Category: <span>thoughts by Katherine Kehler</span>

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.Matthew 10:42

One Sunday we were having lunch with friends and discussing the desperate shortage of clean water in so many parts of the world today. Think of it — an estimated 25–37 million people die every year because of contaminated water.

Next time you drink a glass of water or take a sip of bottled water, pray for the families who must drink water that could bring on disease and death. Pray for the mothers and children. What can we as women do? Jesus said even one cup of water given to a little one would be rewarded.

1. PRAY. Each time you have a glass of water, pray for the success of the organizations that are attempting to drill wells to supply clean water.

2. RESEARCH. Become informed and inform others. Use your coffee time to recruit others to pray and give.

3. GIVE. Every dollar counts. Jesus talked about one cup of water. He talked about a widow giving a mite.

by Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

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Giving Freely to Others by Karen Woodard

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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me’” John 14:6


What is truth? This morning I read an article in the daily newspaper reporting supposedly the “real” truth about an incident that happened recently. Was it? Or was it another opinion?

Some people lie out rightly or only tell some of the facts. Some withhold information and give a false impression. Sometimes, nothing is said when the truth should be told. Can we believe anyone anymore? And, if we are honest, we must confess that at one time or another, we too are guilty of telling lies.

In his book What is the Father Like?, Philip Keller writes that what God says is absolutely true because He is the embodiment of all truth, and all truth through all time has its source in God.

This reminded me that truth is constant and unchanging. God’s truth remains the same from age to age, generation to generation, no matter how things change. God’s truth will set us free, if we act upon it. If we ignore it, our lives can be wrecked — broken hearts, hopes, homes, and even countries.

If our lives are centered in God’s truth, He is able to renew our minds, calmly guide our emotions, and activate our will to tell the truth. His presence brings truth and can bring a magnificent, purifying influence into our lives.

The Lord Jesus, the Truth, can restore our soul, heal our diseases, preserve us in peril, and make us live in peace. To live life not believing in absolute truth robs us of the stability He seeks to give to us. We can trust God to be absolutely truthful — He cannot lie. The more we are centered in Him, the more we will become like Him — more truthful.

We sometimes wonder if what we are told by others is the truth. With God, we never have to wonder. He is Truth.

Father, You alone are absolute truth. You cannot lie. Your Word is Truth, and we can rely on it. Cause our lives to be centered in You and make us more like You — the Truth. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
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Further Reading

•  Keep Yourselves in God’s Love

•  Living Waters

•  Salvation Explained


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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


“Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to Him, so He can show you His love” Isaiah 30:18

I read a book entitled The Sacred Romance. The author calls God’s love for us, “The Sacred Romance.” And he calls the enemy’s attempts to lure us away from God, “The Arrows.”

Here is an excerpt that touched my heart deeply:

Indeed, if we listen, a Sacred Romance calls to us through our heart every moment of our lives. It whispers to us on the wind, invites us through the laughter of good friends, reaches out to us through the touch of someone we love. We heard it in our favorite music, sensed it at the birth of our first child, have been drawn to it while watching the shimmer of a sunset on the ocean. The Romance is even present in times of great personal suffering; the illness of a child, the loss of a marriage, the death of friend. Something calls to us through experiences like these and rouses an inconsolable longing deep within our heart, wakening in us a yearning for intimacy, beauty and adventure.

This longing is the most powerful part of any human personality. It fuels our search for meaning, for wholeness, for a sense of being truly alive.

This longing is real. This longing is God-given and cannot be satisfied by anyone or anything but God.

When I first read the book, memories came to mind about times when I knew for sure God was there in a very special, but quiet way.

There were the times when, as a pre-teen, I’d go fishing in the in the stream that ran through our dairy farm. It was so quiet yet God’s presence was so real. Can you think of a time like that?

I knew God loved me very much shortly after the death of my brother, Frank. God gave me two dreams where my brother was alive. After the last one, I awoke and said to God, “Let me look at him a little while longer.” And He did.

I know God shows his love for me when I see the miracle of a new baby – at the birth of each of our children and grandchildren. God brings so much joy, fun and delight into our lives as we watch these little ones develop. He gives us joy!

