A Weekly Walk in the Word

2 Peter 1:3-8 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the time of year when everyone begins setting goals and planning to be productive in the upcoming year. I have already started my list of writing goals for 2024. In the verses above, Peter is pointing to the basic building blocks to help grow spiritual maturity. He is giving a DNA code for a healthy Christian life. Together, these qualities make believers effective in their spiritual lives and help them grow deep in their understanding of Jesus. Building on these qualities help us grow into the call we have been given. Read through the list of these core attributes of a healthy follower of Christ again as you prepare your goals for 2024.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – 1 John 3:7-24

Monday – 1 John 4:1-21

Tuesday – 1 John 5:1-21

Wednesday – 2 John 1-13

Thursday – 3 John 1-15

Friday – Jude 1-25

Saturday – Revelation 1:1-20

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Families across the states came together this past week to celebrate Thanksgiving. Our family was no different. It was just the best to have all of our kids home. To watch them visit, reconnect and laugh. (Even if I am the brunt of that laughter) I feel blessed to experience the love and harmony amongst our children and their spouses. But, that love shouldn’t end at midnight on Thanksgiving. That love isn’t reserved only for the people around our dining table. When we love as brothers, that love will spill over into our neighborhoods, cities, states and world. Only then can we live in harmony with one another.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – 1 Peter 4:7-5:14

Monday – 2 Peter 1:1-21

Tuesday – 2 Peter 2:1-22

Wednesday – 2 Peter 3:1-18

Thursday – 1 John 1:1-10

Friday – 1 John 2:1-17

Saturday – 1 John 2:18-3:6

Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work is us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen.

Nora, one of my Border Leicesters found herself in a difficult situation on Thursday. Somehow, she ended up in the hay feeder. At first, I thought it was cute. Until I realized she was stuck and couldn’t get out on her own. She was sitting quietly, not making a sound. I rocked the feeder. Still, I couldn’t get her to roll out. I turned the feeder upside down. Still, she couldn’t break free because of the bar above her back. Finally, with the feeder on its side, I was able to push her enough to get one leg out and then another followed. She was free and on the ground. I stayed in the pasture for a while longer to make sure she was able to walk freely, and she was. Nora ran to the others and is doing well.

My whole ordeal with Nora made me think of our great Shepherd, Jesus. Isn’t it just like us to be like Nora, getting stuck doing life and unable to find a way out? Jesus, our Shepherd comes in to rock our world, turn it upside down and even then when we aren’t moving, he gives us a shove in the right direction. I pray that you are able to feel the hand of Jesus as he sets you free from the bars that hold you down.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – James 2:18-3:18

Monday – James 4:1-17

Tuesday – James 5:1-20

Wednesday – 1 Peter 1:1-12

Thursday (Happy Thanksgiving) – 1 Peter 1:13-2:10

Friday – 1 Peter 2:11-3:7

Saturday – 1 Peter 3:8-4:6

Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

We were created to be in community with others. My heart is full when I am giving, helping and loving others. Through vulnerability I am able to spread Jesus’ unconditional love to others without the fear of being judged. Worship with others is one of the greatest gifts I have been given, and often take for granted. When I walk alongside other Christians we support each other on our faith journey. I could never do it alone. Thank you to all those who have come beside me to encourage me as I continue to share the Good News of Jesus. Let’s not give up meeting together.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – Hebrews 11:1-16

Monday – Hebrews 11:17-31

Tuesday – Hebrews 11:32-12:13

Wednesday – Hebrews 12:14-29

Thursday – Hebrews 13:1-25

Friday – James 1:1-18

Saturday – James 1:19-2:17

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (NIV)

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (KJV)

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. (NLT)

I love this Bible verse in any translation! In fact, this is the verse I write in my book when I sign it for readers. Spending time in the word of God is by far the best way to gain insight into your life. Soak in every word!

