Category: <span>thoughts by Christa Hardin</span>


“I am the door, if anyone enters through me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9

Many Christians I know are frazzled.

They work hard to serve God in tangible ways, and yet time for prayer and rest is brushed aside for modern day guarantees of fulfillment. Idle time is wasted on empty entertainment or scanning phones, having jostled and interrupted conversations with others doing the same.

Jesus invited us to set that all aside for true fulfillment when He said, “I am the door.” Only in Him do we, as weary travelers, finally arrive at a secure destination where we can be nourished.

In today’s passage, God is calling us to the rest that becomes ours by crossing through Christ, the door. We are like sheep that wander. When we ignore God’s door, we come back starved, misled, dirty, or at the very least worn out.

However, when we pay close attention to today’s verse, we see that only back-and-forth, day-to-day fellowship with God will provide us with pasture or food, not only for our bodies, but also for our souls.

No matter how many wonderful things you accomplish each day, no matter how many people you influence, don’t forget to get your nourishment from God so you can continue to please Him as well as to stay balanced. The Door is open and those who enter will indeed reap a healthy reward.

Dear Lord, I pray that You would help me to set aside every encumbrance so I can focus on having time with You. I pray that You would hear the cries of my heart, would recognize my passions, and would turn me in the right direction so I can find true fulfillment for the journey. Thank You for the sweet pasture I find in Your presence. The gifts in my life are plentiful, and I attribute them all to You; they are all for Your glory. Amen.

Thought: We can be at home with Jesus every single day. All we have to do is knock on the door—Him. Don’t’ just knock once today. Knock throughout your day. Draw strength and nourishment from your Savior.

Try spiritual breathing. It’s a great way to keep you knocking.

By Christa Hardin
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Ask, Seek and Knock – by Phil Ware

• He’s Still Knocking –  by Marilyn Ehle

Praying for Results – by Bill Bright

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For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying?” Matthew 18:11-12


Mom, can you find my Nerf gun bullets?” my nine-year old daughter asked me recently, full of gentleness, joy, and apparently, a new-found love of the hunt. Just two hours before, my seven-year old wanted to recruit my help in finding her beloved doll that had gone missing for the umpteenth time. The girls were frantic in their earnest attempts to find their lost items.

With a love much deeper than what children feel for their lost toys, God loves us with a passionate, proactive love that accepts us and receives us, just as we are. Even when we are like sheep who go to crooked or unsafe areas, God reaches out, delivers us from evil, and restores us back into the fold, right back to where we need to be.

Unlike my girls, who sometimes don’t recover their lost items, God always knows how to find us. In fact, He even knows when we are trying to hide from Him. Adam and Eve couldn’t hide in the Garden of Eden, and you and I can’t either. Even if we are having a difficult season, are angry with God, annoyed at Him, or not feeling His presence, He doesn’t shame us for losing our way. Instead, He rejoices over us when He finds us, and when we find Him. Let’s thank Him for that today, and listen for His call.

Dear God, I am so grateful for You. Apart from You, I can do no good thing. Thank You for looking for me, for calling out to me, and for allowing me to be Your child. I love You more than words can say. Amen.

Meditate on the lyrics of Come Thou Fount, “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart Lord, take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.” Is there an area in your life you’re hiding from God? Have you lost your way? Consider answering God’s call with confession and repentance, and return to Him who seeks you out.

By Christa Hardin
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Feeling Lost? by Gail Rodgers

Lost but Not Forsaken  by Caran Jantzen

Lost Without You – Christian Poem by Hope Tshuma

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There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in every one it is the same God at work.”
1 Corinthians 12:4-5


As a young girl, I knew I wanted to be a counselor. When I was in high school, one of my friends laid on my bed while I gave her relationship counsel and typed notes into my computer. Fast forward 20 years later, and I’m doing the same thing: only this time the clients I work with are talking to me as their marriage therapist and coach.

I knew this seed was planted long ago. But interestingly, at that time in my life, I didn’t know God and doubted my significance. I felt a lack of hope about life in general, so I wouldn’t have done much good to inspire others, even if I did possess a few helpful tools.

