Tag Archives: Caroline Powers

The Story of Christmas

VineWords Devotions and More

Traditional carols sung for centuries are not only beautiful music, but rich in theology as they tell the story of Christmas. Let’s enjoy the story as this Christmas draws near. Prophets Foretell the Savior’s Birth “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” emerges from the prophets of the Old Testament who, by faith, saw the advent of their Messiah. Its mournful tune communicates the longing of God’s nation, who endured years of exile before returning to their land and rebuilding.   Indeed, … Continue reading →

The Truth of Our Identity

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We can try to live up to Scripture’s promises, but only when we know the truth of our identity will we enjoy our position as beloved receivers instead of strivers. Every child needs a father. Earthly fathers protect and provide. By their actions and words, they ground us in a sense of identity. Treasured or insignificant. Blessed or lacking in what we need. Bold or insecure. Labels may be spoken clearly or inferred by how we’re treated. Therefore, when we … Continue reading →

Choosing Joy

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This year, a friend of mine lost her husband of over sixty years, but her commitment to joy was a powerful witness to me. Watching the result of her choosing joy in the presence of sadness and the temptation to self-pity made me determined to understand the power of joy and to possess it in my daily life.   Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. ~Nehemiah 8:10 NIV I haven’t lost a husband, … Continue reading →

False Promises of Control

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No one enjoys being weak, especially me. And the devil knows it. He takes advantage of our fears with false promises of control, or at least a heavy influence over the circumstances of our lives. His ploys are so common and make so much sense that they often feel right and normal. Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.  ~Zechariah 4:6b NKJV A challenging but valuable lesson for me through my venture … Continue reading →

Illustrations of Restoration

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God’s wisdom speaks to us in everything if we will listen and receive. Besides the clarity found in His perfect Word, He plants illustrations of restoration for us to find. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.  ~Romans 8:28 NIV    Paul expresses a powerful promise of God’s ability to bring good from everything. It is not only His ability, but also … Continue reading →

Praying for Our Country

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One of the great blessings of my life is participating in a small group of intercessors at my church. The group began a few years ago after the COVID-19 lockdowns with the purpose of praying for our country. When I joined the group, attendance ranged from three to six people. Now, several years later, our core number is about nine. That sounds small, but we aren’t concerned because of the unity we’ve found spiritually as we’ve prayed together. For wherever … Continue reading →

Revelation for Our Blind Spots

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Our salvation includes a transfer from living by the rules and wisdom of the fallen world to obeying the principles and promises of God’s Kingdom. The transfer is instant, but full comprehension dawns gradually as the Holy Spirit gives us revelation for our blind spots. Consider an encouraging example from the day right after Jesus’ resurrection. The story takes place on the road to Emmaus when Jesus overhears a sad, discouraged conversation between two of His followers. The men only … Continue reading →

The Power of Giving Thanks

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Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV The power of giving thanks aligns us with the truth of God’s goodness and expresses our trust. When parents teach their children to say “please” and “thank you,” the children may or may not realize they imitate the teaching of our Father God. And just like little children who don’t always feel like minding their manners, we can find … Continue reading →

New Wineskins

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Jesus is famous for telling stories to explain the truths of the new Kingdom He had come to launch. One such mysterious illustration was about the need for new wineskins. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. ~Luke 5:37-38 ESV Old Wineskins Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, … Continue reading →

Our Secure Place of Belonging

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We count on our home as our secure place of belonging–a place of undisputed security where we can rest. Home may also be a learning place where we get our rough edges rubbed off safely. Like children, we learn to get along in life—to share, cooperate, and apologize. Jesus’ Abiding Place Now, think about our relationship with Jesus, who has chosen to abide in us. May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in … Continue reading →