I know He loves me when He gives the words of wisdom or kindness to help a person understand how much God loves them.

I know God loves me whenever my husband, Marvin, smiles at me.  He is the light of my life.

God is waiting to show us His love in all of its fullness – in our joy and in our sorrow. Sometimes we are just too busy to recognize Him.

There is nothing more significant I could wish and pray for you than that you would take the time to recognize the “Sacred Romance” in your life. I want to encourage you to reflect and make a list of times when God has shown you that He is your “Sacred Romance.

Father, thank You for pursuing us. Thank You for loving us so much for providing those special moments of “Sacred Romance.” Help us to recognize them. God, help us to receive all the love You have for us.  Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission


Would you like to know the love of God and be in a personal loving relationship with him and experience his unconditional love? You can do so right now by earnestly praying a simple suggested prayer. God knows your heart so the exact words don’t matter, but this is a sample:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Saviour and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of woman you want me to be.


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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Holy Cravings
The Gentle Christian
Practicing the Presence of God

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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safeProverbs 18:10


The headline of an article in our daily newspaper read, “Aunt punches, kicks crocodile to save nephew.”
It certainly caught my attention and I read on, knowing that the jaws of a crocodile are very strong. The article told of how an Australian family was having a picnic near a creek. A nephew had shot some wild geese. As he was loading them into his small tin boat, a crocodile lunged at him, gripped his leg with its jaws, and pulled him into the water.

The aunt and uncle raced to his rescue and punched and kicked the crocodile. That was indeed very noble and selfless, but many of us would probably have done the same thing. However, the blows alone wouldn’t have been enough to loosen the reptile’s grip. Crocodiles have a jaw strength of several thousand pounds of force per square inch.

Then I read the clinching sentence. The aunt said,

I hit his nose with my fist and I yelled out, ‘Help! In the name of Jesus!’ and the crocodile let him go.

There is power in the name of Jesus!

When was the last time you cried for help using the name of Jesus? I need to be reminded of the power of the name of Jesus. How about you?

Father, thanks for reminding us again that Your name is powerful. Help us to remember that when we are being attacked by the enemy. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
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• A Sample Prayer – Claiming our Victory Through Jesus

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


The book of Acts is exciting! Miracles happen in every chapter. Although I have read through the entire Bible every year for over twenty-five years, God always opens my eyes to amazing new insights. This year I noticed the various ways (not just one) in which God chose to speak to His followers. Read about them.

God spoke to His followers through angels.

An angel of the Lord said to Philip. . .”(Acts 8:26)
An angel of the Lord came to him and said. . . ” (Acts 10:2)
The angel struck Peter on the side and woke him up ‘Hurry! Get dressed and put on your sandals.’” (Acts 12:7)

God spoke to His followers through visions.

The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision.” (Acts 9:10)

God spoke to His followers through His Holy Spirit.

During this time the Holy Spirit said to them. ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for which I have chosen for them.’” (Acts 13:2)

The Lord spoke to His followers directly.

The next night the Lord came and stood by Paul. He said, ‘Be brave!’” (Acts 23:11)

Had you noticed that before?

I reflected on these verses and wondered why God opened my eyes to the fact that He did not (and does not) use just one or two ways to speak to His followers. The answer was,

“Don’t limit God to your incomplete knowledge of Him.”

We have the tendency to do that, don’t we?

Father God, thank You for opening our eyes and teaching us new truths and showing us new insights about Yourself. Help us to keep on being learners. Prevent us from trying to put You in our man-made boxes. You are so great! Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
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God Is…

God is Sufficient

•  How Big is God?

thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”  Ephesians 4:29

For the past ten days, I have been contemplating God’s grace to us and how we, in turn, can extend grace to others.

We naturally do just the opposite. We see and tell people how they should change and improve rather than encourage them in what they are doing right. We are impatient with a clerk who is slow in serving us, and we point out faults in our spouse and children. We slander our co-workers and pastors. How can we become gracious — more like Jesus is with us?

In his book Putting a Face on Grace, Richard Blackaby has some tips for us:

•    Speak words intended to build up, not to bring down.
•    Focus on the needs of others, rather than your own.
•    Freely forgive.
•    Swallow you pride and say, “I’m sorry,” and “I was wrong.”
•    Live your life with a goal of “no regrets.”
•    Don’t keep score of what is fair.
•    Don’t condemn or give up on people.
•    Emphasize mercy, not justice.
•    Read 1 Corinthians 13 regularly.

