN, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. ~Proverbs 4:10

My son, pay attention to my wisdom, LISTEN well to my words of insight. ~Proverbs 5:1

LISTEN to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. ~Proverbs 19:20

We know that God does not LISTEN to sinners. He LISTENS to the godly man who does his will. ~John 9:31

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to LISTEN, slow to speak and slow to become angry. ~James 1:19

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 31: Save

For whoever wants to SAVE his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. ~Matthew 16:25

For the Son of Man came to seek and to SAVE what was lost. ~Luke 19:10

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to SAVE the world through him. ~John 3:17

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to SAVE sinners. ~1 Timothy 1:15

Therefore he is able to SAVE completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. ~Hebrews 7:25

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith SAVE him? ~James 2:14

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 30: Praise

I will PRAISE you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. ~Psalm 9:1

In God, whose word I PRAISE, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? ~Psalm 56:4

Out of the same mouth come PRAISE and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. ~James 3:10

PRAISE be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~Ephesians 1:3

How can you believe if you accept PRAISE from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the PRAISE that comes from the only God? ~John 5:44

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring PRAISE to God. ~Romans 15:7

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

The Legend of Robin Redbreast

European Robin

The Legend of Robin Redbreast

On that first Christmas, it is said, the night was wrapped in a bitter chill. The small fire in the stable was nearly out, and the Mother Mary worried that her baby would be cold. she turned to the animals about her and asked them for help.

“Could you blow on the embers,” she asked the ox, “so the fire might continue to keep my son warm?”

But the ox lay sound asleep on the stable floor and did not hear her. Next, Mary asked the donkey to breathe life back into the fire, but the sleeping donkey did not hear Mary either. Nor did the horse or sheep. She wondered what to do.

Suddenly, Mary heard a fluttering of little wings. Looking up, she saw a plain, brown-colored little robin fly into the stall. This robin had heard Mary calling to the animals and had come to help her. He went over to the dying fire and flapped his wings hard.

His wings were like little bellows, huffing and puffing air onto the embers, until they glowed bright red again. He continued to fan the fire, singing all the while, until the ashes began to kindle.

With his beak, the robin picked up some fresh, dry sticks and tossed them into the fire. As he did, a flame suddenly burst forth and burned the little bird’s breast a bright red. But the robin simply continued to fan the fire until it crackled brightly and warmed the entire stable. The Baby Jesus slept happily.

Mary thanked and praised the robin for all he had done. She looked tenderly at his red breast, burned by the flame, and said, “From now on, let your red breast be a blessed reminder of your noble deed.”

And to this day, the robin’s red breast covers his humble heart.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 29: Submission

SUBMIT to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. ~Job 22:21

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons SUBMIT to us in your name." ~Luke 10:17

The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not SUBMIT to God's law, nor can it do so. ~Romans 8:7

SUBMIT to one another out of reverence for Christ. ~Ephesians 5:21

Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you SUBMIT to its rules? ~Colossians 2:20

SUBMIT yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ~James 4:7

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 28: Forgiveness

For the sake of your name, O LORD, FORGIVE my iniquity, though it is great. ~Psalm 25:11

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the FORGIVENESS of your sins." ~Acts 2:38

Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the FORGIVENESS of sins is proclaimed to you. ~Acts 13:38

But if you do not FORGIVE men their sins, your Father will not FORGIVE your sins. ~Matthew 6:15

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. FORGIVE, and you will be FORGIVEN. ~Luke 6:37

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will FORGIVE us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ~1 John 1:9

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 27: Mercy

Turn to me and have MERCY on me, as you always do to those who love your name. ~Psalm 119:132

He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds MERCY. ~Proverbs 28:13

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown MERCY. ~Matthew 5:7

When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have MERCY on me!" ~Mark 10:47

Therefore God has MERCY on whom he wants to have MERCY, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. ~Romans 9:18

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 26: Find

How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men FIND refuge in the shadow of your wings. ~Psalm 36:7

FIND rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. ~Psalm 62:5

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few FIND it. ~Matthew 7:14

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will FIND rest for your souls. ~Matthew 11:29

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will FIND it. ~Matthew 16:25

So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will FIND; knock and the door will be opened to you. ~Luke 11:9

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 25: Seek

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who SEEK you. ~Psalm 9:10

God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who SEEK God. ~Psalm 53:2

