Tag: Bible

Faith Through Every Season

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Faith Through Every Season: Reflecting on Isaiah 46:4

 
Life is made up of seasons—each one bringing its own unique joys and challenges. There’s the energy of youth, the busyness of middle age, and the reflective beauty of our later years. In every one of these stages, Isaiah 46:4 offers a promise that steadies the soul:
 
“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar (gray) hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.”
 
This verse is rich with reassurance, showing us how God’s care spans a lifetime. Let’s take a closer look at four key truths it offers:
 

God Made You and Knows You

“I have made…”
 
It’s comforting to know that the One who created the stars and the oceans also created you. He knows you inside and out—the parts you celebrate and the parts you keep hidden. From the very beginning, God has had His hand on your life, shaping you with intention and care.
 
Have you ever looked back and seen His fingerprints in the way your life has unfolded? I know I have, even in times when I didn’t fully realize it at the moment.
 
 

God Carries You Through Every Season

“I will bear; even I will carry…”
 
We’re not meant to carry life’s burdens alone. God steps in to bear the weight, especially when we’re too tired to keep going. Whether you’re facing the demands of a busy life or walking through a season of uncertainty, His promise is the same: “I will carry you.”
 
I can’t count how many times I’ve leaned on that promise. Sometimes, it’s the quiet assurance that gets you through the day. Other times, it’s a moment where you can’t help but say, “Thank You, Lord, for carrying me through this.”
 
 

God Will Deliver You

“I will deliver you.”
 
God doesn’t just carry us through the hard times—He delivers us. Whether it’s deliverance from a specific challenge or the ultimate promise of eternity with Him, this is a God who doesn’t leave us stuck. He moves us forward, always working for our good.
 
Think about a time when God brought you through something you thought you wouldn’t overcome. That’s His faithfulness at work.
 
 

God Walks With Us in Old Age

“Even to your old age… and even to hoar (gray) hairs…”
 
There’s something deeply comforting about this part of the verse. As we age, the world may see grey hair and slowing steps, but God sees a lifetime of stories, lessons, and faithfulness. He doesn’t abandon us in our later years—in fact, He carries us all the more tenderly.
 
Growing older can bring new challenges, but it also brings a perspective that only comes with time. God promises to stay with us, steady and faithful, as we reflect on where we’ve been and prepare for where we’re going.
 

Conclusion

 
No matter where you are in life—whether you’re just starting out, in the middle of the race, or enjoying the wisdom that comes with age—Isaiah 46:4 offers the same beautiful truth: You are not alone.
 
How has God carried you through life’s seasons? Share your reflections in the comments below—I’d love to hear your story.
 
 

 

 

Finding Strength in Romans 12:12

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Finding Strength in Romans 12:12

Life’s journey is a series of peaks and valleys, moments of joy followed by times of uncertainty or struggle. In these ever-changing circumstances, Romans 12:12 offers a timeless blueprint for navigating life with grace and strength:

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

This verse is a reminder of how we can align our hearts with God’s will and find strength, no matter the season we’re in.

Be joyful in hope:

Hope gives us something to hold onto when life feels overwhelming. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect but trusting in God’s promises. Even in uncertainty, we can rejoice in the knowledge that He is working all things for good. Holding on to hope keeps our spirits lifted and reminds us that better days lie ahead.

Patient in affliction:

Difficulties often shape our character more than ease ever could. Patience in these times isn’t about passively waiting; it’s about enduring with faith and grace, trusting that God’s timing is perfect. Through challenges, we learn lessons that strengthen us and deepen our reliance on Him.

Faithful in prayer:

Prayer is our lifeline to God. It’s through prayer that we pour out our hearts, seek guidance, and find peace. Consistent communication with God not only strengthens our faith but also grounds us in His love and wisdom.

