Lori Hatcher's Blog: Refresh Blog, page 24

"I Just Love It to Death!" Can You Say this About Your Bible?

We have a saying in the South to describe loving something or someone with your whole heart over a long period of time. Spoken with just the right twang and touch of sweet-tea-sweetness, it goes like this: “I just love it to death.” 

We might say it about our bestie: “I love her to death.” 

Or about our church: “I just love it to death.” 

Or even about spending a week at the beach every summer: “I just love it to death.” 

My mom (a transplanted Yankee trying to fit in with her Southern neighbors) said this about my childhood stuffed animal, Ellie: “She just loved her to death.” 

The truth of her statement is apparent. Ellie’s well-fondled ears are hanging on by a thread (literally). The top of her head is spotted with tears, snot, and probably peanut butter from all the times I tucked her under my chin and cried. And her trunk? Well, let’s just say that when I was trying to break my habit of thumb sucking, I might have chewed on it a time or two. 

I loved Ellie to death. 

Now that I’m a grown up, other things have replaced Ellie in my heart. 

I recently posted a picture on social media of my Bible and included this challenge: 

This year, as I have done for more than 20, I’ve committed to read the Bible through. This practice, more than anything else I’ve ever done, has filled me with hope, grown my faith, refined my character, and birthed in me a greater love for God and others. If you read the Bible daily, what benefits have you experienced? If you don’t, why not commit to this year? I promise you won’t regret it. 

One of my friends, commented, That poor old MacArthur Bible. 

She was referring to my Bible’s pitiful appearance. The spine has a seam down the front from all the times I’ve opened and closed it. The title is barely readable, and the leather cover is worn through on the edges to reveal the fabric beneath it. 

I responded to my friend’s comment with, I've loved it to death. 

And I have. 

Since 2011, I’ve clung to this Bible like an anchor when the storms of life threatened to drown me. I’ve held it up in praise when God has done miraculous things in my family’s life. I’ve carried it halfway around the world in suitcases, backpacks, and travel bags. It’s made it through customs in Mexico, Japan, and Spain (not to mention Atlanta). 

Like Ellie in my childhood, this Bible and its predecessors have been my constant companion through most of my adult life. Not as a lucky rabbit’s foot, but as a link to the God I serve. 

For decades I’ve opened my Bible desperate for hope, meaning, direction, and inspiration. I’ve found wisdom to navigate life’s challenges, promises to claim for those I love, and instruction in how to live. Its pages are covered in scribbles, notes, and underlines. I’ve marked promises, warnings, insight, and encouragement. 

In its margins I’ve written prayers for family members and circled God’s promises. I’ve noted significant life events like the day I submitted my first manuscript and the dates my grandchildren were born. Tear stains mark the promises for salvation I prayed over for years before my prodigals surrendered to Christ. 

If my house was on fire, and I had time to grab one thing, I’d grab my Bible. Like my friend observed, I’ve loved it to death. 

If my life was ending, and I had time to speak one final sentence, I’d say, “Read your Bible.” 

Why?

Every time we open our Bibles, God's voice speaks to us. And who doesn’t need to hear God’s voice? Every single day of our life? 

I’ve discovered, in my almost forty years of walking with God, that life goes better when I read His Word every day. Not because I earn brownie points with God, but because I need what He has to say. 

I need instruction in how to live as a Christian in a non-Christian world. I need to be reminded that a better life awaits me. I need to know God’s promises so I can pray them for myself and others. I need the challenge and comfort of Christ’s example to know that I can remain faithful to the end. I need hope when I’m frightened, and peace when I’m troubled. 

I need God. 

Every day. 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” John 1: 1 tells me. In the Word, I find God. 

This year, I’d like to invite you to join me in reading the Bible every day. If you read for fifteen minutes a day, you’ll read through the Bible in a year. But even if you only read for five, your life will be better, and your spiritual life will grow. 

One day, someone may look at your Bible and say, “She loved it to death.” 

And God will smile.

“Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart” Psalm 119:111. 

If you’re committed to read your Bible every day this year, please leave a comment in the box below. I want to pray for you. 

Happy New Year! 