Blessed are they who keep his statutes and SEEK him with all their heart. ~Psalm 119:2

Ask and it will be given to you; SEEK and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ~Matthew 7:7

For the Son of Man came to SEEK and to save what was lost. ~Luke 19:10

God did this so that men would SEEK him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ~Acts 17:27

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 24: Peace

I will lie down and sleep in PEACE, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. ~Psalm 4:8

Turn from evil and do good; seek PEACE and pursue it. ~Psalm 34:14

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~Romans 5:1

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and PEACE. ~Romans 8:6

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at PEACE with everyone. ~Romans 12:18

Grace and PEACE be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. ~2 Peter 1:2

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

The Legend of the Poinsettia

The Legend of the Poinsettia

In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuena (flower of the Holy Night). At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the exquisite red stars lighting up the countryside. This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child.

There was once a poor Mexican girl named Pepita who had no present to give the the baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve services. As Pepita walked to the chapel, sadly, her cousin Pedro tried to cheer her up.

"Pepita," he said, "I'm sure that even the smallest gift, given by someone who loves Him, will make Jesus happy."

Pepita didn't know what she could give, so she picked a small handful of weeds from the roadside and made them into a a small bouquet. She felt embarrassed because she could only give this small present to Jesus. As she walked through the chapel to the altar, she remembered what Pedro had said. She began to feel better, knelt down and put the bouquet at the bottom of the Nativity scene. Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into bright red flowers, and everyone who saw them were sure they had seen a miracle.

The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves are sometimes thought to be a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. The red-colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ. The white leaves represent His purity.

The poinsettia is the national emblem of Madagascar.

Did you know the poinsettia is named for Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American physician and diplomat?

After visiting an area south of Mexico City near Taxco de Alarcón, Poinsett saw what later became known in the United States as the poinsettia. Poinsett, an avid amateur botanist, sent samples of the plant to the U.S., and by 1836 the plant was widely known as the "poinsettia." Also a species of Mexican lizard, Sceloporus poinsettii, is named in Poinsett's honor.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 23: Grace

For the law was given through Moses; GRACE and truth came through Jesus Christ. ~John 1:17

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The GRACE of our Lord Jesus be with you. ~Romans 16:20

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's GRACE. ~Ephesians 1:7

For it is by GRACE you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. ~Ephesians 2:8

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's GRACE in its various forms. ~1 Peter 4:10

GRACE and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. ~2 Peter 1:2

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 22: Heart

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your HEART. ~Psalm 37:4

Create in me a pure HEART, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ~Psalm 51:10

Trust in the LORD with all your HEART and lean not on your own understanding. ~Proverbs 3:5

Above all else, guard your HEART, for it is the wellspring of life. ~Proverbs 4:23

For out of the HEART come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. ~Matthew 15:19

For where your treasure is, there your HEART will be also. ~Luke 12:34

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 21: Faith

Therefore, since we have been justified through FAITH, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~Romans 5:1

In him and through FAITH in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. ~Ephesians 3:12

Now FAITH is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ~Hebrews 11:1

In the same way, FAITH by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ~James 2:17

This righteousness from God comes through FAITH in Jesus Christ to all who believe. ~Romans 3:22

We live by FAITH, not by sight. ~2 Corinthians 5:7

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

The Legend of the Candy Cane

The Legend of the Candy Cane

A confectioner wanted to make a candy that would be a reminder of Jesus Christ, so he made the Christmas candy cane. He started with a stick of pure white hard candy. The white color symbolized the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus. The hard candy symbolized the solid rock, which was the foundation of the church, and the firmness of the promises of God.

The candymaker made the candy in the form of a "J," which represented the name of Jesus and the staff of the Good Shepherd. He then stained it with three stripes which showed the scourging Jesus received, and symbolized the blood shed by Christ on the cross. When you break the cane, it reminds us that Jesus' body was broken for us.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 20: Believe

I write these things to you who BELIEVE in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ~1 John 5:13

Whoever BELIEVES and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not BELIEVE will be condemned. ~Mark 16:16

"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I BELIEVE that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." ~John 11:27

Then Jesus cried out, When a man believes in me, he does not BELIEVE in me only, but in the one who sent me. ~John 12:44

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who BELIEVE. ~Romans 3:22

For it is with your heart that you BELIEVE and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. ~Romans 10:10

