thoughts by Mike Woodard Archives - Daily Devotionals by Thoughts about God

Published May 28, 2023

In Need Of Help

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25

My wife asked, “Do you really think you should do it?”

I had been sick for two days but, in my optimism, I thought I could still compete. I had successfully completed the same triathlon two years earlier.

Swimming was first, my least favorite event. Warming up and chatting with others gave me a boost of energy. Then the gun rang out, but very quickly I realized my energy was not matching my ambition. I alerted a race official in a kayak that I was not feeling good. At the first corner maker, I realized I was not just feeling bad, I was in danger. I called for help, which lead to some focused attention from the emergency medical staff.

We are commanded to meet with other believers — to encourage one another through love and good deeds. God’s commands are for two main reasons: to protect us and provide for us. In Genesis 2:18 God said it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone, so he created Eve. Today, God has created a community of believers because it is still not good for “Adam” to be alone.

I did not listen to my wife or to my body; I was, on the other hand, inspired by the other athletes. Spiritually we need the combination of both inspiration and wisdom. Inspiration motivates us to take steps of faith. Wisdom helps us know when and how to move forward. None of this happens in isolation. We place ourselves in danger when we neglect God’s commands.

Father, help me understand the danger of not responding to your command to seek the company of others that love you. God, give me the humility to both give and receive love and good deeds and to embrace not only the inspiration but the wisdom to do your will. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

Thanks Papa

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 139:7-10

We were on a walk along the edge of the ocean. The trail was rough but my grandson enjoyed the challenge of climbing over rocks, up steep banks, and over trees. The trail went up along the edge of a cliff. At one point, I looked back, just for a moment, and saw my grandson hanging by a root over the ocean and the rocks below. I’m sure my heart skipped a beat! He didn’t say a word. I grabbed his wrists and lifted him back on the trail. He simply said, “Thanks Papa.” And off he went along the trail.

That moment played over and over in my thoughts for days. I had been with him every step along the way, many times saying, “Let me help you.” To which he replied, “Me do it, Papa.” When it came to a need, he seemed confident I was there. He did not understand the danger but his “Thanks Papa” communicated his appreciation of unrequested help.

God promises to be with us always. In fact, we cannot escape his presence. God’s commitment is to journey with us each step along the path we are on. He seeks to provide for us and protect us. We can resist. Apart from his grace, the consequences could be grave and life altering.

Each day we have a choice. We can walk under the guidance of his direction or independent of it. How will you respond to his presence with you today?

Dear Father, thank you for your presence in my life today. Show me any areas that I’m walking independent of your guidance. I confess my predisposition toward self-reliance. I desire your leadership and am so thankful that your right hand will hold me fast. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

You Just Never Know

“Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, ‘We shall hear you again concerning this.’ So Paul went out of their midst. But some men joined him and believed…” Acts 17:32-34a (NASB)

You often don’t know what your witnessing is accomplishing in the moment.

One day I arrived late for a youth pastor’s meeting, so I missed the introductions. But as I sat down, I noticed a familiar face across the room — one I would never have guessed would be at this meeting. About four year earlier, I had met Rick. He was one of the most spiritually antagonistic university students I had ever come across, and now he was a youth pastor?

After the meeting he told me the story of how shortly after we had met, three people had attempted to explain the importance of having a relationship with God. Each time he argued and fought, but finally he realized the truth and accepted Christ’s love and forgiveness to become a Christ follower. It was his last semester of university. That fall he began his training for vocational ministry!

You just never know where you fit into the progression of God’s plan for another person. Paul demonstrates this in our passage today.

He wasn’t the only one. This “You Just Never Know” attitude was demonstrated by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14:6 when he said to his armor bearer, “Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few.” Jonathan and is armor bearer were willing to take a risk and trust that God could work through their small military advance. God did work and give a great victory that day. Jonathan took a step of faith and God blessed his faith.

It pleases God when we trust Him to weave our acts of faith into his master plan for individuals and nations!