Does Your Faith Need Refreshing? Are you looking for a companion book to accompany you as you read through the Bible this year?

Here's what readers are saying about Lori's newest book:

That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!

It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!
 

Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.

When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.

“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style

Are you hungry for God, but starving for time? 
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord. 

Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive. 

Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.

Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.




If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher

10 Things Your Adult Children Wish You'd Say to Your Grandkids

Think back to your childhood. I bet you can repeat (probably verbatim and with all the right inflections) some of the “wise words” you heard your grandparents say. 
My grandmother was a Portuguese immigrant who loved coffee, cake, and laughter. She raised chickens, crocheted doilies, and made the most amazing Portuguese doughnuts. She dropped out of school after the fourth grade to work in the textile mills in Rhode Island, but she loved to read and encouraged me to do the same. 
Her favorite maxims included: “You may not be rich, but you can be clean,” "Hard work never hurt anyone," and “Don’t spend what you haven’t earned.” 
Granny’s wholehearted commitment to her grandchildren enriched our lives in many ways. It blessed my parents, too, because they knew we were safe in Granny’s care. Not only did she create a physically safe environment, she fostered an emotionally safe one, too. 
Now that I’m a grandmother, I want to follow her example and bless my adult children by the way I interact with my grandchildren. I know from my grandmother’s example that the words I say are important. If you share my desire to be a blessing, here are 10 things your adult children wish you’d say to your grandchildren. 
To read the rest of my article on the Crosswalk.com Grandparenting Channel, CLICK HERE.



Does Your Faith Need Refreshing?

That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!

It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!


Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.

When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.

“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style




Are you hungry for God, but starving for time? 
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord. 

Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive. 

Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.

Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.





If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher

Fighting for Christmas

 

I’ve had to fight for Christmas this year. 
Everything about this holiday season has been hard. Each day, it seems, brings a new disappointment. The fun of in-person shopping and gift selection? Gone. No days dedicated to wandering through shops searching for that perfect something. This year I’m scrolling instead of strolling. 
Half my decorations remain in their tubs. Why bother putting them all out if no one will see them? No cozy holiday parties. No drop in visits. No lingering over a warm mug of cider catching up with visiting friends. This year we’re zooming instead of rooming. 
Even the annual church Christmas caroling (six feet apart and masked) got rained on. Cold rain. Frigid temperatures. Miserable conditions. Really? 
And the special music for Sunday’s service? Cancelled due to a COVID-19 exposure. 
This morning, in an effort to push back the gloom, I lit a Christmas-tree-scented candle. I expected Balsam and Cedar to infuse my home with holiday cheer. Five minutes later, an acrid smell filled my nostrils. 
What in the world is wrong with that candle? I thought. It smells horrible. Do candles expire? It’s never smelled like that before. 

I followed the scent to its source—a brightly burning philodendron leaf dangling above my Yankee Candle. Mindful of the toddler’s extraordinarily long reach, I’d placed the candle away from the edge of the counter and a bit too close to the trailing philodendron. 
Did you know ivy is flammable and burning philodendron stinks? 
I wonder if Mary’s first Christmas seemed more like burning ivy than Balsam and Cedar? 
Certainly her year hadn’t gone as planned. 
She’d expected a wedding surrounded by her friends and family. Instead she got a rushed ceremony far from the eyes of gossiping townspeople. She anticipated a honeymoon year or two before she and Joseph began their family. Instead she got an unplanned pregnancy that no one, not even her fiancée, celebrated (except, perhaps, the angels in heaven). 
I’m sure she expected to spend the final days of her pregnancy in seclusion and preparation. Instead she dragged her burgeoning belly seventy miles over dusty roads to satisfy a government mandate. 
And then, the ivy caught fire—no room in the inn. No place to lay her contracting body down to rest. No midwife. No circle of comforting friends. No mother to hold her hand. Just a frightened husband and a stable full of stinky livestock. 
But instead of going up in flames, Mary’s first Christmas shone with a heavenly light. The babe the weary world had longed for slipped silently from her womb and into Joseph’s trembling hands. 
The sky burst open, and heaven rejoiced. 
“Behold,” the angel said, “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). 
A Savior. 
Certainly not the announcement the shepherds expected. They’d settled down in the warm grass planning to doze among the sheep until morning. They anticipate a quiet night, followed by an equally quiet day, much like all the rest. An occasional coyote to chase off, perhaps, but nothing earth shattering. 