Let Romans 12:12 be a compass in your faith journey. Whether you’re celebrating victories or enduring trials, these words remind us to keep our eyes on God. In hope, patience, and prayer, we find strength to face whatever comes our way. 💛

How to Find Purpose

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How to Find Purpose in Every Task: A Reflection on Colossians 3:23-24

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:23-24

These words from Colossians remind us that no task, however small or routine, is insignificant when approached with the right heart. When we shift our focus from seeking human recognition to serving God, our work becomes an offering that glorifies Him.

This perspective transforms how we view our daily responsibilities. Whether you’re tackling a challenging project, caring for loved ones, or simply going about your routine, each task becomes an opportunity to reflect God’s grace and goodness.

So how do we apply this mindset in our lives?

Shift your perspective:

Remember, even the most mundane work can glorify God. Consider how your actions align with His purposes.

Serve with joy:

Gratitude transforms how we approach challenges. A joyful heart reflects trust in God, even in difficult times.

Pursue excellence:

Strive to give your best effort—not for approval from others, but to honor Christ. Excellence done for the Lord impacts those around you.

Today, ask yourself: What tasks in my life can I reframe as acts of worship? Every moment holds the potential to glorify God when done heartily for Him.

#FaithInAction #Colossians32324 #WorkWithPurpose #ChristianLiving

Hope: The Anchor of Our Souls

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A blue board anchored with the Bible verse Hebrews 6:19 summarized saying "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure
Hope: The Anchor of Our Souls

Hope: The Anchor of Our Souls

Life often feels like a stormy sea, tossing us in directions we never anticipated. Uncertainty, challenges, and trials can leave us feeling adrift, searching for something to hold on to. Yet, in the midst of the storm, Hebrews 6:19 offers a profound reassurance:

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.”

This verse reminds us that hope in God is not just wishful thinking. It is a sure and steadfast anchor, grounding us in His unchanging promises. Unlike the fragile hope we place in fleeting circumstances, this divine hope is unshakable. Here are three ways this hope strengthens and sustains us:

Hope Provides Stability:

Just as an anchor keeps a ship from drifting, hope in God keeps us grounded during life’s uncertainties. It reminds us that no matter the storm, we are secure in His care.

Hope Inspires Perseverance:

When challenges seem insurmountable, hope motivates us to keep going. It assures us that God’s promises are true and that He is working all things together for our good.

Hope Deepens Our Faith:

This hope draws us closer to God, leading us “within the veil”—into a deeper relationship with Him. It shifts our focus from temporary struggles to eternal truths, strengthening our trust in His plan.

Today, let’s reflect on the hope we have in Christ. Let it stabilize, inspire, and deepen your walk with Him. No matter what storms you face, this anchor will hold.

 

Help in Planning

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Proverbs 16:9

Proverbs 16:9

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

Our Dreams and God’s Guidance

Life is a beautiful blend of our dreams and God’s guidance. We may map out our journey, but it’s God who shapes the path and adds purpose to every twist and turn.

His Perfect Plan

Trust the process, lean on Him, and know that even detours and delays are part of His perfect plan.

 

Ideas for Writing

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Feral Cats

A slick, treacherous pool deck glistened underfoot as I delivered the morning room service—a ritual our feral cats expected, perhaps even demand.

The overcast skies hung low, draped with a suffocating fog that twisted the air into something sinister. The black cats with their piercing yellow eyes prowled like an army of dark sentinels, their gazes cutting through the mist. They moved as one, a shadowy legion conjuring whispers of forgotten rituals and unspoken curses.

Children of the Corn

Children of the Corn had nothing on these creatures; their presence was a macabre warning etched into the morning’s gloom, each pawstep a silent herald of something unspeakable.

Note:

In 1988, I was at a writer’s conference with the late Dr. Calvin Miller. He shared with me that writer fail to take advantage of the opportunities they have to work on their craft.

He said, “You might write a regular column for your church newsletter or book club. Why not give them your best writing and develop your craft simultaneously?”