And always keep in mind that it is God’s Spirit within us who will change us into becoming people who extend grace to others.

Father, you continually show grace to your children no matter how many times we mess up.  Thank you so much. We don’t deserve your love. Enable us, through the power of your Holy Spirit, to become people of grace. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
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“How precious it is, Lord, to realize that You are thinking about me constantly.” Psalm 139:17


Our son and his wife arrived at our house just minutes before we were leaving for a conference. They lived in northern Alberta and had driven all night so we could meet our newest granddaughter, Sarah, before we left.  We could hardly wait to hold her.

And then they arrived.  I have to admit, even though I gave the adults hugs, I really wanted to hold that little girl. And when she was in my arms, a flood of love washed over me bonding me to this precious child.  I couldn’t take my eyes off her. However, we had to leave – my husband was the director of the organization so we couldn’t stay home. In three days, we would be back and would be able to spend extended time with them.

Something interesting happened to me during those few minutes I held that little girl. I had just met her, and for only a few minutes, but I couldn’t stop thinking about her. She was in my thoughts during the whole trip to the conference and during the whole time I was there. It was amazing!

The Lord brought to mind, the verse,You are thinking about me constantly,” and I realized that God loves me so much that He is thinking about me all the time.  He loves me more than I love that little granddaughter.  Could anything be more wonderful than having the King of Kings love me that much?  Could anything be more wonderful than the King of Kings love YOU that much? I can’t help but say, “Hallelujah!”

Father, how grateful I am that You are always thinking about and loving Your children.  You fill my soul with indescribable joy.  Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
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I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.Psalm 16:8-9

Brennan Manning, in his book, The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus, tells of an experience he had at an airport. It was just before Christmas

and he was in the Chicago airport waiting to get a flight to Texas for a week-end retreat. But because of a severe storm, he and thousands of others were not going anywhere. The flights were all delayed. Public address systems were blaring, people were at the ticket counter demanding a projected departure time, children were crying, some people were just sitting and staring.

Then he noticed a middle-aged black woman cradling a child in her arms and laughing. Manning asked her,

Would you mind telling me why you’re so happy?”

Sho,” she said. “Christmas is coming and dat baby Jesus—He make me laugh.”

According to the Psalm 16, verses 8 & 9, focusing on Jesus at all times is the key to a happy and joyful heart.

How about you?

During the Christmas season, our already busy life become more busy.

Are you ‘setting the Lord before you’ today?

Do you want to have a merry Christmas?

Bring Jesus into all your activities.

Talk to Him all day long.

He will make you laugh!

Father, you fill us with joy in your presence. Give us the grace to remember to enjoy your presence. We want to laugh, Lord. Amen

By Katherine Kehler
Used by permission


Whatever is going on in your world this Christmas, there is no greater gift you could give yourself than to receive the One who came to earth for us. He offers you complete forgiveness, a relationship with Him, a more abundant life and eternal life. As long as we trust in ourselves, our own good life, God will remain distant, and we remain separated from him by our sin. He asks us to empty our hands of our efforts and receive him and his gift.

I’d like to give you the opportunity right now to ask him to come into your life. There is no greater offer, nor more important decision you could make in your life. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him….”

I’ll help you put this into words. You could say to him,

“Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins. Right now I open the door and ask you to come into my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me an eternal relationship with you.”

Unlike other possible relationships, if you asked Jesus into your life right now, he promises never to leave you. Jesus said, (speaking of us as his sheep), “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.”

I found that one of the best ways to get to know him better was to read the gospel of John, which is the fourth book of the New Testament, in the Bible. You’ll be amazed. It seemed like he was speaking straight to me, answering my questions, like an intimate chat over coffee. Also, you might find it helpful to look for a church where the Bible is taught.

There is no greater joy at Christmas than coming into a relationship with Jesus. Too many times we have worn ourselves out, driven by our expectations to have the “perfect” Christmas. It’s a set-up for disappointment.

All of the shopping, decorating, entertaining never fully meets our deepest longings. For Christmas to be special, we simply need to receive Jesus’ gift to us…a relationship with him. Knowing him brings great meaning and enjoyment at Christmas, no matter who knocks over the Christmas tree.


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness” Psalm 107:9

One day I gave my two-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter paper and crayons to play with while I was working on the computer. After a little while she came to me and said, “Grandma, I want a lady pen.”

A lady pen?” I asked. “What is a lady pen? Show me.” I opened the desk drawer and showed her all the pens. She took the one with the brightest lid and walked back to her papers.

Soon she was back, quite disgusted. “Grandma, this pen does not make a lady,” she said. Then I understood what she had meant when she asked for a lady pen. She had expected the pen to automatically draw a lady for her. Of course, we know that pens can’t draw anything by themselves — they can only do what our hands make them do. But she hadn’t learned that yet.

Later, I wondered how often we as adults expect our work, our ministry, our spouse, or material things to do the impossible for us. We expect them to satisfy the longing and hunger in our heart and soul. No created thing can do that for us —only God can.

However, we can be a pencil in God’s hand. Mother Teresa once said, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” If we become pens in God’s hands, He will make something beautiful out of our lives, and it will spill over to others.

I drew a lady for Tabitha that day, although it was no masterpiece. God is the Master Creator. He is an excellent artist and will mold us into something beautiful and pleasing — if we yield to His control. He promises that we will not be disappointed.

Lord, help us to continually realize that You alone can satisfy the deepest longings in our hearts. You can make something beautiful out of our lives. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
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Further Reading

• True Satisfaction – by Brigitte Straub

Are You Enjoying the Goodness of the Lord?  by Kathy Cheek

Satisfaction –  by Kathy Cheek


thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her”  John 8:6-8

Merle is dead. Someone sent an email to let me know. I felt really bad that day. I had known Merle for several years. She was a seamstress and had done many alterations for me.

I hadn’t known where she was spiritually and tried to talk with her about God on several occasions, but realized that she didn’t want to talk, so I gave her a few things to read, prayed for her when she was sick and just loved her when I went to see her.

One day, she opened up and told me her story. A very sad story of how a religious body had harshly condemned her, shunned her, and said God was punishing her when her baby died. I could see and hear how this condemnation and shunning affected her – even after many years. I have never seen a thinner woman. She was so fragile that when she got the flu she didn’t have the strength to fight it, she was in the hospital frequently, but this time it took her life.

After I got the news of her death, I thought about the power of the spoken word and deed. You can never take them back. They are like feathers floating through the air – they are not retrievable.

Even though we have all experienced the pain of being condemned or shunned at various times in our lives, let’s focus today on what we have done to others. Is there someone you have judged, harshly condemned or shunned? Pray that the Lord will give you a chance to show His love to them – to ask forgiveness for harsh words and deeds. Pray for their restoration.

Father, when I think of Merle’s life and the damage that was done to her by harsh judgments rather than love, I pray that You will help us ask forgiveness from the people where we have been judgmental and harsh instead of loving. Amen.

By  Katherine Kehler
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“…for His name’s sake your sins were forgiven”  1 John 2:12


We were flying to a conference. I was in the middle seat – certainly not my choice – but my husband and I have an agreement that if a woman is sitting by the window, I sit in the middle, if a man is in the seat by the window, Marvin sits in the middle.

Barely was I settled, when I discerned that the young woman sitting next to me was very sad and deep in thought. Making conversation, I asked her where she was from, where she was going and what she did.

She was a student and had been attending university in Poland – the homeland of her father. Then she told me sadly that her father had died. She had chosen to attend college in Poland against her father’s wishes and their relationship had been strained. They hadn’t forgiven each other when he died.

She seemed so sad and I recognized a deeper issue. I asked her if she had forgiven herself for not complying with her father’s wishes. She answered that she couldn’t forgive herself and felt so guilty. Slowly, I began to tell her about God’s love and forgiveness. Because of Christ’s death on the cross, her sins were forgiven and guilt was removed. I encouraged her to trust that because God had forgiven her, she could forgive herself no matter how awful she thought she had been. As I spoke, I prayed and my husband prayed.

