Devotional Thoughts Archives - Page 3 of 29

Extra! Extra! Freedom!

I don't take many steps without first asking questions and thoroughly researching. That goes for pretty much everything. I may seem very independent, but I am the Queen of gathering information. Following that process, I go to someone I trust, respect, and emulate, and get THEIR wisdom on the situation. I am never without feedback. This may sound like I need approval, or can't make my own decisions. Perhaps my investigative reporter tendencies give the impression that I am incapable of making personal informed choices, or that I need people in order to feel significant. Hmm. Pray much? Bam! Freedom. [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T14:18:40-04:00July 1, 2013|

Doing the Right Thing By One’s Enemy

I don't have enemies. At least, I don't think I do. (And if I do, they probably aren't reading this.) I mean, I don't consider anyone my enemy. I have no idea what is in someone else's head. But me? No enemies to speak of. Although, I sure do get ticked off at people. Often. And I'm terrible at hiding it. What is one to do in these situation? Making the choice NOT to sin in one's anger is a good idea. And here's another gem - shared with me by the one and only John Maxwell this weekend during a [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T14:18:50-04:00June 25, 2013|

Give Towards, Part Two

This post may sound oddly familiar. But due to our topic of the week, I'm being given a chance to expound on it a bit more. Service: just as we all play a unique part in the body, we also serve in unique ways. You won't find me in the nursery. You won't find me on short term mission trips - at least, not right now. God can do whatever he would like and call me along with Him. But, for the purpose of this post - my feet are planted right here. I serve as a connector. A what? [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T14:19:00-04:00June 17, 2013|

Giving Towards

Caution, lest this post be considered "the rich man, boasting of his riches", I will be leaving out some details this week. For the lesson is more important than the specific actions I've been able to take this year. We've always had an on again/off again relationship with tithing. Because we've always struggled with money. For several reasons. One of which being mis-management. And while I'm still not perfect at managing money, and I blow it from time to time, (Did I really need to buy that? Did we really need to eat out?), we have improved greatly. Why? Because [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T14:19:10-04:00June 10, 2013|

From Zombie to Life

I am a fan of The Walking Dead. Now before you pull the "it's so violent and graphic" card, know that I agree with you. The characters, however, are REALLY good, and . . . as I've come to realize after a number of seasons, The Walking Dead, or zombie movies, stories, etc. in general, are really just allegory. Everyone has a different opinion of what that allegory is, but in my opinion????? Ephesians 2:1-7. We were dead. Some are still "dead". Walking around. Craving the immediate gratifications of the world. Out for themselves. Serving only their immediate personal needs. [...]

By Joline Atkins|2015-05-14T14:19:17-04:00June 3, 2013|