*Father, help me to see the people and circumstances around me through your eyes. Guide my small steps of faith to fit into your eternal plan. Help me anticipate your hand at work even when I’m fearful or only see a brief moment in the larger story. Amen.”

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

Calm and Confident

“John replied, ‘No one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I’m not the Christ but that I’m the one sent before him. The groom is the one who is getting married. The friend of the groom stands close by and, when he hears him, is overjoyed at the groom’s voice. Therefore, my joy is now complete. He must increase and I must decrease.” John 3:27-30

I was told I would not be considered for a national leadership role that had opened up in the organization I’d served with for many years. Yet, deep inside, I felt God was asking me to take the role. After some soul searching and checking of my motives, I sent a letter expressing my interest in the position and the conviction that God was motivating my response. I received no immediate reply but after six months I was asked to take the position!

In this process, the words of John the Baptist gave me confidence: “No one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven.” Early in my career, I became convinced that God places people where He wants for His purposes. This has given me a clear sense of who really is in charge. John was sure of who he was and who he was not. He was not the Christ, the Messiah, but he was the friend. Christ was to be honored — that was John’s chief purpose and joy.

Calm and confidence will invade your life when you understand that God is in control, even when the circumstances do not seem to be lining up the way you want. When you intentionally commit to honoring Christ in all circumstances, a profound joy will follow. Are you willing to release control and trust God to be Lord over all? Can you be content to honor Christ and give Him greater reach into your life and circumstances?

Jesus, you are the Messiah and Lord of all things, I am not. I want to trust you today. I give you my cares, desires and concerns. I affirm that no one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven. I trust you have the best plan. By faith, I thank you for what you have planned for me. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

www.thelife.com/dailydevotions

Walk into Darkness!

God says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8-9

For years, I have pictured myself standing on the summit Mt. Baker, a beautiful glacier mountain peak in Washington state. Every time I catch a glimpse of the summit I thought, “I want to stand on the top of that mountain!” That moment came recently…

Our alarms sounded at 1 a.m. We start the climb from base camp at 2:30 am, yes in the dark. Our only light source was our individual headlamps. The limited vision is very unsettling. I was in the lead position on the rope of our group of four. With limited vision, the danger of falling into a crevasse dominated my mind. I notice crevasse lines in the snow that I had to step over, hoping the snow will hold. If not, I trusted my team would hold me. This hope was most intense in sections where no one has walked before me. There are also great open crevasses along the way that appear like the mouths of massive, hungry snow monsters, waiting for a snack!

I was inspired on by the lights of other climbers in the distance up the mountain… My thought, “They have made it so can we.” Behind me on the rope was my friend who had been up the mountain before, his words of direction and guidance where reassuring and comforting. After six hours and about a 5000 foot change in elevation, we reached the summit in almost perfect weather conditions. The exhaustion was mitigated by a sweet moment of satisfaction. We were above the clouds, the tops of other mountains look like islands in a vast sea. Thrilling!

In a life of faith there are moments that we realize the trail is a “walk into darkness.” The fear of the “limited vision” is real but the desire to follow the direction of God will is greater than the fear. You know others have gone before you. There may be those that coach and encourage from a distance but you alone have to take the step, follow the direction. There are dangers but you know that no deep satisfaction will be yours unless you do! Yes there are those that may say you are crazy. God’s Spirit confirms his call!

Will you move forward, one cautious step at a time?

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

The Cross

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

He listened with disbelief and profound shock as his little girl described where a neighbor had touched her. Waves of anger and fear washed over him. How could someone do this? What would be the impact on his little girl? How could God allow this to happen?

Anxious thoughts multiplied and multiplied! How could the God he was trying to serve allow this? Perplexed and angry, this father cried out to God. As he prayed, God brought to his mind a picture of the cross. It was as if God said,

“This is how much I love you and your daughter. I proved beyond doubt by sending my Son to die. I declared my love on the cross and nothing has changed.”

This moment, God’s reassurance of his love, gave this father a peace that could only come from God himself. Impossible from a human perspective.

