faith

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Tree of Life

Fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true. Bear and abide. Branch attached to vine. Fruit bearing branches pruned. Encouraged to bear even more. Heart’s produce praises God. Acknowledges His Name. Father glorifying fruit. Vine identification. Spirit of life and peace. Humility and gentleness. Love bearing fruit full of sap and green. Grapes never gathered from thorn bushes. Figs won’t grow from thistles. Good trees grow good fruit. Taste and see that the Lord…

Double Trouble

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 It wasn’t intentional. It was an accommodation. A kindness. A compromise. I didn’t want to be that Christian. The one who makes sure everyone knows they don’t drink or let their kids watch certain movies. The one people roll eyes over as they walk away. I wanted my non-Christian friends to feel comfortable and develop…

Storm Rider

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the One who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13 Come to Me - I give rest to those who labor. The heavily laden. The burdens you carry I never intended. Lay it down, let it go. I long to gather you close. Learn from Me, for I am gentle. Humble in heart. Draw near. My steadfast love endures forever. When the…

Armor of God

If God is for me, who can be against me? He graciously gives all things. Mercy. Grace. His Own Son. Reconciliation instead of separation. Once lost, now found. I am more than a conqueror in Christ. No weapon formed against me can stand. The Lord vindicates His servants. Strengthens and helps. Gives courage. His righteous, right Hand upholds. I will not be shaken. The Spirit He gives is not fearful. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.…

Consuming Fire

His voice shook the earth and Moses trembled in terror and fear. The untouchable mountain burned with darkness, gloom and storm. What was commanded could not be borne. Then God. His voice shook earth, water, sky. Now He promises. Promises to shake not just earth but also the Heavens. A kingdom that cannot be shaken. Mount Zion, city of the living God. The heavenly Jerusalem. Thousands upon thousands of angels assemble in joy. Jesus, mediator of the new covenant. Sprinkled…

Inside Out

Bright morning sun has me squinting hard as I bend down to peer through the open window of a car now coasted to a stop beside my dog, Lucy. “What's going on?” my neighbor asks. I pause considering an obligatory response then plunge forward in a current of honesty. “Walking in anger and unforgiveness.” He doesn’t miss a beat, “That’s all of us.” Trials are a test – not pass or fail but to improve strength and reveal weakness. I’ve…

Strong Tower

The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Grace and peace multiplied. In His great mercy, He allows us to be born again. Living hope. Resurrection from death to life. Imperishable inheritance kept in Heaven. Unfading. Faith guarded salvation. Joy in trials. Steadfastness produced through testing. Glory to God. His Word lights my path. Labor of love. Hope that holds.…

Heaven’s Hope

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 Beloved, do not fear. He wipes away every tear and death is no more. Mourning, crying and pain are gone. Former things passed away. My Father’s house has many rooms. He’s prepared one just for you. It’s beyond imagination. Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame. He is…

Same Sex Attraction: A Battle with Shame

Today, I give you a gift in the form of a post written by guest blogger, Sam Renee Bartee. God connected Sam and I through Instagram where I discovered her blog and devotion to Christ. Reading her writing humbles and inspires me – I pray I live my faith boldly and proclaim Him fearlessly the way Sam does. This is a post you want to read and share. I hated myself - every part and portion down to the last…

Broken Chains

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 Be. Still. Know. Be still and know. He is God. Stop striving. Come to Me. Trade worldly burdens for easy and light. Everlasting love. Broken hearts bound. Soul’s rest. Captives set free. Life eternal. Tears wiped away. Pain no more. [bctt tweet="Come, all who labor and are laden heavy." username="Liz_Petruzzi"] The enemy kills, steals and destroys. Christ gives peace, hope, love, joy.…