Then the sky exploded, and the world changed forever.Is it any wonder they left their sheep and raced into town? 
"Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." 
I find it interesting that God didn’t give the shepherds an address to plug into their GPS. Just two clues. And not very good ones: “You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). 
God made them hunt for their Savior.I suspect they peered into every barn, stable, and cave in town. They nudged cattle away from their feeding troughs and rustled through hay bales. Wrapped in cloths. Lying in a manger. 
 “And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe” (Luke 2:16). 
This year I’ve found it harder to sift through the straw of our circumstances and find the Savior. Like the shepherds, I’ve expended effort and energy. I’ve searched for Him in unlikely places. 
I suspect you have, too. 
In the shadow of disappointment. 
In the uncertainty of unemployment. 
In the chaos of conflict. 
In the despair of heartbreak. 
In the misery of sickness. 
In the valley of death. 
Yet when we’ve looked, we’ve found Him. 
A Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 
Right where He said He would be. 
“You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart,” God promised in Jeremiah 29:11. 
This Christmas, even if your holiday season smells more like burnt philodendron than Balsam and Cedar, I hope you’ll look for Jesus. 
And when you find Him, do what the shepherds did: 
“Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20).

 

 If you’re reading by email and can’t see the video, click here to watch For King and Country's, O Come O Come Immanuel. 

Christmas is fast approaching. Wouldn't you love to knock out a chunk of your Christmas shopping and impact your loved ones for eternity?

Would you like to give an extra-special gift? 

One that will:

*refresh a person's faith?

*encourage someone to explore the Bible? 

*inspire busy women to get to know God better?

*unlock uncommon verses and awaken interest in God's Word?

*jumpstart your quiet time?

*make a great companion to your 2021 devotional reading?

Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible is the book you're looking for.  Spotlighting uncommon verses and pairing them with inspiring stories, Refresh Your Faith is the cure for spiritual boredom and apathy.

I'd be honored if you'd order a copy for yourself or gift it to your friends this holiday season. If you live in the Columbia, SC area, I'd love to inscribe copies for you. Reply to this email, and I'll be in touch. 

If you're out of the area, Refresh Your Faith is on sale right now at Our Daily Bread. It's also available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christian Book.com.

Are you hungry for God, but starving for time? 
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord. 

Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive. 

Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.







If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher

Guaranteed to Banish Scrooge Forever -- 4 Favorite Christmas Videos

If the Grinch is trying to steal your Christmas joy, these gems will send him packing. Enjoy. Merry Christmas!

Soulful, hopeful, poignantly beautiful.


   
  Casting Crown's "I Heard the Bells." If you're reading by email, click HERE.





  John Lewis Christmas Advert "Buster the Boxer" will make you smile all the way through. If you're reading by email, click HERE. 

 I'm not sure how I've lived as long as I have without ever hearing "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas," by Gayla Peevey.







The Wikipedia story behind this catchy tune tells how the Oklahoma City Zoo capitalized upon the popularity of "I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas" with a fundraising campaign to "buy a hippo for Gayla". The fund raised $3,000 (equivalent to $27,552.12 present day), and a baby hippopotamus named Matilda was purchased and given to Peevey, which she then donated to the zoo. 
 If you're reading by email, click HERE to listen.

And the grande finale':
 

If you're reading by email, click here to watch the Grinch's heart grow. 

Christmas is fast approaching. Wouldn't you love to knock out a chunk of your Christmas shopping and impact your loved ones for eternity?

Would you like to give an extra-special gift? 

One that will:

*refresh a person's faith?

*encourage someone to explore the Bible? 

*inspire busy women to get to know God better?

*unlock uncommon verses and awaken interest in God's Word?

*jumpstart your quiet time?

*make a great companion to your 2021 devotional reading?

Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible is the book you're looking for.  Spotlighting uncommon verses and pairing them with inspiring stories, Refresh Your Faith is the cure for spiritual boredom and apathy.