As he prays, expressing his deep sadness and anxious thoughts about the possible impact on his daughter’s life, he took an amazing step. He thanks God for what God would do to heal and protect his little girl. He openly declares that the deep assurance of God’s love has replaced fear with hope and has protected his heart from bitterness and despair. The anxious thoughts have been captured by an overwhelming confidence in the demonstrated love of God through the cross.

God, thank you for the profound message of the cross! You declared your love. It is undeniable, you love me. I know you are aware of my fears and anger with the difficult and hurtful circumstances around me. Thank you. I embrace your love and your presence with me. The cross compels me to trust you. Amen.

Are you confident of God’s love? Are there anxious thoughts about life, your future, the future of someone you love? Take a trip to the cross. What is God saying to you?

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

Dark Moments of the Soul

“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD.”Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB)

I’ve only been in total darkness once. I was deep in a cave. Friends and I agreed that we would stand alone, not touching, and turn off all the flashlights. The count began. One, two, three! Dark, total darkness.

I’ve never liked the dark. It took all of my mental resolve to be calm, despite knowing that I had a flashlight in my grasp and friends nearby.

I have also experienced a different kind of darkness: dark moments of the soul. Some have been deep, intense and fleeting, while others lingered. It is reassuring that this is not an experience unique to me alone.

Tradition attributes Psalm 27 to King David. David’s life was punctuated with dark moments of threats, betrayal, and failure, yet he seemed able to rise above. This psalm clearly states at least one strategy David employed to manage his despair — an overriding trust that God’s goodness would intersect his life. This faith brought the courage and strength David needed to face the dark moments.

I have realized my view of God shapes every area of my life — my relationships, my attitudes, and even my sleep!

Think with me for a moment — how loving is God? He sent His Son to die for us (Romans 5:8). We can declare with John, “God is light, and in Him there is not darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Darkness is shattered in God’s presence, and He is always nearby.

Father, you know all my desires, thoughts, and circumstances. Thank you that you are good, you love me, and you are all powerful. Today I give you my worries, my discouragements and disappointments. I want to trust you with each of them. I desire the light of your truth and presence to push the darkness out in every area of my life. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

https://www.familylifecanada.com/

Under the Influence

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will” Romans 12:2

Are you concerned by the world’s intoxicating influence on your mind? Perhaps, like me, the onslaught of mainstream media’s indoctrination, the toxicity of immoral societal influences, and the deterioration of sound moral discernment alarms you. Confusion runs rampant, like an inconvenient wildfire consuming every consideration, creed, and comfort. How do I sustain my spiritual integrity by unapologetically and confidently living out my faith in a world with conflicting ideals?

In Romans 12, Paul, fully aware of alluring cultural influences, provides us with sound timely counsel. He emphatically warns Christ followers not to emulate cultural norms or be enticed by worldly ways because they conflict with God’s will. Instead, Paul counsels us to counter the enticing values and influences by renewing our mind. He assures us that when we renew our minds, we will discern the difference between the world’s will and God’s will and respond accordingly, without remorse or compromise.

As Christ followers living in a fallen, confused world, we cannot allow the world’s standards to influence how we live life. God desires to align our values and actions through his Word. When we allow God to renew our minds through the continuing influence of his Word, we inherently counter our cultural confusion and oppression by boldly and confidently discerning God’s way from the world’s way. Renewing our minds allows God to impress his Word and his will on our conscience, and our minds influence the actions of our hearts, thus reflecting and accomplishing “…his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that I am your redeemed child. Protect my heart and mind from the relentless seduction of the world. Create in me an insatiable hunger for your Word. May your Holy Spirit teach and lead me into all truth — so that I may reflect and accomplish your “…good, pleasing and perfect will,” without compromise. Amen.

Ask the Lord to help you renew your mind, to allow his Word to influence you more than the world. Commit to reading your bible daily and to study and memorize God’s Word.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

A Breath of Fresh Air

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Really? Give thanks in all situations?