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 19: Sin

The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his SIN hold him fast. ~Proverbs 5:22

For if you forgive men when they SIN against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ~Matthew 6:14

Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to SIN. ~John 8:34

Therefore do not let SIN reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. ~Romans 6:12

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to SIN; and SIN, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. ~James 1:15

If we claim to be without SIN, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ~1 John 1:8

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

The Legend of the Sand Dollar

The Legend of the Sand Dollar

The Legend of the Sand Dollar is an Easter and Christmas favorite. On the front of the sand dollar are five slits representing the wounds on Christ when on the cross and the Easter lily with a star in the middle representing the Star of Bethlehem. On the back is the outline of a poinsettia, often called the Christmas flower. Once the sand dollar is broken open, the five "doves" are said to release good will and peace into the world.

A sand dollar "dove"

The Legend of the Sand Dollar

There’s a lovely little legend that I would like to tell,
of the birth and death of Jesus, found in this lowly shell.

If you examine closely, you’ll see that you find here,
four nail holes and a fifth one, made by a Roman’s spear.

On one side the Easter lily, its center is the star,
that appeared unto the shepherds and led them from afar.

The Christmas Poinsettia etched on the other side,
reminds us of His birthday, our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open, and here you will release,
the five white doves awaiting, to spread Good Will and Peace.

This simple little symbol, Christ left for you and me,
to help us spread His Gospel, through all Eternity.

Make Almond Sand Dollar Cookies from The Monday Box.

They're yummy! If you don't care for almonds and almond extract, you can substitute pine nuts for the "star" decoration and vanilla extract.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 18: Evil

Turn from EVIL and do good; seek peace and pursue it. ~Psalm 34:14

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun EVIL. ~Proverbs 3:7

But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow EVIL, there will be wrath and anger. ~Romans 2:8

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its EVIL desires. ~Romans 6:12

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by EVIL, nor does he tempt anyone. ~James 1:13

As obedient children, do not conform to the EVIL desires you had when you lived in ignorance. ~1 Peter 1:14

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 17: Spirit

Into your hands I commit my SPIRIT; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth. ~Psalm 31:5

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast SPIRIT within me. ~Psalm 51:10

Then Jesus was led by the SPIRIT into the desert to be tempted by the devil. ~Matthew 4:1

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The SPIRIT is willing, but the body is weak. ~Matthew 26:41

(The KJV is my favorite translation of Matthew 26:41. "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.")

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in SPIRIT and troubled. ~John 11:33

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 16: Holy Spirit

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the HOLY SPIRIT. ~Matthew 28:19

But whoever blasphemes against the HOLY SPIRIT will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin. ~Mark 3:29

Jesus, full of the HOLY SPIRIT, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert. ~Luke 4:1

Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the HOLY SPIRIT. ~Acts 8:17

While Peter was still speaking these words, the HOLY SPIRIT came on all who heard the message. ~Acts 10:44

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the HOLY SPIRIT? ~1 Corinthians 6:19

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 15: Soul

My SOUL finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. ~Psalm 62:1

A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his SOUL. ~Proverbs 18:7

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the SOUL. ~Matthew 10:28

Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your SOUL and with all your mind. ~Matthew 22:37

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his SOUL ~Mark 8:36

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your SOUL. ~1 Peter 2:11

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

How to Pray Quietly with a Friend

How to Pray Quietly with a Friend

To know someone well is to know that you can be silent with them.
by Rick Hamlin

Do you ever sit with a friend and just pray in silence? No words shared, just the sense of God’s presence felt.

As I’ve written before, I use my commuting time on the subway for prayer. I even wrote a book about my spiritual journey called Finding God on the A Train.

One evening a week ago, as I was taking the A train home, I had my eyes closed and was meandering into a much needed meditative state.

Halfway home, the train stopped at 59th Street. I opened my eyes for a minute and noticed a neighbor get on and sit next to me. She had her ear buds plugged in and was listening to something.

She noticed me, and we both got ready to chat. But I could see from the expression on her face that she needed to keep listening to her ear buds—after a long day at work—and I didn’t really want to give up the prayer time.

“What are you listening to?” I asked. She described a book that was completely absorbing.

“I tell you what,” I said. “You keep listening, and I’ll go back to meditating and when we get to 145th Street, let’s chat.”

“Perfect,” she said.

