Tag Archives: Bible

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Finding Balance on Labor Day: Work, Rest, and Reflection

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Labor Day tends to sneak up on us. One moment we’re soaking in the long days of summer, and the next thing we know, the calendar has flipped to September, and here comes the first Monday of the month. For many, it’s a holiday that means cookouts, family gatherings, and maybe squeezing in one last trip to the lake. It also often marks the “unofficial end of summer.” Pools close, kids are back in school, and the pace of life shifts into fall mode.

But Labor Day is more than just a long weekend. It’s a day set aside to honor the value of work. And when we look at Scripture, we find that work is part of God’s design for us. In Genesis, Adam was placed in the garden to work it and take care of it. Work is not a punishment—it’s a calling. Through our labor, whether in an office, a classroom, a kitchen, a field, or even in the unseen tasks of caregiving, God allows us to serve others and reflect His character.

Yet, Labor Day also reminds us of something we often forget: the gift of rest. God worked six days in creation and then rested on the seventh—not because He was tired, but because He knew we would need the example. Rest isn’t wasted time. Rest is holy. It’s God’s way of reminding us that our worth doesn’t come from how much we produce or accomplish. It comes from Him.

Maybe today you feel the weight of your work. You’ve been carrying heavy responsibilities, and you’re tired. If that’s you, hear this truth: God delights in your faithfulness, but He also invites you to pause. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Labor Day gives us a chance to accept that invitation, if even just for a moment.

So, while you enjoy this holiday, take time to reflect. Thank God for the work He has entrusted to you. Celebrate the ways your labor, both seen and unseen, makes a difference in the lives of others. And don’t be afraid to rest. Step outside, breathe deeply, and remember you are loved—not because of what you’ve done, but because of who you are in Christ.

Today is about labor, but it’s also about balance. Work with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, and rest with the same confidence, knowing that God is in control.

Happy Labor Day. May your day be filled with gratitude, peace, and the joy of knowing your work matters and your rest is blessed.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Why You Can Rely on God’s Promises Today

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Promises can feel shaky in our world. People break them. Plans change. Circumstances shift overnight. It can leave us wondering if anything is truly dependable.

That’s why Isaiah 55:10-11 is so encouraging:

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Think about that for a moment. Just as the rain never fails to soak the ground and bring life, God’s Word never fails to do its job. It always produces growth. It always brings change. It always accomplishes His purpose.

That means every promise God makes can be trusted. Even when we can’t see the results right away, His Word is working. Seeds planted today will bloom in God’s timing. Sometimes it happens quickly, other times slowly — but it always happens.

Our part is to hold on to His Word. To read it, believe it, and lean into it, even when life feels uncertain. Because God is not like us — He doesn’t overpromise and underdeliver. His Word carries His authority, His faithfulness, and His heart.

Maybe you’ve been praying for something and it feels like nothing is happening. Maybe you’ve been clinging to a promise, but the ground looks dry. Isaiah reminds us: trust the process. Rain takes time to bring growth, but the harvest always comes.

God’s Word never returns empty. It never evaporates into thin air. It never misses its mark.

So today, when discouragement whispers, remind yourself of this truth: God’s promises stand. His Word will do exactly what He says it will do. You can count on it, because He is faithful.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Come to the Waters

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Have you ever noticed how often life leaves us feeling empty? We work hard, we check off our lists, we chase after what we think will satisfy, and yet, deep down, the thirst lingers. The job promotion feels good, but it doesn’t quiet the restlessness. The approval of others feels nice, but it doesn’t fill the soul. Comfort and success are never enough.

That’s why Isaiah 55:1 stops us in our tracks with this invitation:

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”

What a picture of God’s generosity! He calls out not to the strong, not to the wealthy, not to those who have it all together — but to the thirsty. To the ones running on empty. To those who feel like they’ve got nothing left to bring.

And here’s the good news: the price is already paid.

God doesn’t say, “Bring me your best effort and maybe I’ll let you in.” He doesn’t ask for payment, performance, or proof. He simply says, come. Come thirsty. Come hungry. Come with your needs. And in Him, find the satisfaction this world can never deliver.

We’ve all tried to drink from empty wells. We’ve all tried to fill ourselves with things that promise joy but only leave us drier than before. Isaiah 55 reminds us that only God can quench the deepest thirst of our hearts. Jesus echoed the same truth centuries later when He said, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst” (John 4:14).

So maybe today the question isn’t, “What do I need to do?” but rather, “Where am I going to quench my thirst?”

God’s invitation is open. The waters are ready. The feast is waiting. You don’t need to earn it. You don’t need to deserve it. You just need to come.

If you are weary, come.
If you are searching, come.
If you are thirsty, come.

God is enough, and He is waiting to fill you with His peace, His presence, and His life.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Really…A Fish?

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The Lord arranged for a fish.

Jonah’s story is interesting. It shows us the power and patience of the Lord, and it illustrates God works in seemingly unusual ways.

Jonah, while running from God, gets on a boat. The boat encounters a storm, and after much effort, the conclusion is reached the only way to stop the storm is throw Jonah overboard. The sailors throw Jonah overboard and the storm stops. The boat’s crew witnesses the Lord’s power, and worship the Lord.