I was sitting in the emergency room; my knee was about twice its normal size and throbbing with pain.

Earlier that day I was out for a run. I stepped off a curb and felt something pop in my knee. I finished my run with very little discomfort. Gradually the swelling and pain set in.

I was attending a conference when this happened. In the first session of the day, a lady that had spent time in Africa told a very entertaining story of how she learned to be thankful in circumstances that she did not like. My thought was, “What a cute story.”

Sitting in emergency, my thoughts turned to how unhappy I was about my knee, about a work assignment that I did not like, and about the contrary nature of my ministry director. Then I remembered the story I had heard earlier in the day. It was as if God was saying, “Remember the story? Remember my command to give thanks in all circumstances?” In that moment, this was not what I wanted to hear! It took time but finally I started to acknowledge that I could trust in God’s love and that he would work all these things together for good (Romans 8:28).

As a faith step, I started to thank God for the work assignment, my director, and even my painful knee. My mind turned from my disappointment with the circumstances to anticipation. I began to anticipate what God might be doing, on what his purposes were and how he might use each of these in my life.

What freedom, when I experienced the release from disappointment to anticipation! In that moment, through giving thanks I felt like I had stepped from a hot stuffy room into fresh air!

God, your command to give thanks moves me from a focus on disappointment to a place of anticipation. I know you love me and can cause all things to work together for good. Thank you! Amen.

Ponder this question: Is there anything happening in your life that requires the “give thanks” step of faith?

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

Lessons from Life: Words

I grew up in an alcoholic home where both my parents drank and were verbally and physically abusive.

There were not a lot words that brought life or encouragement. Maybe that is why I remember two moments so vividly.

When I was in my early teens, a lady who was like a second mother to me said, “Mike, you are a good boy!” I remember thinking, “Am I?” No one had ever said that to me. Those six words gave me a new picture of myself.

When I was attending university, my father said, “One of the neighbors told me that you were on the dean’s list. I’m proud of you.” I can’t remember any other moment quite like that one, in terms of my dad’s words to me.

Solomon says that “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)

Bring healing and sweetness to someone’s life today through your words. Bring some as well to yourself by embracing what God says about you as His child in Ephesians 1:3-10 and Ephesians 2:10 You are:

1) God’s Best Work/Creation,
2) Chosen/Adopted as His Child,
3) Forgiven and Redeemed as His Wayward and Disobedient Son/Daughter and
4) Blessed with Everything that a Loving Father can give His Child.

by Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

A Lesson from Mom

I grew up on a small farm, the youngest of four in a 2 bedroom log house. For most of my growing up years we had an outhouse, no phone. Cold snowy winters outside were warmed by a pot belly wood stove inside. Alcoholism made a huge impact and shaped all this. My mother was a strong woman. She lived through World War II and the Great Depression. Life seemed to have given her a harsh edge. Empathy was not a strength. Yet there was this tender side I discovered late one night. I’d been sick. After going to bed, mom, thinking I was asleep, gently ran her fingers through my hair. This act of tenderness was repeated in my growing up years. This tenderness showed me a side of my mom that was not often evident but yet very real. It gave me a greater confidence and security in my relationship with her.

At times my view of God has lacked an understanding of His tenderness. My understanding has been shaped by a couple of verses…

“He (God) tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” – Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)

The context of this passage is a description of God power that shapes the universe, the nations and the rulers of the world. Yet in the middle of this is the snapshot of His tenderness…

“You (God) have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness makes me great.”
–Psalms 18:35 (NASB)

Gentleness in the context of strength is a profound contrast and gift. My mom gave me the first glimpse of this. As I have embraced God’s gentle touch in the circumstances of life it has brought healing, security and comfort. Allow God to carry you today.

~ ~ ~ ~

Would you like to know Jesus and have the peace and comfort that only he can give?

If so, why don’t you pray this prayer and invite Jesus into your life:

Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make the kind of person You want me to be.

