Thunder and Lightning and Storms, Oh My!
November 10, 2024 by Gina Stinson
Filed under Daily Devotions, Family
By Gina Stinson
The rain started about 4:00 AM and tapered off at around 8:00 AM. We headed to church under overcast skies and then ran errands, attended a baby shower and choir practice and then headed back to church for the evening service. Even then, the skies forecast showers. By 10:00 PM, it was inevitable. You could smell it in the air. Storms were headed our way.
The pitter patter of rain sounded like tiny little fairies dancing on the rooftop. Then the crackle of lightning signaled for the boom of thunder to follow. This went on for hours, startling us with the frightening volume. It didn’t take long before my two children scampered into bed with my husband and I. “I sleep with you,” followed by “I’m scared” guaranteed them a snuggle spot in a bed of protection.
The Words of My Mouth
October 25, 2024 by Gina Stinson
Filed under Daily Devotions, Worship
By Gina Stinson
Praise, compliments, encouragement, lies, yelling, gossip, exaggeration, truth—all kinds of words that can come out of our mouths. It’s easy to see why we would need to join the Psalmist prayer for acceptable words to the Lord! The Bible warns us in the book of James about the daunting task of keeping our mouths under control. The job was tough then, and it’s tough now.
The verse is Psalms outlines the process pretty carefully. First, it talks about our physical and spiritual make-up—that battle between the flesh and the spirit—the tongue and the heart. There are so many times when the things we think about slip off our tongue with no thought. A word spoken in anger, gossip or a lie. There is almost always an aspect of regret or guilt after the words are spoken; and the heart plus the spoken word do not equal “acceptable in God’s sight.”
Summer Clearance
October 17, 2024 by Gina Stinson
Filed under Daily Devotions, Life Topics
It’s that time of year. Stores are calling your name with signs that yell “Summer Clearance, Summer Markdowns, Summer Savings.” But in reality, the message they are sending is “Summer’s Over.” School starts in just a matter of days and routine will replace lazy days of summer. It’s a fact.
We love summer because it gives us a change of pace. Kids run wild, we vacation, we plan fun events…it’s a virtual party with spend-the-night guests and late nights. The variety makes it fun and come February we are literally salivating on it’s memory.
Trading My Sorrows
October 12, 2024 by Gina Stinson
Filed under Daily Devotions, Personal Growth
In a world where it’s easy to get caught up with dissatisfaction, complaining, grumbling, and despair, it’s reassuring to know God has a trade-in policy. He has his own “cash for clunkers” deal!
If you’re feeling down, troubled, distressed or perplexed, God’s Word says you don’t have to feel despair. Feeling persecuted? Don’t…He’s not forsaken you. Feeling cast down? Don’t you know the end of the story…HE wins!
Reminders
September 22, 2024 by Gina Stinson
Filed under Daily Devotions
God has a gentle way of reminding us that He is in control. Last month in Beaumont, Texas a tornado popped up without any warning. The TV weathermen all tried to figure out how they didn’t see it coming. One of them finally admitted that sometimes things were out of their control.
Sometimes?
Giving God control of all things…big or little makes life a little less stressful. When you aren’t in control, your only obligation is to do what you’re told—to obey. Well, that’s exactly how it is with God. People ask “How do I know what God is telling me to do; how do I know what to obey?” When you begin reading God’s Word you become familiar with His voice, His commands, His Words, His direction. It doesn’t mean that you’ll never go another way, but it does mean He will guide you if you give Him control. Just like the weathermen in Beaumont, don’t be surprised when God pops in and does something unexpected. It’s just a reminder that in this world of crazy control freaks and manipulators, He really is still in charge of everything!
PRAYER: Thank You Father for Your guiding hand that controls my life. Help me to submit to those things You allow and to learn from the valleys and the mountaintops.
“Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power,” Psalm 150:1 KJV.
Today’s devotion is by Gina Stinson, wife to Bruce, mom to Savannah and Tucker and publicist assistant for Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. In her spare time you can find her blogging, gardening and working in her community and church. Check out her blog http://journalinggina.blogspot.com