I'd be honored if you'd order a copy for yourself or gift it to your friends this holiday season. If you live in the Columbia, SC area, I'd love to inscribe copies for you. Reply to this email, and I'll be in touch. 

If you're out of the area, Refresh Your Faith is on sale right now at Our Daily Bread. It's also available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christian Book.com.

Are you hungry for God, but starving for time? 
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord. 

Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive. 

Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.




If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher

Unlocking the Spirit of Christmas with Simeon

Simeon wasn’t a priest. He wasn’t a religious leader. He held no formal office, nor did he fill an official role in the temple. He was just an ordinary man who loved God with all his heart. 

This is how the Bible describes him in Luke 2:25: 

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” 

One day, God “revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.” 

Can you imagine? Having such a close relationship with God that he tells you what he’s going to do before he does it? Amos 3:7 testifies that this happens: “Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants . . .” 

If I was Simeon, after I recovered from such an overwhelming statement, I think I’d wonder, How am I going to recognize the Messiah? What will he look like? The religious leaders of the day expect a conquering king. That shouldn’t be too hard to spot. But the holy books also refer to a suffering servant. That might be a little trickier. 

Then one day, the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit spoke to his heart. Go to the temple. 

Of course, the temple! It stands to reason that God would send his deliverer to the most holy place in the city. Perhaps there will be fanfare and a formal proclamation. Maybe a parade. Surely an entourage of Pharisees and Sadducees, not to mention the priests. And King Herod. He’ll certainly want to welcome the deliverer Israel has been waiting for for centuries. 

Eagerly Simeon ran, if you could call it that, for his old bones didn’t move easily. His racing heart set the tempo for his feet, but his thoughts moved faster than all of them. The Messiah! Here! Oh, I’ve waited so long. Prayed so hard for his appearing. At last. 

Scripture whirled in his head. 

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2). 

“Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever” (Isa. 9:7). 

Simeon expected to have to push through the crowd, but when he arrived at the temple, there was no royal parade. No trumpets and fanfare. Just a few peddlers hawking their wares in the dusty courtyard and money changers haggling over a mite. 

And a craggy-faced tradesman with his young wife carrying two pigeons and a copper coin. 

And a baby. 


An ordinary, non-descript baby. Brown hair. Brown eyes. Cheeks just beginning to fill out. No halo. No angelic host.  
Just a baby. 

He willed his feet to move faster, then slowed as he approached the couple. Timidly, reverently he held out his trembling arms and reached for the tiny infant. The boy's mother surrendered him without hesitation, trusting the ancient sage without knowing why. For a moment their eyes met, and the tears leaking from the corners of the old man’s eyes comforted rather than frightened her. 

Gently he gathered the child to his breast and raised his eyes heavenward. 

"Sovereign Lord,” he whispered, “as you have promised, now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." 

One last look into the sleeping child’s face. One soft kiss on his fuzzy head. One final glance into the wondering eyes of his parents as he returned the babe to his mother’s arms. 
And then he was gone. 

May we, like Simeon, eagerly anticipate the coming of Jesus. May we marvel at what has been said about him. May we see with eyes of faith the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. May we remain faithful to the end. And may we receive the crown of glory, which God reserves for those who long for his appearing.

The only song I know of that tells the story of Simeon is Michael Card's "Now That I've Held Him in My Arms." Enjoy.

If you're reading by email, CLICK HERE to hear "Now That I've Held Him in My Arms" on Youtube.

Christmas is fast approaching. Wouldn't you love to knock out a chunk of your Christmas shopping and impact your loved ones for eternity?

Would you like to give an extra-special gift? 

One that will:

*refresh a person's faith?

*encourage someone to explore the Bible? 

*inspire busy women to get to know God better?

*unlock uncommon verses and awaken interest in God's Word?

*jumpstart your quiet time?

*make a great companion to your 2021 devotional reading?

Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible is the book you're looking for.  Spotlighting uncommon verses and pairing them with inspiring stories, Refresh Your Faith is the cure for spiritual boredom and apathy.

I'd be honored if you'd order a copy for yourself or gift it to your friends this holiday season. If you live in the Columbia, SC area, I'd love to inscribe copies for you. Reply to this email, and I'll be in touch. 