If you sincerely expressed that prayer to God, you can know that you have a personal relationship with Him. He will be your comfort in these troubled times. God promises us “peace that passes understanding” in other words peace in a world that doesn’t make sense. You can know peace and hope even when your world is in turmoil. God does not change. Ever.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

Warning Lights

Let worry be a warning light! Go to God in prayer to exchange your worry for his supernatural peace!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

When a warning light flashes in my car, I give it my full attention, especially if it is the brake light or the oil indicator. Not responding can be dangerous or lead to costly repairs. So I act quickly to investigate and solve the problem!

Worry has become a warning indicator light in my life. When I start to worry, I realize I’m starting down a road of self-dependence or self-reliance. I’m focused on the problem and how I will handle it. The weight of responsibility and worry often leads to unhealthy physical and emotional side effects that can be dangerous and lead to costly repairs!

Thinking of worry as a warning light has helped me. God, in his wisdom and love, commands me to do things that will protect me and provide a good future. Being obedient to his instruction to pray with an attitude of thanksgiving in the difficult circumstances is a step of faith that moves my focus from self and the problem to God and his resources.

Prayer affirms that God is totally adequate for every possible life circumstance. Praying moves my focus from self to seeking God resources to face the challenges and worries of each situation. Plus, prayer allows me to exchange worry for a peace that is beyond understanding. It’s a peace that only God can provide — a peace that will protect my heart and mind.

God, I confess I often worry about many things. Thank you that you have commanded me to bring all my worries to you. Nothing is too big or too small for you! Amen.

Let worry be a warning light! Go to God in prayer to exchange your worry for his supernatural peace!

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

The Gift of Anticipation

Could it be that growing up in my crazy family molded me in a way that would allow God to uniquely use my experiences to help others?

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NASB)

Having grown up in an alcoholic family, I have often looked at “normal” families and thought, “If only I could have been born into that family…,” or “Why me, why did I have to experience the madness of life with a really messed up family?” This pity party only led to sadness. I was good at keeping the doors closed about these private thoughts. Most people did not know about this lingering disappoint; it was like a shadow over my world.

This darkness lingered until it was displaced by anticipation. I finally became convinced that God had a plan and purpose for my life. A statement from the book of Romans was instrumental: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Could it be that growing up in my crazy family molded me in a way that would allow God to uniquely use my experiences to help others? I concluded that the answer was yes. It was like a switch was flipped. Instead of looking back with regret I began to look forward with anticipation. The past did not disappear or become less painful, but it was no longer my focus. I’ve realized it’s hard to walk forward when looking backwards. Each day, I trust that God has a good plan.

God thank You that You are good and wise. I trust that You can cause all things to work together for good, even the things that seem hurtful, sad and disappointing. By faith I look forward to how You will work in my life and through it according to Your good plan in the days ahead. Thank You for Your presence and power each step of the way. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

Your Map is Putting You in Danger!

What map are you using for your life journey? Is it an old map that seems to be putting you in difficult, even dangerous situations? Is it time for a new map?

When my daughter was 16, she and I decided to do a 7 day backpacking trip on the West Coast Trail of Vancouver Island. I had a very old map of the trail, and being very frugal, I decided that the cost of a new edition of the map was not a necessary expense. What I did not know was that since the last printing of the map, several parts of the trail along the ocean had changed!

On the second day, we found ourselves in difficult, if not dangerous situations two different times, because the old map we were using was not accurate. At one point, we had to climb a rock face to get off the beach to escape the rising tide. As we described our day and showed the cuts and bruises we had to show for our climb to another hiker he commented, “Your map is putting you in danger!” He and his friend had two current maps, so they insisted we take one. They in fact, ended up joining us for the rest of the hike. I’m not sure if it was because they liked our company or were worried about our safety? I’m happy to report that with the new map, we successfully completed the trail and created many memorable moments.

What map are you using for your life journey? Is it an old map that seems to be putting you in difficult, even dangerous situations? Is it time for a new map? Maybe it’s also time to find someone to walk part of the trail with you!