Meanwhile, Jonah is in the sea, but God makes arrangements.

Jonah 1:17 remembers, “Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.”

Of all the ways the Lord could have helped Jonah in the moment, he sent a fish. He could have used drift wood or a piece of wreckage. He could have allowed Jonah to be close enough to shore to swim. He could have miraculously carried Jonah to shore, but God does not choose any of those methods. He uses a fish; an unusual way which may have not been the most appealing to Jonah.

Jonah’s lifeboat would have been smelly and dirty. Traveling in the digestive system of a large whale would not be the most ideal, but it saved Jonah’s life.

While we’ve not been swallowed by a great fish, we may be able to relate. God helps us in some unusual ways. They may not be ideal or our first choice, but they do provide the help we need.

When we find ourselves in Jonah’s place, how do we respond? Do we grumble because we are being helped in an unusual way, or do we thank the Lord for the resources he is providing?

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Isaiah 43: Comfort in Life’s Hardships

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Life has a way of throwing us into the deep end, doesn’t it? Some days feel like a gentle breeze, and others hit like a storm. Maybe you’re facing a health scare, a broken relationship, financial strain, or just the heavy weight of uncertainty. Whatever it is, challenges have a way of making us feel like we’re walking alone—like God is distant or silent.

But He’s not.

Isaiah 43 offers a beautiful reminder that we are never truly alone in the midst of trials. Right from the beginning of the chapter, God speaks directly to our hearts: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). That’s personal. That’s intimate. God knows you by name. Not just as part of a crowd, not just as one of many, but as His.

One of the most comforting verses in this chapter says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2).

Did you catch that? It doesn’t say if you pass through the waters or if you walk through the fire—it says when. Hardships are a part of life. But so is God’s presence in them.

God doesn’t promise an easy road. What He promises is His presence. He doesn’t always pull us out of the fire, but He does promise to walk through it with us. Just like He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3), He walks right into the heat of our challenges with us.

And that changes everything.

Knowing God is with us gives us strength we didn’t know we had. It anchors our hope. It reminds us that even in our worst moments, we are not abandoned. He’s there—in the doctor’s office, in the courtroom, in the quiet of your car after hard news, in the dark moments when no one else sees.

The reason He walks with us is because we belong to Him. Isaiah 43:4 says, “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you…” That’s the heart of the Father. He doesn’t walk with us out of obligation—He does it out of love.

So if you’re in a tough season right now, take heart. The water may feel like it’s rising, and the fire may seem overwhelming—but you’re not alone. The Lord is with you. He’s not pacing the shoreline hoping you make it. He’s in the storm beside you, whispering, “I’ve got you. You’re mine.”

Lean on Him. Rest in His promise. And take your next step knowing He walks with you through it all.

Thanks for reading.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

How God’s Truth Guides Us in Uncertainty

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The image features a digital illustration with a warm, earthy color palette. At the bottom, an open Bible is prominently displayed with thick, clean lines and minimal detailing, suggesting importance and clarity. Above the Bible, the phrase Store Up God’s Word in Your Heart is written in a bold, serif font, creating a strong visual and thematic focal point. To the right of the text, there’s a simple yet striking compass graphic. The compass, with its clear directional markings (N, S, E, W), visually reinforces the theme of guidance—tying directly into the message about Scripture helping us navigate life’s storms. The background has a parchment-like texture, adding a subtle, timeless feel to the overall design.

Psalm 119 encourages us to store up God’s Word in our hearts—and there’s a powerful reason for that.

Back in 1914, Ernest Shackleton and his team set out from England on an incredibly ambitious journey: to cross Antarctica from one side to the other via the South Pole. But things quickly took a turn for the worse. Their ship got trapped in ice, the hull was crushed, and eventually, it sank. The team ended up stranded on a remote place called Elephant Island with little hope of rescue.

Desperate to save his crew, Shackleton and five others climbed into a 20-foot lifeboat and sailed 800 miles through some of the most dangerous, storm-ridden waters on the planet to reach South Georgia Island—where help was available. For 15 days, they braved 100-foot waves with only a compass and sextant to guide them. Frank Worsley, who had captained the Endurance, navigated them safely to land. Eventually, they secured another ship and rescued the entire team. Shackleton became a hero for his leadership and determination.

Life can feel a lot like that sometimes—tossed around by storms we didn’t see coming, surrounded by uncertainty and overwhelmed by misinformation. In those moments, Psalm 119:11 reminds us to anchor ourselves in something solid:

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

In other words, storing up God’s Word helps us know what’s right, what’s true, and how to stay on course—even when everything else is shifting. Just like that compass helped guide Shackleton’s team through the unknown, Scripture can guide us through life’s chaos.

Our emotions might pull us in all kinds of directions, but God’s Word is steady. It’s trustworthy. And it’s the best way to navigate through uncertainty.

