Never Alone
When we feel worried or anxious, God is always with us, and we never have to face anything alone.A new year can be exciting… but it can also feel a little scary. New schedules. New classrooms. New friendships. New expectations. Sometimes all those “new” things can make our hearts feel tight inside. We start to worry about what might happen, or whether we’ll be okay. But here’s the good news: we are never alone. God promises to be with us in every moment, not just on the good days, but on the hard ones too. When we feel anxious, confused, or unsure, God is close. He listens when we pray. He gives us peace when our thoughts feel loud. And He reminds us that we don’t have to figure everything out on our own. When worries start to creep in, we can stop,...
Read MoreAfter the Decorations Come Down
For several weeks last month, energy, enthusiasm, expectancy, and excitement surrounded us. Everywhere we looked and went, there was singing, music, twinkling, and blinking. It was the order of the day for most. Which rehearsals are on the schedule? My brother and I get to help Grandpa with his huge tree. I cannot wait to see what is in that striped box. Are my clothes ready for the concert? I was chosen to portray Mary, the mother of JESUS. What gifts do I need to buy? When are my cousins arriving? I promised to help Grandma with baking. Now the relatives are gone. The surprises are over. The decorations are packed away for eleven more months. Have you lost interest in those gadgets already? Are you disappointed? Before you sink into the doldrums, read Luke...
Read MoreThe Gift Who Always Fits
God is the gift who always fits. “Every good and perfect gift comes from GOD.” James 1:17 We so enjoy shopping and buying gifts for others, right? Especially for those whose preferences we know. Their favorites—colors, hobbies, songs, sports, foods, and places. Being on the receiving end of gifts is a treat, too. Wrapped with bows. Bagged or not. Searching for the right gift takes thought, time, and cash. How many of your gifts were: A. the wrong size, color, or style B. returned or donated What do you say when the giver asks, “Have you worn that sweater I gave you yet?” or “Did you say pistachios are your must-have?” Well… did you like it? Though we may not always give or receive what we want, long-awaited favorite, GOD—the Ultimate...
Read MoreKeep Candles 🕯️ Glowing!
Perhaps you have seen the lighting of Advent candles many times! What do you remember about this? If you have never seen or heard of it, come on a 4 week joyous journey of discovery, prayer, and growth! Bless Your holy, righteous, excellent Name O LORD! Your has no limits! Prayer 1st Candle – HOPE: “ GOD, LIGHT of the world s we light the first Advent candle of hope, we ask for/acknowledge and usher in Your presence to fill our hearts and homes. May the hope of Christ’s coming bring light to our darkness and renew our spirits. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.” 2nd – PEACE: “GOD of peace, Prince-of-PEACE as we light the second Advent of peace, may your peace fill our hearts and our world. Help us to be peacemakers/keepers in...
Read MoreDay One—Start In The Beginning
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. (Genesis 1:1–5 (NIV) ) Think About It In the very beginning, before anything else, God was there. He spoke, and light filled the darkness. That tells us God is super powerful; He can make light just by speaking! When we see the world around us, from the sunshine to the stars, we can remember that God made it...
Read MoreWhatever
You may hear the word whatever in many places. You may see it on hats, shirts, screens, and signs. When people say whatever, they can mean many things. Sometimes they mean “okay.” Other times they mean “I don’t care.” Some say it when they do not want to choose. Faces, voices, and hands help you know what they mean. God wants you to use this word in a better way. He wants you to grow a heart that gives thanks. His Word shows how to do that. When you use whatever in a lazy way, you stop yourself from choosing thanks. So ask yourself, “What am I to think, say, and do?” ✝ First, gratitude = choosing.Each morning you can choose. Will you stay stuck in the whatever trap, or will you look at the many blessings God gives? Jesus brings abundance (John...
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If it’s in the Bible, The Pirate Preacher knows the story. Monday nights he leads a “Jesus Study” in Moore Square, Raleigh, NC. Each Sunday you will find him in the park and at the bus station helping others enjoy the abundant life Jesus promised.
The Pirate Preacher helped launch Christian Devotions Ministries and is the former CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, a Christian book publishing company. He’s also a “Blessed Selling” author and Writers’ Coach.
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