Joy and Strength (Christian life and music)

To my readers,  Thank you for reading my blog. I hope and pray it has been an inspiration and encouragement to you to follow Jesus more closely. Did you know that I have published a devotional? I compiled selected writings from this blog and there are almost 300 pages for you to enjoy and grow from.  All of your favorite topics in one place.  Forgiveness, freedom, knowing God, the enemy's tactics in our lives, letting go, suffering well, gratitude, obedience, and so much more! With a table of contents to guide you, you can pick and choose whatever areas the Lord is working on in your life.  You will have it all at your fingertips in my devotional, “Greater is He.” It is available as a paperback for you to highlight and underline during your quiet time, or whenever you need a word from the Holy Spirit.  Or, if you prefer, you can download a copy in ebook format. It is available exclusively on Amazon.  Pick up your copy today!  And be sure to gift one to...

When we look back to our past for answers, sometimes it is helpful, sometimes not so much. The trick is to know which is which. They say if you don't know history that you are doomed to repeat it.  And there is some sense to that. We learn from our mistakes, not our successes.  I love Edison's quote about his invention of the light bulb (I realize that he actually may or may not have invented the light bulb, but bear with me): “ I have not failed.   I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work .”  Thomas Edison What isn't "working" in your life right now? Have you given up?  Have you looked to the past and figured, "Why bother?  It didn't work out then, so why would it work now?" Looking back can paralyze us.  It did Lot's wife - she literally turned into a pillar of salt when she looked back instead of moving on and forward as God commanded them to. Our minds are extremely powerful.  They can create scenarios that may or may not happen.  ...