To know someone well is to know that you can be silent with them. To sit in silence with God is a chance to know God well and let God know you.

At 145th I opened my eyes, and she took out her ear buds, and we caught up on our family’s news—her teenaged son’s worries about getting into college, my kids, our work.

We got off the train at 181st Street and walked home. “Thanks for that,” she said. “Thank you,” I said. Both of us grateful for our time together.

Sharing silence takes a good friend.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 14: Demons

And when the DEMON was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. ~Matthew 9:33

Jesus rebuked the DEMON, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. ~Matthew 17:18

But if I drive out DEMONS by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. ~Matthew 12:28

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by DEMONS. ~1 Timothy 4:1

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all DEMONS and to cure diseases. ~Luke 9:1

So he (Jesus) traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out DEMONS. ~Mark 1:39

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 13: Angels

Praise the LORD, you his ANGELS, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. ~Psalm 103:20

The ANGEL of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. ~Psalm 34:7

The ANGEL answered, I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. ~Luke 1:19

But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the ANGELS of God. ~Luke 12:9

Are not all ANGELS ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? ~Hebrews 1:14

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained ANGELS without knowing it. ~Hebrews 13:2

(The KJV is my favorite translation of Hebrews 13:2. It's more poetic. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.")

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 12: Satan and Devil

Jesus said to him, Away from me, SATAN! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' ~Matthew 4:10

Then SATAN entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. ~Luke 22:3

As soon as Judas took the bread, SATAN entered into him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him. ~John 13:27

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the DEVIL, and he will flee from you. ~James 4:7

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the DEVIL prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ~1 Peter 5:8

The great dragon was hurled down?that ancient serpent called the DEVIL, or SATAN, who leads the whole world astray. ~Revelation 12:9

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

A Mysterious Dog Cured Her Loneliness

A Mysterious Dog Cured Her Loneliness

This Yorkie had emerged from the woods and rain. But who had sent him?
by Patricia Thomas

I was making my morning coffee in the kitchen and wondering how I would get through the day, especially with the rain coming down, when Tony’s picture toppled from the mantle in the family room. Again. Ever since my husband died two years earlier, that gold-framed photo—Tony posing with his prize hunting dogs—kept falling. That wasn’t all that was happening. Sometimes the TV would turn on out of the blue. And I’d get this feeling that Tony was still with me. Was it just the wishful thinking of a lonely widow? I couldn’t be sure.

I picked up the frame, dusted it off and put it back in place. I stared out the window that flanked the fireplace, thinking of Tony. If only he really were still here. I needed him now more than ever. It had been the most difficult two years of my life. Not only had Tony died of liver failure. My mom died around the same time too. Then came more bad news. The night before, my brother called. He’d been planning on moving into my spare room. Not anymore.

“I have cancer, Patricia,” he told me on the phone. “It’s terminal.”

This wasn’t how I’d pictured my golden years. Tony and I had had big plans. I was a photographer and drug addiction counselor. Tony was a Vietnam vet who’d risen through the ranks to become a master chief petty officer in the Navy. We’d moved around a lot, every three years to a new naval base. It didn’t matter where we lived as long as we were together. After Tony retired, we decided to settle in one place for good. Tony was a country boy who loved nothing more than biscuits with gravy and Hank Williams. We moved into a farmhouse on 55 acres in north Georgia. I imagined a lifetime of sipping sweet tea on the back porch, while Tony spun yarns about coon hunting. His dream was to raise champion hunting dogs. Meanwhile, I had my heart set on getting a sweet little Yorkie.

“Can’t I talk you into a beagle or Lab?” Tony said, poking fun at my choice of a dog, one that could fit in my handbag. Yorkies weren’t exactly farm dogs. But I’d wanted one since I was a kid.

“You enjoy your hounds,” I said. “I’m getting a Yorkie.”

We had so many plans, so many dreams. But some months after we’d moved in, I found Tony on the porch, looking unsettled. “Doc says my liver is failing,” he said. “I’ll need a transplant.”

Like many soldiers who’d served in Vietnam, Tony had contracted hepatitis C and been exposed to Agent Orange. In my eyes, he’d always been invincible—a larger-than-life Southern gentleman, as tough as they come. I didn’t want to believe he could die. For eight months, we waited for a donor match. My mom, meanwhile, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I stayed up night after night, researching both Tony and Mom’s conditions, hoping to find some detail the doctors might’ve missed. Finally Tony got a transplant. He recovered sooner than expected and was home in no time. But the victory was short-lived. Two months later, Tony suffered a massive blood clot and died. He was only 60. And Mom was gone too.