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – Hebrews 7:1-17

Monday – Hebrews 7:18-28

Tuesday – Hebrews 8:1-13

Wednesday – Hebrews 9:1-10

Thursday – Hebrews 9:11-28

Friday – Hebrews 10:1-17

Saturday – Hebrews 10:18-39

2 Timothy 1:6-7 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Over and over throughout scripture, we are encouraged to do good in the world. Just like Timothy, we have been given the gift of God. The gifts of power, love and self-discipline. So, let’s get out of the pews and into the world to let our light shine by fanning into flame the gift of God on everyone we meet.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – Philemon 1-25

Monday – Hebrews 1:1-14

Tuesday – Hebrews 2:1-18

Wednesday – Hebrews 3:1-19

Thursday – Hebrews 4:1-16

Friday – Hebrews 5:1-14

Saturday – Hebrews 6:1-20

1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Paul explains to Timothy in these verses that the well-being we long for will never come from money or things, but instead when godliness is united with contentment. Only then will we have enough.

I have spent this past week doing an antique sale in Minneapolis, and feel blessed beyond measure to be doing what I love. Just over a year ago, I took a leap of faith and quit my day job to follow my dream of writing and selling antiques.This decision has allowed me to touch lives of people I never would have met otherwise. I am living my best live. I have never been happier or more content. I have enough.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – 2 Timothy 1:1-18

Monday – 2 Timothy 2:1-21

Tuesday – 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17

Wednesday – 2 Timothy 4:1-22

Thursday – Titus 1:1-16

Friday – Titus 2:1-15

Saturday – Titus 3:1-15

1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you.

It is difficult to be away from the special people in our lives. I love the trips we take to South Dakota and Wisconsin to see family. I cherish every minute we spend together. But, the hardest part of those trips is leaving. Miles may separate us physically, but the love I have for them keeps us close at heart. Paul feels the same way about the church of the Thessalonians, so he writes them letters. When is the last time you have sat down with a pen and paper to write a letter? How excited would your friend be to receive a handwritten note from you? Take time this week to write a letter, or at least make the phone call you have been putting off. Make an effort to keep your love ones close at heart.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18

Monday – 1 Timothy 1:1-20

Tuesday – 1 Timothy 2:1-15

Wednesday – 1 Timothy 3:1-16

Thursday – 1 Timothy 4:1-16

Friday – 1 Timothy 5:1-25

Saturday – 1 Timothy 6:1-21

Philippians 4:4-8 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Rejoice! Sing, dance, laugh, enjoy being in the presence of God. Every day is a gift from God. It was just my mom’s birthday. They say the firsts after someone passes are the hardest, which is so true. It was a difficult day, until I realized she was eating cake with Jesus! So start and end you day in prayer, sharing your concerns and your accomplishments. Enjoy your journey through life with Jesus by your side every step of the way. Rejoice in the Lord always!

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – Colossians 3:18-4:18

Monday – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8

Tuesday – 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13

Wednesday – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3

Thursday – 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28

Friday – 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Saturday – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen

A lifelong dream came true for me this weekend when we opened the doors to our new and improved antique shed on our farm. We spent the summer cleaning out the space, pouring a concrete floor, adding new lighting, painting and then staging the new shop. When the doors opened Thursday night, I really didn’t know what to expect. The success of Wool & Vintage Market was immeasurable! We sold several pieces over the past 3 days, but the most rewarding part was the people who came to support us. Repeat customers who have become friends sent new people who quickly became new friends. We shared stories, laughs, tears and lots of hugs. I thank God for placing me right where I need to be. Only he is able to do immeasurably more than I could have ever imagined.

I would love to hear what your favorite verse was from last week’s readings. This week’s readings are…..

Sunday – Philippians 2:19-3:3

Monday – Philippians 3:4-21

Tuesday – Philippians 4:1-23

Wednesday – Colossians 1:1-17

Thursday – Colossians 1:18-2:7

Friday – Colossians 2:8-23

Saturday – Colossians 3:1-17