If you're out of the area, Refresh Your Faith is on sale right now at Our Daily Bread. It's also available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christian Book.com.

Are you hungry for God, but starving for time? 
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord. 

Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive. 

Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.


Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.






If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher

Embracing the Oil of Grace -- A Guest Post by Sandy Mayle

 It's my pleasure to welcome Sandy Mayle to the Hungry for God blog today. Sandy's an excellent writer with a deep love for God. I know you'll enjoy her post, Embracing the Oil of Grace Why not leave her a sweet comment in the comment box to thank her for sharing her insights with us today?

My husband and I rarely argue. Not just because we have a great relationship (although we do), but because Dave and I both dislike confrontation and the distance and inner unrest that follows. 
But one day we did argue. Not over anything major, but about his upcoming retirement, the income change that will occur, and his (according to me) pessimistic view of that, and my (according to him) self-chosen oblivion to the realities of our financial situation. 
No yelling. No stomping off, no refusing to talk. Just a dug-in disagreement that left me sad and hurting. The next morning I still felt badly about the whole thing.
In private prayer I searched my heart, praying for understanding. Was God convicting me of wrong? Did I need to apologize, ask forgiveness, do anything? But I got nowhere. Finally, I turned my attention fully on the Lord. 
Lord, what do You say? 
And He answered: 
Grace. 
One word. And that one word said it all. 
The peace, the clarity was immediate. The storm within me quieted instantly. For in that moment God downpoured His shining “Spirit of grace” (Heb. 10:29) over myself, and Dave, and the whole situation. 
Like a rain of holy oil, sweet and smooth, His grace eased the hot friction of discord and quieted the grinding gears of dissension. Like a cool, consoling balm, that grace salved and soothed, took the sting out of words spoken, and freed me to move on. 
When peace wouldn’t come by way of explanation, or understanding, or confession, or compromise, here came grace to do for me (just like at salvation) what I couldn’t do for myself. Grace was God’s compassionate response, Him seeing, and caring, and moving to meet our need. 
Thank God for grace. 
The apostle James wrote to believers in conflict (James 4:1–6), calling them out for their fights, quarrels, warring desires, and selfish prayers. And he noted the antidote: “But He gives more grace . . . [He] gives grace to the humble” (v. 6 NKJV).  
Thankfully, God is the ‘God of all grace” (1 Peter 5:10), the Grace-giver who readily pours out His gift of overcoming sufficiency (2 Corinthians 12:9). And He invites each of His children -- those saved by faith in Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself to pay for their sins -- to the throne of grace: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). 
We need grace. 
Every day. Everywhere. 
In our families, our churches, our workplaces, our politics, our communities. When we feel a painful grating in close relationships. When we meet opposing viewpoints and conflicting desires. When we long for God’s grace to plash down the frazzled hours of hectic days. 
That grace is ours when we approach His throne as His child through Christ’s atonement, confess any sin, consecrate afresh all we have and are, and in humble confidence, ask . . . wait for . . . and receive . . . the rain of grace. 
 A few days later Dave called me to bring a pen and paper. Together we discussed (calmly), listed our anticipated retirement expenses, and drafted a rough budget. He could have said he won (after all, he’d educated me about our finances). I could have said I won (the surplus after expenses looked fairly optimistic) but I think God said it best: 
Grace. 
 

Sandy Mayle is a freelance writer. She and her husband, Dave, live in Erie, Pa., and have three adult sons and four grandchildren. Sandy loves words, the Word, walks in the woods and personal retreats to lovely Olmsted Manor in northcentral Pennsylvania.





Does Your Faith Need Refreshing?

That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!

It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!


Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.

When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.

“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style




Are you hungry for God, but starving for time? 
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord. 

Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive. 

Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.

Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.




If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher

Why Christ's Incarnation Matters to Us Today

I knew Katie’s life was hard. I heard the wobble in her voice every day when I asked her how she was.

My heart ached at her description of how challenging it was to do the simplest things in a foreign country where she didn't speak the language. A trip to the grocery store took half a day. First the mile walk to the train station, then two different train rides, then two more miles to finally reach the store.

In the summer, the hundred-degree heat and humidity left her soaked in sweat and exhausted. 

