 “Can these dry bones live?” It’s easy to fall into hopelessness and despair when it seems life has passed you by. A womb that remained barren, a relationship that never blossomed, a career that never took off the way you expected—your dreams shriveled and dry...
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 Have you ever come to a bend in the road and hesitated? Not sure what will happen if you take a job in another city or commit to a relationship or share your faith with a coworker—you stall in your tracks.
There may be a fear factor involved or a risk you’re not prepared to take. Moving forward into the unknown can be intimidating if you’re unsure of what lies ahead...  Ever wish life offered “do-overs”? You can have a fresh start in God and actually – you can rewrite your life story. Paul did it. Jonah did it. You can do it too.
Don’t be afraid to consider rewriting what your future looks like. All things are possible with God!  “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 37:22 NLT
Have you ever had a chance meeting that seemed way beyond coincidence? Running into an old friend at the grocery store, meeting someone who is the missing piece in your entrepreneurial venture, or encountering a person who desperately needs God’s love and you just “happen” to be there to share it with them. I call those divine appointments...  It can be hard to maintain a thankful heart in the midst of a struggle. But gratefulness can make the difference between sliding down a long hard path of bitterness – and believing in hope for things to turn.
I know. I’ve been there. I think we’ve all been tempted to give in to doubt and depression when things don’t seem to line up with God’s plan and his promises. However... His word is true. God’s promises are “yes and amen.” He is not slow in keeping his promises as some may think...  We’re less than 30 days into the new year, but I’m wondering—has 2023 lost its glitter? Have you lost your life purpose? Maybe you started the new year with great excitement but now you’ve lost your bearings or you’re wallowing in the muck of last year’s unfinished business. It’s time to shake off the dust so that you can experience all God has for you this year!
Here are five action steps you can implement today to regain the wonder and excitement of the year. You have a future and a hope in God. Now let’s help you find it...  “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8 NIV
There is healing in confession. There is healing at the cross. In a society where wrong is right and right is wrong, we’ve lost the power of confession. We’ve lost the gift of self-awareness and the acknowledgment that we are all “sinners saved by grace” in need of a Savior...  It’s almost become a cliché. Are you saved? To the outside world, the question may seem arrogant or even confusing. But for those who have experienced the saving knowledge of God, it’s a valid question that needs to be asked.
But how many of us are truly living the full life that God intended at the cross? Salvation may begin there, but if you read through the Bible you’ll find a salvation that encompasses the totality of who we are - body, soul and spirit...  Have you ever noticed how quickly prayerful concerns can evolve into anxiety? Heavy burdens easily spiral into anxious thoughts and sleepless nights.
Maybe you’re speaking God’s word over a wayward daughter, a sick friend or a long-held dream, and praying all the “right” prayers, but if you’re stressed, it’s time to check your trust level...  It’s one of my least liked questions in the world, and yet it seems so innocent. “How was your day?” Ask me that and I immediately examine the hours since I crawled out of bed – the frustrations, the irritations, the disappointments, the accomplishments. All put under scrutiny as I try to respond to your simple question...
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Laura WoodworthWhat’s your dream? I pray you will be inspired and encouraged to pursue all God has for you. Now, more than ever, we need people of faith to go, do and become the light for the world. Archives
September 2023
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