I thought of him this morning as I wrote a caption for a picture I took as I began my morning cat feeding.

 

Where Do You Write?

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Outdoor Writing at Starbucks

A Cool Morning

A crisp 55 degrees and a gentle breeze whisper through the morning air as the shaded patio of my favorite Starbucks becomes my open-air office.

Hot Coffee

My steaming coffee sits beside me, inviting and warm, as I let go of life’s challenges and let the narrative nonfiction piece I’m working on flow from my mind to the page.

If you’re a writer, where do you write?

 

Election Reflections

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Jim Kepler Reflection on 2024 Presidential Election Results
Jim Kepler Reflecting on the 2024 Presidential Election Results

Election Reflections

If you were in favor of the reelection of the former president, I know you’re happy.
 
If you were hoping the vice-president would ascend to office, well … it didn’t happen. And so goes life. Ups and downs. Thrills and disappointments.

God Still Reigns

Remember, our God reigns and is ultimately in charge. Even if someone doesn’t believe in God, that doesn’t change the fact that He’s still there, still in charge, and His will be done. That’s how I can accept any election results.
 
Remember, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. Genesis 1:1.
 
The stock market seems very happy with the election results.

What The Bible Says

While these verses are from the Bible, I borrowed the verses from an excellent article by my writing friend Dr. Katherine Passour. All other content in the post is my original content.
 
 
Here are a few versers that help me through each day as I reflect on the government and our leaders.
 
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1
 
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:17
 
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:13-15
 
Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it. Luke 11:28
 
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:10-11
 
And so goes the week and must trust in God.
 
 

 

What I Learned From Time Change Sunday

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Psalm 121:4 "Behold, He that keepers Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
Lessons Learned From Time Change Sunday

 

Time Change Sunday

It’s “time change” Sunday. Last night we moved the clocks back one hour. For most people, that’s a big deal.

Moving clocks forward and back for time changes have become routine because of my travel. On my trip to the British Isles, France, Portugal, and then returning to the United States via a transatlantic cruise, I changed time zones eight times.

Last fall when I did a transpacific cruise I crossed sixteen time zones. The trip was from Dallas, Texas, USA to Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Yes, I’m fortunate to travel. An interesting lesson learned was God was always with me. I could read His word and pray to Him in Scotland or Paris as easily as I could in Tahiti or New Zealand. I could be still wherever I was and know He is God.

A Lesson From the Bible

In the Bible, we read in Psalms 124:1 King James Version, “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” It reminds me that my God is all powerful. He keeps watch over His chosen nation of Israel. And, He never sleeps or slumbers. He’s always there for them and He is always available anywhere for me, regardless of which time zone I’m in.

Terry Pratchett on Writing

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Embrace the evolving journey of writing!

Sir Terry Pratchett shares: “I, on the other hand, am a technophile, so there is no such thing as a first draft. The first draft plunges on, and about a quarter of the way through it I realize I’m doing things wrong, so I start rewriting it. What you call the first draft becomes rather like a caterpillar; it is progressing fairly slowly, but there is movement up and down its whole length, the whole story is being changed. I call this draft zero, telling myself how the story is supposed to go.”

Writing is an ever-changing process. Draft zero is a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving as you uncover the true path of your story. It’s a journey of discovery, where revisions shape the narrative from start to finish.

Don’t be afraid to dive in, knowing that transformation is part of the process. Allow your story to grow and change, like a caterpillar inching towards its final form. Embrace the fluidity of draft zero, trusting that each rewrite brings you closer to the story you’re meant to tell.

Sir Terry Pratchett I, on the other hand am a technophile, so there is no such thing as a first draft. The first draft plunges on, and about a quarter of the way through it I realise I'm doing things wrong, so I start rewriting it. What you call the first draft becomes rather like a caterpillar; it is progressing fairly slowly, but there is movement up and down its whole length, the whole story is being changed. I call this draft zero, telling myself how the story is supposed to go.