She could only purchase what she was strong enough to carry in her arms or in a backpack. Two miles back to the train station, two stifling train trips, one more mile up the steep hill to her house. She purchased nothing perishable because it would spoil or melt before she arrived home. No milk. No yogurt. No cheese. And certainly, no ice cream. 

In the winter she ached with cold and slipped and slid her way back and forth on icy, snow-covered streets. 

And the loneliness. Seven miles away from the nearest American and surrounded by people whose customs were vastly different than her own, she lived in a closed culture—suspicious at best and antagonistic at worst. 

I knew her life was hard—in my head. But when I visited her, I knew it was hard—in my heart. 

I walked the miles of colorless streets with her. I sweated under the heat and humidity. I stood at the train station watching the board that announced the trains coming and going and tried to make sense of the scrolling foreign characters. 

I squeezed onto a train, praying it was the right one and tried not to offend anyone by making accidental eye-contact. I lugged groceries up that final hill and collapsed in weariness in that empty house. 

Only to do it all again the next day. 

I thought I had known, but now I knew. 

Jesus Christ, the eternal God, all-knowing, all powerful, all present, knew the struggles mankind faced. 

But then He came to earth. 

John 1:14 tells us, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” 

The Greek word, skēnóō, means to tabernacle. Strong’s concordance defines it as, “to fix one's tabernacle, abide (or live) in a tabernacle (or tent)." 

On that first Christmas morning, God the Son tabernacled among us. He pitched his tent and lived where we lived. 

He experienced the challenges of earning a living in a world of thorns and thistles. He felt the pains of hunger and the fever of sickness. His muscles ached after a hard day’s work, and His head clouded with fatigue at the end of the day. His heart broke at the sight of lost people wandering about in their search for purpose and hope. 

He struggled to resist temptation and remain pure. He sobbed great heaving sobs at the grave of a friend. He experienced loneliness when his closest friends betrayed and abandoned Him. And then He walked the valley of the shadow of death. 

As God the Son, He knew. But when He became flesh, when He pitched His tent and dwelt among us, He knew. 

When I returned from my trip, fresh from the experiences of living with Katie and walking in her footsteps, I knew how to pray for her. 

Every day thereafter I sat before the Father and interceded on her behalf. 

Lord, help her rise to face another day. Give her strength to make that long journey. Speak truth to her so she won’t feel discouraged. Surround her with Your presence so she won’t feel alone. Empower her to do what she has to do today. Send kind people to come alongside her and lift her burden. Remind her that you are near. 

When Jesus returned to heaven, He brought with Him experiential insight He never had before. Because He pitched His tent among us and walked in our footsteps, He knows how to pray for us. 

Now, seated in heaven, He intercedes for us as a faithful and sympathetic High Priest. 

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,” Hebrews 4:14 reminds us, “but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” And He “always lives to make intercession” for us” (Hebrews 7:25). 

Picture that. Christ—our Advocate, our Savior, and our Friend—brings our needs before God’s throne and intercedes for us. Every day of our lives. 

Lord, help her rise to face another day. Give her strength to make that long journey. Speak truth to her so she won’t feel discouraged. Surround her with Your presence so she won’t feel alone. Empower her to do what she has to do today. Send kind people to come alongside her and lift her burden. Remind her that you are always near. 

This Christmas ponder the wonder of the incarnation. Of Immanuel, God with us.

Now it's your turn. What aspect of Christ's incarnation brings you the most wonder? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

 

Christmas is fast approaching. Wouldn't you love to knock out a chunk of your Christmas shopping and impact your loved ones for eternity?

Would you like to give an extra-special gift? 

One that will:

*refresh a person's faith?

*encourage someone to explore the Bible? 

*inspire busy women to get to know God better?

*unlock uncommon verses and awaken interest in God's Word?

*jumpstart your quiet time?

*make a great companion to your 2021 devotional reading?

Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible is the book you're looking for.  Spotlighting uncommon verses and pairing them with inspiring stories, Refresh Your Faith is the cure for spiritual boredom and apathy.

I'd be honored if you'd order a copy for yourself or gift it to your friends this holiday season. If you live in the Columbia, SC area, I'd love to inscribe copies for you. Reply to this email, and I'll be in touch. 