Our farmhouse, which had once been so lively and filled with laughter, was eerily quiet. So dark and empty. There was no one to greet me when I came home from work. No one to sit with on the back porch. No one to walk with around our property. These were the saddest two years of my life. And now my brother was sick too. I didn’t want to go through another battle all alone. I didn’t want to watch another person I loved die. I stared out the window at the rain, which was coming down even heavier now. I was about to head back to the kitchen when I happened to notice movement. Something small and furry emerged from the woods in the backyard. It trotted right up to the house.

I set my coffee cup on the counter, grabbed my raincoat and dashed outside. The animal darted back into the woods. I knelt and waited, staying calm. A minute later, a dog came running out. He pressed against my knees and looked up at me. He was shivering, his brown fur matted and covered in mud. But there was no mistaking him.

A Yorkie. The kind that could fit in a handbag. I stared at the dog in amazement. Yorkies were relatively rare, an expensive breed. My house was surrounded by 300 acres of woods and farmland, without another house for miles. So what was this dog doing on my property? How had he survived in woods full of coyotes?

I carried him into the house and dried him off. The Yorkie made himself right at home. He curled up at my feet on the porch. He followed me from room to room in the house. And I swear he cracked a doggie smile when I played Hank Williams. The dog had no collar, no tags. I asked around in town. Posted his photo online. Nobody had lost a Yorkie. No one came looking for him. He was mine to keep. I named him Hank. He never left my side.

Just as devoted as the one who’d sent him.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 11: Heaven

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of HEAVEN. ~Matthew 5:10

Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in HEAVEN. ~Matthew 10:32

But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in HEAVEN. ~Matthew 10:33

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of HEAVEN. ~Matthew 18:4

However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in HEAVEN. ~Luke 10:20v

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.

Stay Focused on Your Faith

Stay Focused on Your Faith

Don't become so absorbed in your faith that you are sidetracked from what is most important.
by Gwen Ford Faulkenberry

"I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." --1 Corinthians 2:2 (KJV)

This is a difficult verse for me, a difficult challenge of Paul’s. Because if I understand Paul correctly, it’s all about Jesus. That seems to be all He cares about.

I love Jesus. I do. Jesus fascinates me. I feel His love all around me and through me. I see His miracles in the world. But while I am a Christian and have pledged my allegiance to Jesus and His teachings, there are other things I want to know. I’m a scholar. An academic. I’m a writer, and something of an activist. There are causes I believe in. Many things I want to address as a teacher trying to make the world a better place.

I’m reminded of a story I once heard Max Lucado tell. He said that his wife sent him to the store to pick up bread. On the way to the bread aisle he saw cookies. So he put them into his basket. And thoughts of cookies led him to the milk, so he picked up milk. When he got home, he showed his wife the cookies and milk and invited her to a sweet little feast. “But, Max, where’s the bread?” she asked him. I’m like this. While my ultimate goal is to know Jesus, I can get sidetracked by other things that seem—and are—important.

If I’m not careful, I can become so absorbed in learning information, even supporting good causes, that I forget the most important thing, the only thing that really matters for me or anyone else. Jesus.

The Meaning of the Snowman

The Meaning of the Snowman

The white snow represent God's forgiveness of our sins.
The circular snowballs show the everlasting life God promises us.
The carrot nose shows us that God has given us the Earth and all living things.
The black coal mouth reminds us to give God praise.
The scarf keeps us warm, just as God's love does.
The top hat reminds us to honor God above all things.
The twig arms are open to hold us the way God does when we need Him.

40 Days of Bible Verses by Word(s) or Theme(s): Day 10: World

For God so loved the WORLD that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~John 3:16

When he comes, he will convict the WORLD of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment. ~John 16:8

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this WORLD, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. ~Romans 12:2

For God did not send his Son into the WORLD to condemn the WORLD, but to save the WORLD through him. ~John 3:17

The WORLD and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. ~1 John 2:17

Who is it that overcomes the WORLD? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. ~1 John 5:5

Be sure to read surrounding verses in your Bible for a better understanding of the complete context.