When I came to Christ a few years later, I thought about Christian counseling as my floundering passion to help others skyrocketed. I finally had hope, a significant gift to offer in a world that had very little of it. Plus, I had a skill set from which to work. The combination was a perfect fit.

Have you seen God make your gifts even more exciting? As you begin to experience this adventure, remember to do everything in your power to give God glory. Let others know about Him, whether you are working in construction, at the dentist office, or picking up trash. He loves to both bless us and to keep us mindful that He is to be glorified for the wonderful opportunities we have. Our very significance lies in this truth. I know that firsthand.

Dear God, I am so glad I am Yours. I know the lack of purpose and peace that come from not being in fellowship with You, and I never want to go back there. Please help me to give You glory for every gift I have and remind me of my significance to You when I serve you with those gifts. I ask that You would help me to fine-tune my life so that I am always in completely harmony and fellowship with Your precious plans for me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Thought: Take a moment to think about what you are spending your time on lately.

By Christa Hardin
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“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal faithfully are His delight.” Proverbs 12:22 (NASB)


I don’t know what to do, Lord,” Jim prayed fervently. Without stopping to listen to God, he thought about how he wasn’t feeling well enough to go to work. It had happened before and he had pushed through. Pushing the limits was something he did frequently, with seeming success. Later that day, while he thought no one would notice, he was caught by the boss taking a midday snooze. One week’s suspension without pay later, Jim realized he had made a terrible mistake of pretending he was well.

Everyone, at one time or another, has exaggerated, denied, or deceived someone else. Each time this happens there is a negative consequence. In the moment, it seems like it’s a good idea; in Jim’s case, he was trying hard to make his much-needed income.

God wants all of us to walk in truth. When we do this, we are His delight.

He also says that anyone who asks for wisdom will receive it (James 1:5). This is the first step when you are tempted to lie. Take a moment to stop and listen for God’s reply. Next, pray for God to show you a way out of the tempting situation (1 Corinthians 10:13) even if it’s only a “white lie.” Remember, all lies are an abomination to the Lord and He won’t bless any of them. The last step is trusting God with the outcome. The next time you are tempted to lie, even if it seems like it’s for good reason, ask God for wisdom and for Him to provide another way. Trust Him even if He calls you to a very different day or season than you had planned. Just like David, Job, and Peter, God will restore you to a life victorious when you do return to His straight and narrow path leading to steps of truth and freedom.

Dear Lord, please help me to find truth and healing as the best options each and every time I have opportunity to speak or act. I know those are the ways to Your perfect light, and yet I confess sometimes I have chosen the darker path. Help me to remember that sin of any kind leads to death, but truth leads to restoration and light. Amen.

Next time you are tempted to lie, stop and listen to God about what to do. Ask Him for both wisdom and for Him to remove temptation, both promises He will follow through on. Finally, trust God with whatever He leads you to do, even if it’s counter intuitive to what your sin nature tells you to do. God’s way of truth is a delight and He will bless your obedience richly!

By Christa Hardin
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“For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes.” Jeremiah 31:25 (NASB)


Oh no, I’ll be right back,” she said. The babysitter had informed her that her three-year-old boy was having stomach flu symptoms and was worried he was dehydrated. The panicked mother drove home as fast as she could. One of the first things she did was to give him a replenishing drink, carefully measured, so as not to overdo. Then she sighed. Why was she so foolish to think that working out tonight was a good idea? She never should have gone. She beat herself up with her thoughts, feeling punished and guilty. These were common feelings for her, since she often bounced from one guilty worry to the next, which she thought was par for the course as a mother of four.

Our verse today reminds us that godly replenishment is needed and important. God wants for us to both minister to others as well as accept ministry towards ourselves, which sometimes means seeking it out.

Satan would like for us to sit in the darkness of worry, fear, doubt, and guilt, but God says that we can find full restoration and replenishment with Him. In Christ alone, we have full freedom to live well by doing our best. And like the tender mother offering her son sips of water, God can replenish us each day as well.

Dear Jesus, I am so thankful You replenish me every time I need sleep, healing, rest, or exercise so I can be ready to minister to others. I love caring for others and I recognize that I can do it even better when I take time to care for myself. Please let me find things to do that honor You in my replenishment, and please continue to faithfully restore me each time I lose my way, whether through guilt or sin. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thought: Carve out a time today when you can find replenishment. Don’t allow the guilty thoughts about the “Have To’s” overshadow the “Need To’s” of today. Proper rest, exercise, healthy food choices, and especially prayer and time in God’s Word will keep you feeling refreshed.

By Christa Hardin
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Further Reading

•  Hope for the Hopeless

•  A Poem of Hope

•  Salvation Explained


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I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.Psalm 139:14


Looking in the mirror that day, the little girl scowled. “My hair won’t go the way it’s supposed to. This cowlick won’t push down and I’ll be laughed at all day.” We as adults try to quell the fears of a child whose whimsy’s we dismiss as being silly.” Go on, you’ll miss the bus. You look great.

But don’t we do the same thing with our own insecurities? “I’ve gained too much weight this year I just couldn’t go to the holiday office party.” Or maybe, “I need to get plastic surgery since I’ll gross everyone else out with my wrinkles,” Or, “Maybe this year I won’t be part of the exercise club because no one wants someone in a wheelchair to get in the way.”

We condemn ourselves. We strain away our joy. And we forget that each and every one of us is made in our Father’s beautiful image. When we take time to let this sink in, we can smile genuinely, love accordingly, and reflect the beauty and favor of God.

So the next time you look in a mirror, smile, for God has made you well! Even if some of your body part’s don’t work perfectly or as perfectly as they once did, the fact that you are alive and breathing is a beautiful gift in and of itself.

Thank You Lord, for making me in Your own image. Today, as I contemplate my own weaknesses, I remember that in Your arms, I am safe, secure, and fully capable of doing whatever You have for me. Thank You for making me to be like Yourself. I receive this treasured reminder today, and choose to live in obedience to that call and gift. Amen.

Thought: When you are tempted to complain that your muscles aren’t big enough or your eyes are too tired, smile at yourself in the mirror. Even more importantly, smile at others in your world today. Not only will your spirits will be lifted, but you will see the God’s craftsmanship in yourself and in those around you.

By Christa Hardin
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•   God Is…

•   Going Deeper with God

•  Salvation Explained


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“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.” Luke 6:35 (NASB).

Forget it, I don’t want to talk to you anymore!” The text came through abruptly, and Susan blinked as she reread it in disbelief. Had she really been this misunderstood by her friend? Her heart began to beat faster at her ability to conjure up these feelings in another human. On the other hand, Susan was relieved. Was she really finally free of such a difficult relationship?

Today’s verse reminds us that in many cases, even though we want to cut ourselves off from a world that doesn’t understand us, Jesus tells us that we should love, even — especially — those who are ungrateful and evil. We are made in God’s image after all, and He is the very definition of kindness. So regardless of anyone else’s belief system or personality or stereotyping, you, as an image bearer of God, are meant to love.

So when someone hurts you, instead of withdrawing, take a step back momentarily, allowing everyone some time to breathe. You can show love even if you don’t see eye to eye. Don’t offer something that will harm you or the other person by spoiling or indulging sin, but instead, show love. In doing so, you will remind the other person that you not only value who they are, you also recognize your own worth and dignity.

Then, ask God for help in showing this person that He has something better for both of you: a reward, as it says in Luke,  that will be great!

Dear Lord, thank You for making me in Your image. I know You have equipped me to love others, even when I am so tempted to strike back at them. Show me when to set boundaries, and when to receive people with open arms. I want to bless others with Your Light. I trust You with all my relationships, even the hard ones. Help me to be bear Your image in all that I do. Amen.

Thought: Many people feel the need to set boundaries with those who sin towards them, and many times they are right. Abuse should not be tolerated. But when you are dealing with another person who has hurt you or has misunderstood you, pray and ask God to lead you in the right way before you abandon the friendship or start reciprocating their cruelty. He can help you to forgive; after all, God has something way better in store for you than holding on to resentment!

By Christa Hardin
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Further Reading

Forgiveness – Yourself and  Others

Struggles, Despair

•  Salvation Explained


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How could this crisis be happening? She checks her phone to get her mind off it.


“For the Lord your God has blessed you in all that you have done; He has known your wanderings through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing.”  Deuteronomy 2:7 (NASB)

How could this crisis be happening? She checks her phone to get her mind off it. Has anyone called or texted? She scans a newsfeed absentmindedly and is temporarily subdued, though no closer to a resolution. Have you ever done this before approaching God for help? If so, you are like many others, who in great need, forget to connect with God, just when they need Him most.

Consider the context of our passage. After they had responded to God’s call, initially leading them away from enslavement in Egypt, the Israelites spent forty years in the desert straying from God, and even requested to go back to Egypt, for although it was captivity, it was at least familiar.

So it is with us today, thousands of years later. We wander away from God even while in the deserts of our own lives—the seasons when we feel lonely, thirsty, lost, and afraid. We look to people, phones, music, or other idols to release us from pain when in fact, looking in any direction other than God for the answer will only prolong the time in the desert. This journey, however, does not have to be lonely. If you turn to God in your crisis, He will provide protection, provision, and direction.

Even if you have strayed off the path, turn back to God. Our passage today reminds us of God’s mercy and His blessing over His people for putting their ultimate trust in Him.

Dear Lord, I thank You for Your excellent mercy over me when I stumble, doubt, worry, or complain. Please help me to turn to You in all moments of crisis, and help me to keep my feet on the path You have set before me, not straying to the left or right even for a moment. I pray for Your protection, Your provision, and Your direction over my problems, and I ask You to bless my journey. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

Are you in the middle of a crisis or difficult season? Have you found yourself turning to dependencies or bad habits that are substitutes for relying on God? God is patiently waiting to bless you and help you to start over again! Take time today to turn to God in prayer and open your Bible. Give your fears to Him and listen for His refreshing words.

By Christa Hardin
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Further Reading

•   Forgiveness – Yourself and  Others

•  Making a Difference

•  Salvation Explained


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Do you know someone who is hurting today? Do you know someone who is celebrating? What is one thing you can do to stand with them?


And if one member [of the body of Christ] suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”  1 Corinthians 12:26, NASB

I know that you have felt both the pangs as well as the joys of this day’s verse. You suffer with your family and friends when they suffer. You triumph in their smallest accomplishments.

Lord willing, we will all do much more celebrating than suffering during this Advent season but we also must expect times of suffering together. Though we want to shield our families, our friends, and especially dear children from all harm, suffering is normal. We need to be ready for it and not lose faith when it does hit.

When my daughter, Hannah, got an awful sunburn, we treated her with the proper after-sun care. We distracted her with funny stories and silly songs. We wished we could take her pain from her. We prayed over her for healing and for the Lord’s touch to be upon her. Finally, we reminded her that pain is part of life here on Earth and that in Heaven we will have no more of it.

This world is not meant to hold us forever. We can build hope into our family and friends by speaking truth and rejoicing in our final hope of resurrection with complete restoration of what was lost. As we read in 1 Corinthians 15:55 and 57,

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? … But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear Father, I confess it isn’t always easy for me to reach out to those in pain, since it reminds me of great loss. Please help me to remember to reach out to others despite my discomfort, knowing that you will provide just what is needed during times of trial. Help me to remember that you have already overcome the greatest trial of all, death! Help me to spread the good news and hope you’ve given so generously. Please also remind me of the joy that comes from fully celebrating the good news of my friends and family instead of harboring resentment or jealousy. Amen.

Do you know someone who is hurting today? Do you know someone who is celebrating? What is one thing you can do to stand with them?

By Christa Hardin
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Further Reading

•  Why I Have Adopted The Generosity Habit

•   Overflowing with Life!

•  Salvation Explained


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I can’t help the way I feel. I just don’t love him anymore.” “Things aren’t going to change.” “I can’t do this anymore.”

On more than a few occasions, I’ve heard dramatic words like these slip off people’s tongues. Sadly, once someone has this mindset, it’s hard to turn them around. Much of the pop culture entertainment we consume portrays love as a heart-throbbing, wild, thrilling, and even sadistic roller coaster type of experience. This is in stark contrast to the 1st Corinthians 13 type of love that Christ calls us to.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” (13:1-8a, NASB)

Unfortunately, as much as we want to love well, our sin nature can breed in us a desire to stay emotionally safe and respond sinfully in situations where we could be turning to God for help. “He lied to me. I’ll spend money.” “She won’t give to me sexually. I’ll view pornography,” etc. We can act so quickly in sin that we don’t even stop to process.

But through the power of the Spirit, we can defy the natural inclination to leave, fight, or act harmfully toward someone else made in God’s image. Giving and receiving God’s love allows us to be truly emotionally safe — free from the agony of hate and a victim mentality. It offers the choice to care, not only for another, but for yourself too. By surrendering our weakness to God and receiving His love, you are empowered to offer 1st Corinthians 13 kind of love to others.

Thank You for showing me how to love and for loving me so much that You sent Your only Son to die for me. Help me to turn from sin and to love others well today, despite the cost and embarrassment of not receiving it back in the same manner. Father, I ask that You would fill me to overflowing so that I have more than enough joy and love and endurance to run the race well for Your glory. Amen

Thought: The voice of culture tells us that if we love others they may take advantage of us, so we may think to hold back our loves so we don’t get hurt. But the voice of God is clear and strong, telling you to love others and yourself well, and that He will fill you and meet your needs when others cannot or may disappoint. This week, if you are wounded emotionally, take a deep breath and remember: God’s love is enough.

By Christa Hardin
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“For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies,” declares the Lord God. “Therefore, repent and live.”  Ezekiel 18:32 (NASB)

The metal door slammed shut, echoing its finality in the hallway of the prison. In his loneliness and despair, the man cried. “I didn’t deserve this. I didn’t have a fair chance at life!”

Many people, even if their own imprisonments are less extreme, live in a similar state of mind as this prisoner. Whether they are held captive by prison doors, their addictions, marriages, jobs, or financial situations, it’s difficult for us to play the role of judge. It’s not our job to try to weed out whose fault things are in most situations. Many times the seeds of hopelessness and despair are planted long before adulthood; this makes holding someone accountable for their actions murky at best.

God knows the truth about us all. He reminds us that He holds justice and mercy better than anyone. Therefore, we should leave the ultimate judging to Him. He doesn’t want anyone to feel the pang of death created by sin. Instead, He wants us to choose life. In our verse today, He has given us a task: live! We get to choose to walk away from the darkness and do our best with the choices before us. After we’ve done that, we are able live peaceably and with joy.

Dear Father, today I ask that You would take every dark corner of my mind and heart and purify me. Free me of the sin that so easily entangles me. Help me to remember that You, my maker and my redeemer, have given me permission to live well. I love you Lord, and I place every worry and judgment in Your capable hands. Guide me in the ways that lead to everlasting life with You! Amen.

Thought: Instead of licking our wounds or playing the blame game today, let’s put our situation in God’s capable hands and repent of anything we’ve done to contribute to the mess around us. Then, take a deep breath and live in the purity and freedom of mind to be who God has created you to be.

By Christa Hardin
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The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Everything usually came together smoothly. Maybe it was because she wasn’t as young and spry as she once was. Or maybe she just had added one too many things to her errand list that day. Whatever it was, Denise was beyond embarrassed that she was late for her own dinner party by 15 minutes. Women were dressed up with casseroles at her doorstep, and she was huffing and puffing with drippy old makeup, looking very foolish as she scooted past them to open the door.

If you ever struggle with time management, take heart. You aren’t alone. Many people try to cram in more than they should each day. Scheduling things isn’t bad; there’s something optimistic and very positive about believing that you can do it all.

Jesus wants us to live abundantly. Sometimes, however, that means stopping to smell the roses, enjoying a magnificent sunset, sneaking in extra stories with your children, or just taking a lovely nap. Part of living life to the fullest comes through acknowledging that He is God, and that saying no once in a while isn’t a bad thing.

Dear Lord, Help me to give today — and every day — to You. Help me to live the abundant life to which You call me without making the mistake of believing I am God. Forgive me for running ahead of You at times. I love You and I’m so grateful for Your care over me. Amen.

Are you just too busy lately? Ask God to give you wisdom for your daily scheduling. Remember: He is in charge, and you are following His all-encompassing lead. Place your hand over your daily to-do list or calendar and give it over to God.

By Christa Hardin
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thoughts by Christa Hardin

Prayer, Dear Lord, thank you for loving me

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:15-16

She picked up the phone and began speaking as soon as she heard the familiar voice. “I need to talk to you about something. I think you’ve been manipulative lately.
There, she had said it. The thing she had been dying to say for years. Breathing, she waited for the reply, hoping for a heartfelt apology. Instead she heard only a blaring dial tone.

Most of us can attest to a time when we made a similar call or when someone abruptly confronted us. Most of the time confrontation doesn’t go well. We often forget to share both truth and love when we’re trying to influence someone. Does that mean we should give up altogether? No. It can be messy relating with the difficult people in our lives, but God promises that we will all grow through this very act.

When we share Jesus with someone we care about, we are offering him or her a chance to have eternal life. If she is already His disciple, we are trying to help her in their own influence on a world that needs Christ desperately. Don’t give up on these most important conversations. The next time you need to speak to someone about something important, ask the Holy Spirit to help you speak the truth in love. Luke 12:12 promises that at that very moment, God will give you the words.

Dear Lord, thank You for giving me a circle of influence in which I can grow as well as help others to grow up in their giftedness. Help me to know who You want me to talk to, when to talk to them, and most of all, what to say. I am sorry for the times I have ill-used another person in the name of truth. Please help me to speak from a place of love before I try to help. Thank You for loving me, and for always speaking both love and truth into my life, so I may do my part in this world more perfectly. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Crista Hardin

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Christa Hardin Thoughts by Women

devotional

“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.John 15:2 (NASB)

Imagine holding an overflowing grocery bag in one hand and a squirmy toddler’s hand in the other. Then, you try to open the door for someone else. In my view, there are only a few disastrous possibilities. One: you will trip and fall. Two: you will drop the groceries. Three: you will let go of your toddler’s hand, and she runs away, making the possible outcome potentially catastrophic.

Don’t get me wrong, living a full life is a good thing. Jesus wants that for you! But there are so many branches in life that could easily grow out of control. Committees, clubs, classes, along with many more daily responsibilities fill up the day. However, if you say yes to each and every one, you don’t produce a healthy harvest. Instead, you end up giving haphazardly out of your emptiness and don’t experience the fullness of God.

How much do you trust your Father to prune your life? God wants to do this. If you take time to listen to Him, He will show you just what He wants to do so that You can produce even more amazing fruit!

Dear Father, thank You for Your wisdom and guidance in my life. Please help me to see how I can glorify You with each and every moment. If there are things that need to be pruned in my life so that other areas can thrive, I pray I would courageously take that step. If you want me to continue at this pace, I know You will provide the means. May You be glorified in all the things I accomplish. Amen.

By Christa Hardin

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Christa Hardin Thoughts by Women

daily devotional

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’Isaiah 6:8 (NASB)

The time for touching up the home has come. Christmas items are all put away, and if you are like most people, a fresh coat of paint and a bit of creative decorating are needed to cover up the nail holes from the stockings and the empty spots where the Christmas cards once dazzled. The bare house that was once full of laughter, fellowship, and squeals has become quiet and predictable.

Although facing another year gone can be more than a little disappointing, the time has come to set a new goal. But what should that be?

God knows what you are supposed to be focusing on, rest assured. Have you stopped to ask Him? Instead of thinking solely of getting yourself back in track this January, take some time to stop and think about God’s plans for you. When you hear the Lord’s voice saying, “Who will go for Me?” let it be you and I. God’s goal for you this new year is far more important than any to-do list or relation you could make. Don’t miss out!

Lord, I am pulled in so many directions. I want to obey Your voice calling me toward exactly what I need to be doing. I place this desire in front of You today and ask that You would direct my steps. Help me to hear You and what You want for me in this new year. And help me to be bold enough to say, “Lord, here I am, send me.” Amen.

By Crista Hardin

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Christa Hardin Thoughts by Women