If you're out of the area, Refresh Your Faith is on sale right now at Our Daily Bread. It's also available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christian Book.com.

Are you hungry for God, but starving for time? 
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord. 

Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive. 

Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.


Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.





If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher

5 Signs of a Healthy Marriage

 

Every few months I trotted my daughter to the doctor for a well-baby checkup. As a nervous new mother, I appreciated having a healthcare professional evaluate my baby’s health. She listened to my concerns; peered into my baby’s eyes, ears, nose, and throat; and listened to her heart. After she measured her height and weight, she asked me questions about her eating and sleeping habits. Then she made helpful suggestions. 
Regular physical checkups are important if we value a healthy body, and regular relationship checkups are important if we value a healthy marriage. If you’d like to evaluate the health of your marriage (without having to step on a scale or say Ahhh), consider these five signs of a healthy marriage. 
Today I'm guest posting on Crosswalk.com's Marriage and Family section. To read the rest of this article, click HERE.





Does Your Faith Need Refreshing?

That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!

It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!


Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.

When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.

“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style




Are you hungry for God, but starving for time? 
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord. 

Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive. 

Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.

Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.




If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher

Research Supports Benefits of Giving Thanks -- A Video Presentation

If you could cultivate a habit that increased your happiness levels by 25%, would you do it?

I asked this question to the team members at the SC Department of Revenue recently. Spotlighting current research and providing practical tips and techniques, I shared the simple habit that can change a person's life, the habit of gratitude.

When I share this presentation at a women's ministry event, church group, or ladies retreat, I include the most powerful truth of all, that believers aren't just grateful, we're grateful to God, from whom all blessings flow. But even without this reminder, the habit of practicing gratitude can be life changing.

Quoting Pastor Chuck Swindoll, I reminded them, "We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude."

During Thanksgiving week, I hope you'll take this message to heart. There's a reason God called us to "give thanks in everything.

Because a grateful heart is a happy heart.

Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. I'd love to share this message and others with your women's ministry group, Bible study, or weekend retreat in 2021. CLICK HERE to visit my Speaker's Page. 

 
If you're reading by email and can't see the Growing with Gratitude video, CLICK HERE .

 

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching, it's time to think about Christmas. Wouldn't you love to knock out a chunk of your Christmas shopping and impact your loved ones for eternity?

Would you like to give an extra-special gift? 

One that will:

*refresh a person's faith?

*encourage someone to explore the Bible? 

*inspire busy women to get to know God better?

*unlock uncommon verses and awaken interest in God's Word?

*jumpstart your quiet time?

*make a great companion to your 2021 devotional reading?

Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible is the book you're looking for.  Spotlighting uncommon verses and pairing them with inspiring stories, Refresh Your Faith is the cure for spiritual boredom and apathy.

I'd be honored if you'd order a copy for yourself or gift it to your friends this holiday season. If you live in the Columbia, SC area, I'd love to inscribe copies for you. Reply to this email, and I'll be in touch. 

If you're out of the area, Refresh Your Faith is on sale right now at Our Daily Bread. It's also available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christian Book.com.

If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher

A Christmas Gift that Can Impact Someone for Eternity

 

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching, it's time to think about Christmas. Wouldn't you love to knock out a chunk of your Christmas shopping and impact your loved ones for eternity?

Would you like to give an extra-special gift? 

One that will:

*refresh a person's faith?

*encourage someone to explore the Bible? 

*inspire busy women to get to know God better?

*unlock uncommon verses and awaken interest in God's Word?

*jumpstart your quiet time?

*make a great companion to your 2021 devotional reading?

Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible is the book you're looking for.  Spotlighting uncommon verses and pairing them with inspiring stories, Refresh Your Faith is the cure for spiritual boredom and apathy.

I'd be honored if you'd order a copy for yourself or gift it to your friends this holiday season. If you live in the Columbia, SC area, I'd love to inscribe copies for you. Reply to this email, and I'll be in touch. 

If you're out of the area, Refresh Your Faith is on sale right now at Our Daily Bread. It's also available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christian Book.com.

If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.

Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher