Aug 5

  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution Then we'll be a choir
    Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus! This verse tugs at my heart. Of course Paul was speaking to the Romans including them in the body, but I'd like to think this could be expanded to speak to all Christians...today. What if we represented one body of Christ? What if denominational division could be erased? What if we learned to support each other instead of trying to figure out whic… Read more »
  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution changed life
    "God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes." This verse was so clear to me today. I think it's a great way to define Spiritual Transformation. When I am open to God, and who he is, I receive his guidance and leadership. He rewrites my life so it aligns with his purpose. I love that God reveals his plan for us as we surrender our lives to him. As we open our hearts and make ourselves available. How has God rewritten the text of your life? Read more »

Jun 4

  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution Show me
    "Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. " This verse really hit me in a new way this morning. Maybe it's The Message translation. God's heroes of faith began moving before they saw why, if ever. Noah - his friends and neighbors must have thought he was an idiot. But his faith determined his actions, and he saw why years later. Moses - had a true faith that I admire. God promised, Moses went. He never saw his desc… Read more »

May 27

  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution Solid Teaching, Spiritual Junk Food
    These verses always make me pause and wonder, have I been exposed to solid teaching or spiritual junk food. What does Paul mean? This is why I always keep reading the word. I know the Word is truth. It's my foundation and where I find answers. Still, I wonder if I'm interpreting correctly. I am reading different translations to try to get the best understanding. I need to remember to lean on the Holy Spirit as I read the Word to get the understanding God desires for me. Read more »

May 20

  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution Remember to honor my leaders
    Love how the Word gives me a wake-up call every time I read it. Today when I read that we are to honor our leaders, I wondered, am I really doing that? Who are my leaders? Paul says to OVERWHELM them with appreciation and love. Wow, now I know I haven't done that lately. Think lately I've been more of a grumbler than an encourager. But that's not helpful. Making it a point today to show appreciation for my leaders and regard them thru the eyes of God who appointed them over me. Read more »

May 16

  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution Working, working
    It's not news that we work to spread His Message. But are we really working at it? Even tho I work full-time in ministry, I think I get too caught up sometimes in creating systems and church plans. Every so often, God has to reach out and get my attention. How am I doing at spreading the gospel? Yep, it's always a wake up call. People need to know Jesus. It's that simple. God, help me work simply and purposefully to accomplish that. Read more »

May 13

  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution Am I open to sharing Jesus?
    Paul shared the news about Jesus with urgency...his door was always open. I asked myself if that was true in my life. And sadly, it is not. Yes I know and love Jesus, but I pull back instead of sharing him. I wonder if my door appears open to unbelievers? God - show me today how bold I can be in sharing the news of your Son. Open my eyes to opportunities and show me places where I am not available to unbelievers. Help me open that door. Read more »

Mar 9

  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution God's Will For Me
    I am so thankful God has something for me to do. And that He wants me to succeed even more than I do in fulfilling it. God, help me see what path you have for me. Let me see clearly what I should do. Bless me with your wisdom and direction as I come seeking them. Thank you for your word that guides me. May I walk straight along the road you set for me. Read more »

Mar 6

Feb 25

  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution God is God
    Love Psalm 100 in The Message..."On your feet now-applaud God!" He deserves our undivided praise, our all-out worship. We can never some close to showing the appreciation He deserves, but we can make our lives an offering of service. He is sooooo good. May we respect His authority and receive His blessings. Majesty - Your grace has found me just as I am, empty-handed but alive in Your hands! Read more »

Feb 18

Feb 10

  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution God Gives New Perspective
    How often do I find myself bitter and envious of others? Wondering why God doesn't bless me with things they have or opportunities they enjoy. When my focus is on myself and people, my pride takes over and I find myself getting bitter and it's a downward spiral. However, when I look to God, and who He is, and how much He's blessed me, He can change my perspective. He teaches me to keep my focus on Him and reminds me of all He wants to accomplish thru me. He has given me everythin… Read more »
  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution Meeting God
    How would you prepare if you knew that you were going to meet God face to face? Yes, we talk to, and listen to Him as we pray and worship. I believe in my times of intense worship I have felt His presence so strongly. But, what if you knew He was going to be right in front of you at a designated time? Would you shudder in fear as the Israelites? Bow down in awe and reverence? Would your reaction stem more from who He is, or who you are - exposed to His Truth? Read more »

Feb 9

  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution Your Story
    Jesus told the man, "Tell them your story..." When we share our story, God is glorified AND hope is on display for those who don't know Jesus. What has God done in your life? How has he delivered you from a sinful life to a life of freedom? You are a living story of hope that must be shared. Read more »

Feb 7

Feb 2

  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution Defining Grace
    I am so thankful for this: When it's sin vs grace, grace wins hands down. Our God is filled with grace! Amen! He forgives me every time, for every thing no matter what. He knows I will fall again, yet gives me the opportunity to do so, and then the opportunity to be forgiven. Thanking God for His Grace! Read more »
  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution Deep down we resonate with God's laws
    While God's laws may feel unnatural to our selfish human nature, deep down inside we feel/know that God's right is right and His wrong is wrong. When we admit that God is over us, it is easier to move past our selfish human side and accept true right and wrong. Read more »
  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution Peace In a tough Season
    This is where I am this very day. I too want some peace and quiet. I long to be in a cabin in the woods, desperate for something different to be going on in my life. Sanctuary. God - I know I need to go thru tough seasons as a reminder of your goodness and grace. I know that I grow here in the valley. Help me to rejoice in that knowledge. Remind me of your faithfulness so that I might not lose heart. Draw me closer Lord. The valley is beginning to close in on me. I need your help. Thank you for… Read more »

Jan 28

Jan 24

  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution New Covenant = Hope
    Jesus - I am so thankful that you sacrificed your life for me. You have freed me from my sins that I might live a new life in you. Thank you for loving me so much. Read more »
  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution God is Always With US
    Joseph sits in jail falsely accused. Because he did what was right in God's eyes by refusing Potiphar's wife's seduction, God blessed him and was by his side in the jail cell. Joseph had amazing faith, that he would continue to look to God even tho so many things hadn't gone his way. How do I respond when things don't go my way? Do I have the kind of faith that says, "God, no matter what happens to me, I'm yours?" Read more »

Jan 23

  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution Playing It Safe
    God did not create us to 'play it safe!' He wants us full-throttle, immersing ourselves in His plan. He has given every one of us a gift, and we are not to waste it. What gift(s) has He given you? How are you using it? The last thing I want to do is sit on the gifts, talents and strengths He has given me. Use me Lord, all of me. Waste me in Your Kingdom today! Read more »
  • mbstockdale
    mbstockdale added a text contribution Singin' The Blues
    How many times do we find ourselves overwhelmed by circumstances. Some we control, some we can't. I wonder why people need to suffer, my family, myself, loved ones. There are times when it's even so overwhelming it's hard to stop and pray. Hard to be in God's presence and accept the healing He can offer. When these things happen, and they will, what helps me most is to begin to sing His praises. I find it's much easier to sing than pray at times like that. The louder the… Read more »