The Bible is a wonderful blue print for life. When one become a Christ follower, God gives his Spirit to direct and empower his followers. I have become convinced that success in life is only really possible by knowing the author of life who designed us in the first place and who knows all the secrets of life. Following His loving direction is a good choice. The path is far too complicated to complete on my own without a good map and guide.

“A person’s steps are made secure by the Lord when they delight in his way. Though they trip up, they won’t be thrown down, because the Lord holds their hand.” – Psalms 37:22-24 (CEB)

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

A River Runs Through Me

“Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” By this He spoke of the Spirit.” John 7:37-39a (NASB)

I drove through an arid and dry landscape marked with sagebrush. A large and swift river ran through it. All that water! But the land remained parched. Then, in the distance I could see blocks of green like the squares of a giant patchwork quilt. As I got closer it became clear that irrigation lines were giving life to otherwise barren fields.

What a vivid picture of our lives! Every person has a deep thirst for health, purpose, and meaning. Yet there is a void, a dryness that touches the remote regions of each person. Just as the spring rain brings some level of relief, a project or a goal might bring life for a season. But a shower of self-effort will only bring temporary results. The dryness and thirst return. The cry of the heart resurfaces: There must be more to life than this.

Only when we are connected to God, the ultimate source, is our deep thirst satisfied and rich fruitfulness the result.

God’s Spirit in the believer brings “rivers of living water” that are unlimited and give abundant and eternal life. Just as the river runs through a dry and thirsty land with little noticeable impact, in the same way, the Spirit in our lives can have limited impact without our daily yielding to His power and influence. The rich fruitfulness of God’s Spirit in someone who yields to Jesus daily is in stark contrast to the barrenness of the Christian who lives a dry and self-reliant existence.

Lord Jesus, I yield each area of my life to You and confess my self-effort as pride. Direct and empower my actions today. May your Spirit create a profound transformation in my life resulting in the fruit of Your Spirit being displayed in my life. Amen.

In Need Of Help

My wife asked, “Do you really think you should do it?”

Further Reading

Thanks Papa

Further Reading

You Just Never Know

You often don’t know what your witnessing is accomplishing in the moment.

It pleases God when we trust Him to weave our acts of faith into his master plan for individuals and nations!

Further Reading

Calm and Confident

Further Reading

Walk into Darkness!

God says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8-9

Further Reading

The Cross

Further Reading

Dark Moments of the Soul

Further Reading

Under the Influence

Further Reading

A Breath of Fresh Air

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Further Reading

Lessons from Life: Words

I grew up in an alcoholic home where both my parents drank and were verbally and physically abusive.

Further Reading

A Lesson from Mom

Further Reading

Warning Lights

Let worry be a warning light! Go to God in prayer to exchange your worry for his supernatural peace!

Further Reading

The Gift of Anticipation

Could it be that growing up in my crazy family molded me in a way that would allow God to uniquely use my experiences to help others?

Further Reading

Your Map is Putting You in Danger!

What map are you using for your life journey? Is it an old map that seems to be putting you in difficult, even dangerous situations? Is it time for a new map?

Further Reading

A River Runs Through Me

Further Reading

Follow Us On:

Category: <span>thoughts by Mike Woodard</span>

My wife asked, “Do you really think you should do it?”

Further Reading

Further Reading

You often don’t know what your witnessing is accomplishing in the moment.

It pleases God when we trust Him to weave our acts of faith into his master plan for individuals and nations!

Further Reading

Further Reading

God says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8-9

Further Reading

Further Reading

Further Reading

Further Reading

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Further Reading

I grew up in an alcoholic home where both my parents drank and were verbally and physically abusive.

Further Reading

Further Reading

Let worry be a warning light! Go to God in prayer to exchange your worry for his supernatural peace!

Further Reading

Could it be that growing up in my crazy family molded me in a way that would allow God to uniquely use my experiences to help others?

Further Reading

What map are you using for your life journey? Is it an old map that seems to be putting you in difficult, even dangerous situations? Is it time for a new map?

Further Reading

Further Reading

Follow Us On: