Real Netta, Pieces of my Heart

The last few verses became daily prayers over my family. Do you do the same thing with God’s Word? Do you memorize it? What are your 2024 plans with Jesus? [email protected]

A little phrase my Dad used to say to me popped into my head when I read these verses. And now certain words I think (or say) are alerts to me that my heart needs a new tune.

Who is your enemy? How do you handle the list of fears & concerns that go around and around in your head? These verses give us a few practical ideas.

A teenager’s demand for snacks looks a lot like the way some people talk to God.

Time traveling to tomorrow steals the goodness of today.

Little girls at my daughter’s birthday party did the same exact thing we do to God.

Two truths learned from Psalm 144:1

It’s amazing what can go through our minds in a single day. Our thoughts can smash our hopes & joys.

Someone’s decision about a right/wrong situation may stem from something completely different that you think.

No one can make us spend time with Jesus… no one else can put His Spirit in or on us. So spend time in the Bible… and here’s a simple way to break down one verse and pull info & inspiration from it.

There’s a constant thought process & “voice” we listen to… who’s voice is it? God can turn our lives in totally different direction by changing the way we think.

Does God promise that we’ll never be disgraced?

Even when you’re stuck in a hole of shame, He is there. His love reaches… say His name… JESUS!

We are instruments for God’s purpose… and just like we may use a screw driver or hammer incorrectly, we may be misusing His precious tool- us!

There is always strength to hold up your head (even if it’s a bean neck with no muscles!)

Believing in God means we can have faith because we know He can make something out of nothing!

I used to hate that little phrase, but now it holds a very different meaning to me.

Doing what’s right from a wrong heart vs Doing what’s right from a heart that is changed by God (even when it’s uncomfortable or painful)

Keeping track of answered prayer builds our faith & helps us keep a thankful heart. Here’s the little system of praying for certain things on specific days that I’ve used for years.

Simple encouragement to help us believe & other words that begin with “B” from Romans 1.

It felt like God was telling me the same thing over and over… “I already learned that God!!!” But then I took a closer look at my journal & realized He was saying more than I was hearing.

How are we supposed to put a smile on our face then we don’t feel it at all on the inside? How does knowing God have anything to do with that?

That word has been used in sitcoms & popular culture. But it’s meaning is deep and comforting. Psalm 144:3

Esther set the example of using her influence for the benefit of other. Her people followed. What about us?

Do we have the courage to approach someone, even if they’ve made it clear that we’re not invited?

An incredibly selfish man was all set to kill, totally destroy. Our selfishness can do the same. Esther could’ve stepped away from the opportunity to rescue others, but she takes her fear to God through prayer & fasting.

A young lady’s plans and goals were destroyed in one quick moment. Her story gives us practical responses for the times when our own life is not what we’d written in our planners.

This last episode from Isaiah 53:5 looks at how the horrible things Jesus endured gives us healing... beyond just our bodies. Lies & hurts can be replaced with fresh truth.

Our mental, emotional & spiritual hardships are real. Jesus recognizes them, was punished for them, and offers us hope & a future.

Our broken world can easily leave us crushed and feeling like we’re special to no one. But Jesus!

Exploring Isaiah 53:5 this week leading up to Easter. “He [Jesus] was pierced for my rebellion.”

Blessings can come and go from surprising places in this final chapter of the Book of Acts (28)

When you hear the phrase, “the storm raged on for many days,” what comes to mind? Paul knew who he belonged to & took courage. Can you say that, too? (Acts 27)

Being the same person in every setting while still being able to relate to those around us requires us to be REAL. (Acts 25 & 26)

Two words that just upset me, and I’m sick of hearing them... “ Uncertain Times.” But are these times really that different than any others? (Acts 24)

Paul’s brave nephew did three things that made a giant difference in Paul’s life. When we do them they’ll be like a warm, comforting scarf to others around us, too. (Acts 23)

Three quick thoughts from Paul’s situation in Jerusalem. (Acts 21 & 22)

My paper planner can only be helpful when it reflects the “work assigned to me.” What is that exactly? (Acts 20)

When we give our lives to Jesus He keeps on giving to us. Six of His many gifts are seen in action in this chapter. (Acts 19)

Quick examples of how to read The Bible, find meaning that applies to you right now, and then talk to God about it all. (Acts 18)

We don’t have to wait for people, government or culture to give us opportunities to make a difference in our world. ( Acts 16 & 17)

What we focus on in our darkest moments can determine how we experience the presence & power of Jesus... and how other people see Him. (Acts 16)

We’re given spiritual gifts that encourage people who then gift that encouragement to someone else. (Acts 15)

Very few People who love Jesus actually do this particular thing regularly ... do you? Will you? (Acts 13)

How our personalities, insecurities and desires can eat away at us or bring us face to face with Jesus. (Acts 12)

We know we’re supposed to be grateful for God’s blessings in our lives... but maybe gratefulness is just a little bit more!

The early Christians did not do things alone, but always gave other people a chance to experience what God was doing, too. Here’s a few practical ways to do that. (Acts 10)

Not too much is known about Tabitha. Although her other name was Dorcas, but she was no dork. 😉 (Acts 9)

We’ve all been finding ourselves in unexpected situations, living in mode that cannot continue long term. Take a quick pointer from Philip from Acts 8.