Let this be your reminder to lean into God’s truth—especially when the seas get rough.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Getting to Know Wisdom

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Job thinks about the source of wisdom. Where does wisdom originate? In Job’s day, much had already been discovered. Mining was commonplace, and mankind had discovered ways pull minerals from under the earth. Rivers had been explored and hidden treasures brought to light. New discoveries were being made, but no one had fully discovered all wisdom.

In chapter 28, Job comments true wisdom is found in God. He is the source of wisdom Notice the last few verses of the chapter.

23 God understands the way to it
    and he alone knows where it dwells,
24 for he views the ends of the earth
    and sees everything under the heavens.
25 When he established the force of the wind
    and measured out the waters,
26 when he made a decree for the rain
    and a path for the thunderstorm,
27 then he looked at wisdom and appraised it;
    he confirmed it and tested it.
28 And he said to the human race,
    “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,
    and to shun evil is understanding.”

While many advances in knowledge have been made since Job’s day, the source of wisdom is still the same. True wisdom is still found in the Lord, and the source for us is the Bible.

  • Psalm 119:105 teaches the Bible is a light to our path.
  • Hebrews 4:12 says, “12 For the word of God is alive 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.”

The Bible presents wisdom on all topics; society, relationships, family, marriage, finances, and everything else is found within its pages. The Bible is alive and active, and God uses his word to help us gain wisdom. Take some time to get to know wisdom by reading through the Bible.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Benefits of God’s Word

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Psalm 119:1-88 gives benefits of God’s Word.

There are many benefits to God’s Word. Here are a few listed in Psalm 119:1-88.

God’s Word gives us wise advice.

Psalm 119:24 says, “Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.” There’s advice on every topic.

God’s Word encourages us.

When we are in need of encouragement, it seems the Bible has just the right words for the moment.

Psalm 119:50 says, “Your promise revives me. It comforts me in all my troubles.”

God’s Word gives us hope.

Psalm 119:43 says, “Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope.”

Psalm 119:49 says, “Remember your promise to me. It is my only hope.”

God’s Word is trustworthy.

Psalm 119:86 says, “All your commands are trustworthy.”

The promises we find in God’s Word can be trusted. The shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth can serve as an example for us. According to Luke 2, the shepherds trusted the angel’s word and went to find Jesus. They found the baby, his mother, and everything just as the angel had said it would be. God’s Word is trustworthy.

Hiding God’s Word in our hearts has many benefits. May we echo the desire of the Psalmist in always keeping God’s Word close to us using it as the compass to guide our lives.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Promises, Promises

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Can we trust the Bible?

A preacher was visiting a couple parishioners, and the trio was reading the Bible. They came to Matthew 28:20 where Jesus says, “Surely, I will be with you to the very end of the age.”

The preacher asked, “Isn’t that a wonderful promise?”

“It’s not a promise. It’s a fact,” one of the parishioners replied.

Promises are made and broken in life. There are many reasons promises are broken; however, the Bible offers many promises which we can accept as fact. Being perfect, God always keeps his word.

Proverbs 30:5 says, “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.”

Looking through history, we find God keeping his word.

The people of Israel were promised land, and the Lord provided the land he promised. Generations passed from the time the promise was made until it was fulfilled, but God kept his word.

Joshua 21:43-45 states, “So the Lord gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession and settled there. And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them for the Lord helped them conquer all their enemies. Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled. Everything he had spoken came true.”

We turn the pages of history to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth. The angel promised the shepherds they would find a certain arrangement in the stable. They would find Mary, Joseph, and the baby, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:20 records, “The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.”

God keeps his promises.

History proves God is faithful. The Lord keeps his promises. You and I can rest assured the promises made in the Bible will be fulfilled.

Christians are promised God will be with us in this life, and we will spend the next life in Heaven. And, we know the Lord keeps his word.

Acting

Spend time dwelling on the promises made by the Lord. Find hope and confidence in these promises.

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Remember the Bible

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Guidance for every season.

Joshua was standing on the border of the promised land and was realizing he was now the leader of Israel. Moses was done; Joshua was starting, and God was giving Joshua some tips for success.

One of those tips was to remember God’s word.

“Study this book of instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night, so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do,” the Lord says in Joshua 1:8.

As you and I are fulfilling our purpose, the Bible will guide us. There seems to be guidance for every season, every challenge, every question.

When we are hurting, we turn to the Bible for comfort, and its words hold our hearts gently as it comforts us.

When we are discouraged, we turn to Scripture to find encouragement. Its words encourage us and challenge us to push ahead.

When we need advice, we turn to the Bible for its wisdom. Its words give us answers to our questions and help for our problems.

Like Joshua, you and I will benefit if we remember the word of the Lord. As we turn to it, here are 3 things to keep in mind.

1. The Bible offers hope and encouragement.

Romans 15:4 says, “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us and the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.”

2. The Bible is powerful.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

3. The Bible is eternal.

1 Peter 1:23-25 says, “For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say, ‘People are like grass. Their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades,’ but the word of the Lord remains forever, and that word is the Good News which was preached to you.”

Acting

Spend time reading the Bible. Cultivate a deeper understanding of its principles to help guide you in life. Here are some tips to help you understand the Bible.

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