I told her about something I had done as a teenager for which I had felt guilty about for many years. How I had come to the place where I was faced with the choice of forgiving myself because Christ had already forgiven me or I could continue feeling guilty the rest of my life. I had chosen to forgive myself.

The light in her eyes went on. She began to understand she was totally forgiven and could forgive herself. She could be free and happy. “God meant for you to sit with me today,” she told me at the end of the flight.

How about you? Is there something in your life for which you feel guilty? You don’t need to.

Simply accept God’s love and forgiveness.

If you don’t have Christ in your life, you can invite him by saying a simple prayer:

Sample prayer:

Dear God, today I bring you my life, my hopes, my dreams, my deepest yearnings … You know me intimately. You knew me even before I was formed in the womb. You called me into this world to do good and live the life I was uniquely and specifically created for. I ask for Courage and Wisdom to live this life–the life of my dreams. Show me where to start and help me be open to hearing your Voice today. I ask for a greater consciousness of your Presence, today and every day of my life. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

•  Prayer of Forgiveness and Release

The Problem is We Won’t Forgive Ourselves | by  Jon Walker

Forgiveness Opens the Door | by Helen Lescheid

The Stumbling Block of Unforgiveness| by Kathy Cheek

Bitterness in the Garden of our Hearts | by Francis Frangipan


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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


One day I thought about the verse, “Keep yourselves in God’s love,” (Jude 21) and I wondered, “How do I keep myself in God’s love?”

After all, God’s love is eternal, unchanging and constant. Nothing can remove us from the love of God. What then does this directive actually mean?

God directed my thoughts to my relationship with my husband Marvin. He loves me more than anyone on earth. I feel secure, safe and protected. There are times however, when we have a misunderstanding and my feeling of security quickly changes to insecurity. When this happens, I put up a wall. I withdraw from his love rather than keeping myself in his love. The wall I put up shuts out his love.

In the same way, I will at times try to take myself out of God’s love. I know He orchestrates circumstances in my life to teach me divine truths. Sometimes these situations are very painful and I begin to doubt the truth of the Bible regarding God’s love. I put up a wall. His love for me hasn’t changed, but I don’t experience His love.

For example, when our five-month-old grandson, Spencer, died suddenly, the enemy put thoughts in my mind like,

How could a loving God take away this beautiful grandson from you?

I began to doubt God’s love. In my mind the attributes of God’s power and sovereignty loomed large and His love seemed small – like the smallest letters on an eyesight-testing chart.

Shortly after Spenser’s death, God spoke to my mind as I was driving along the freeway. He said,

Katherine, do you believe the Bible?”
I answered, “Yes, Lord, You know I do.
Do you believe that I am love?”
In my mind I could clearly see the verse in 1 John 4:16, “God is love.”

That day I made a choice – again. I would believe the Bible from cover to cover. There would be times when I wouldn’t understand God’s ways, but that did not meant the Bible wasn’t true. These times only revealed my limited understanding of God’s ways.

My wall toward God came down and I once again experienced the warmth of His love.

God, thank You that what You say is true. Thank You that the Bible is truer than our feelings. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
used by permission


God  is waiting to show His love and kindness to you and to guide your life.  He wants to make something beautiful of your life.  And you can open your heart and life to Him today by praying this prayer with a sincere attitude.

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/


FURTHER READING

Importance of Knowing God
I Want to Know Him
The Christian and the Bible – do you believe it is the infallible truth?


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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” Proverbs 4:7

God hides some ideal in every human soul. At some time in our life we feel a trembling, fearful longing to do some good thing. Life finds its noblest spring of excellence in this hidden impulse to do our best.” — Robert Collyer

God knows the secret plan of the things he will do for the world, using my hand.” —Toyohiko Kagawa

Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul.  
Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.” —Pamela Vaull Starr

Don’t doubt in the darkness what God has given you in the light.” — Dr. Henrietta C. Mears

Success is not measured by what a man accomplishes, but by the opposition he has encountered and the courage with which he has maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.” — Charles Lindbergh

What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.” — Louis Nizer

And along with the dream, will You give me whatever graces, patience, and stamina it takes to see the dream through to fruition?” — Catherine Marshall

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of GodHebrews 12:1–2.

Father, help us to be wise. Amen

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

• Ask For Wisdom – by Kathy Cheek

Fireside Wisdom – by Gail Rodgers

Knowledge vs. Wisdom – by Alec Niemi


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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men” John 5:16


Someone told me that we influence at least 250 people during our lifetime. (I was told this number was chosen because this is how many people usually show up at a funeral.) Today, with the Internet connecting us with more people, I believe our influence is much greater.

I recently watched a true story  video called, Paradise Road. It told of a woman who used her influence and training to give a group of women hope, courage, peace, unity and a reason to keep living.

The women were prisoners of war. They came from diverse backgrounds – high society and farmers. They were from different countries. At first they didn’t trust each other, but as life became more difficult for them, they began to work together.

God used one woman in an amazing way. With her music and organizational abilities, she united the women to form an orchestra and patiently taught them how to use their voices to sound like instruments. Soon they were able to create a beautiful concert.

She gave them something beautiful to focus on besides their own misery and their horrific surroundings. Every day women died at the hands of their captors or from disease, but the group was able to keep going because of her courage.

There were, of course, some women who wouldn’t join the choir and watched from afar, but most followed her.

Over half the women in the choir died. One day, when they were having yet another funeral procession, one of the guards asked her, “Where is your choir now?”

Instead of letting his remark discourage her, she picked up two rocks and began banging out a rhythm. Soon others followed her example, using sticks, shoes – whatever they could find. They were an orchestra again and were encouraged. Even those who usually sat and watched joined in the music.

Finally the war was over and they were set free. This woman had given them hope, courage, and even joy by inspiring them to make something beautiful in dire circumstances.

You are like this woman when Jesus Christ controls your life,

You shine like stars…as you hold out the word of life” (Philippians 2:15).

You help women see something beautiful in life, no matter the circumstances. You are the light of the world.

Think for a moment about the people you influence. The ones you meet at your local coffee shop, the grocery store, clothing store and online, as well as your neighbors, coworkers, church and family. God can use you to help introduce people you know to Christ, the One who brings light into our souls and eyes. Why not point them to the gospel in the related article below.

Father of light, we thank You that You place joy, hope, light and a reason to keep living in our hearts. Give us the courage to spread that light to everyone with whom we come into contact. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

• Shine Like the Sun – by Bill Bright

Let God’s Light Through  by Darren Hewer

Candle Burning Bright – by Vonette Bright


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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women

God protects us from harm’s way, guards us from danger, defends us against accusations, shelters us when we are weak, and screens everything that comes our way.


But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my headPsalm 3:3

I have been thinking about God being our shield. The word “shield” also means to protect, guard, defend, shelter, and screen. God protects us from harm’s way, guards us from danger, defends us against accusations, shelters us when we are weak, and screens everything that comes our way. Nothing can touch us until it goes through God’s screening process first.

Many of us have had the scary experience of a rock hitting our windshield. The windshield protected us from being hurt. Our homes shelter us from the elements of nature — rain, snow, extreme heat, and cold. But there is no shelter, no protector, like God Himself. The verse Deuteronomy 33:27 is a wonderful comfort to me: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

There may be times in your life when you feel like you have been hit by a ton of bricks. Believe it or not, that experience had to first go through God’s screening process. And His screening process is more accurate than that of any airport security system!

Painful experiences help us to trust God more. When our five-month-old grandson died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, (S.I.D’s), I felt like I couldn’t bare it. But several days after the funeral, God showed me the reason for taking our grandson home so early. I was reading
2 Corinthians 1, and suddenly the last part of verse 9 became alive to me. I read, “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God . . .”    And yes, Spenser’s death did cause me to go to God for strength and comfort.

There are many verses in the Bible that refer to God as our shield. I encourage you to look them up and read them. Here are a few of my favorites.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart”
Psalm 91:4

Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word
Psalm 119:114

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly
Psalm 84:11

Father God, thank You for being a shield about us. Thank You for protecting us, sheltering us, defending us, and being a screen. You give grace and glory to each one of us and won’t withhold any good thing from us if we walk uprightly before You. We love You, Lord! Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

God is our Hiding Place

God WILL take care of you

•  Salvation Explained


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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women