Category: Faith

One thing I know: I once was blind but now I see

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Read through the Bible in 2 years: John 9

Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him." - John 9:3 ESV

God has a plan and purpose in pain. Sometimes that plan is for discipline and chastisement, but sometimes God has other purposes. We have to be careful not to be so self-absorbed that we think our lives are only about us. Rather, we must recognize that as God’s children our lives are on display for the world to see. What trial are you facing right now? How can the works of God be displayed in that trial?

[Jesus] said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam." - John 9:7a

Parents want their children to obey promptly, cheerfully, and completely. Likewise, we should obey our Heavenly Father promptly, cheerfully, and completely.

This blind man must by faith obey Jesus and go wash in order to be healed. What if he waited to wash? What if he grumbled the whole way he was walking to the pool? What if he went to a different pool? How often do we refuse to obey at all – or we don’t obey promptly, cheerfully, and completely – and we miss out on a blessing?

"His parents answered, "We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself." ... He answered, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see."" - John 9:20-21, 25 ESV

Did you notice how many times “know” and “don’t know” were used in verses 20 – 31? There are so many things that we don’t know, right? But there was something this healed man KNEW — he was blind but now he sees. Do you feel that way?

Near the end of this chapter, in verse 35, when Jesus found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” and he answered, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” can you feel his joy in having his question answered, “You have SEEN Him and it is He who is speaking to you”?

Can you answer with this man who was once blind but now sees, “Lord, I believe” and worship Him?

Let’s praise, thank, and worship Him together.

Heavenly Father,

You are the God who creates people who are born with sight and people who are born blind. You have purpose in both. Thank You for the gift of earthly sight that allows us to see the beauty of creation that we are drawn to seek You. And thank You for the gift of spiritual sight that we can see You at work in our lives and in the lives of others around us.

We pray that You will give us spiritual wisdom to obey You promptly, cheerfully, and completely. Please forgive us for all those times we have stubbornly refused to follow You, and all those times we have followed You grudgingly and half-heartedly, those times we’ve waited for a better time, or waited to hear You a second or third or fourth or hundredth time. Help us to be obedient children so that Your works and Your character will be powerfully on display in our lives.

We pray that we will recognize that we were once blind, so that we can be grateful for the GIFT of sight that we have received. Keep us humble and protect us from that pride which so easily creeps into our hearts. Thank You for Your lovingkindness and grace.

In the Almighty Name of Jesus we pray.

Amen.

Our Righteous Judge

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Read through the Bible in 2 years: Psalm 7; Proverbs 1:19; John 8

It was interesting today to read Psalm 7. Along with John 8. Psalm 7:8 says” The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, oh Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.” Then verse 11a says, “God is a righteous judge.”

I was thinking about how unrighteous I am. Like my favorite Bible verse, Romans 5:8, says, “God shows his love for us and that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” And like 1 Peter 3: 18a says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous.”

God is righteous and I am unrighteous and in need of his forgiveness. Yet, as a Christian, I should not just continue in sin because Christ will forgive me. Rather, as Psalm 7 encourages me, I am called to live a life of righteousness and integrity.

So when I got to John eight and read the story of the adulterous woman, I was encouraged in this truth again. On Jesus says in John 8:11b, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on send no more.”

God is completely full of grace and mercy, but god is also holy and righteous. As His children and followers, we must not just “continue in sin that his grace may abound.” (More on this when we get to Romans 6.)

I found it particularly interesting that John 8:7, 9, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her…” “and they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones.”

The older I get, the more I recognize my own sin. As a young believer I thought I was so mature. God had changed me so much and brought me out of darkness and into light, but I still had so much to learn. Now I know the word well, and I know all the more what a terrible sinner I am. So many of my obvious, external sins are gone (by God’s grace!) but those inward sins of pride and malice and covetousness lurk beneath the surface.

And then to jump to the end of John 8, verses 58-59a, “Jesus said to him, ‘ truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am. So they picked up stones to throw at him…”

Whoa. Clearly these men thought that Jesus had committed blasphemy, calling himself God, when he said that he was the eternal one who had existed before Abraham. I hope you’ll remember this when we read the stories of Abraham and Moses in Genesis and Exodus. Remember what we read in John 1, Jesus was with God in the beginning and all things were made through Him. He is God in the flesh. The Pharisees knew it and so should we.

Let’s pray together.

Heavenly Father, You are God alone. You are the truth. Every word of God proves true. You are a shield to those who take refuge in You.

Hide us in the shelter of your wings. Help us to “go and sin no more.” Help us to hear You and follow You.

We pray that we would come into the light that our works would be exposed, and we would be laid bare before you – that we would repent, turning away from our sins and turning to Jesus, the eternal god in human flesh.

Help us to recognize our own sin and our own need for a savior. Help us to be among those who do not throw stones at our fellow sinners, but instead point them to the One who came that we would have life to the full.

Satan is indeed a liar. He came to steal and kill and destroy. He is the prince of this world, the king of darkness. Help us to rescue those who are held in his snare.

We pray that the eyes of many would be opened so that they would see You, the author and creator of our faith.

It is in the matchless name of Jesus we pray.

Amen.

Of Delighting and Prospering

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"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." 
Psalm 1:1-3 ESV

Last night I saw a picture that my sister posted of a huge flock of birds migrating over her frozen hay fields. When one area of the country is too cold or too dry, birds can fly to another place.

But not so with trees. Trees have roots. Trees are planted. They can’t move. They can’t migrate. They have to “bloom (or wither) where they’re planted.”

So what should you do when you find yourself planted somewhere you don’t want to be? How can you prosper when you are in a cold, dry land?

Psalm 1 has the answer. When you find yourself parched, put out some roots and push them deep into the Word of God, meditating on it day and night, day after day. Don’t think the answer is to move to the pasture where you think the grass is greener. Rather, abide in the vine and hold fast to God’s Word. He is the one who causes you to bear fruit. You can trust Him.

I hope you’ll join me this year in meditating on God’s Word day by day for the next 730 days.

Happy New Year 🎇

The Story of the Candy Cane

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According to the legend of the candy cane, this candy was first created over 200 years ago. At that time, in certain areas of Europe, Christians were oppressed, and no one could have their own crosses or Bibles. When Christmas came around, children didn’t get to see nativity scenes or enjoy learning about the truth of Christmas.

One man wished he could share the love of Jesus and the joy of Christmas with the rest of the world. As a candy maker, this man prayed to find a way that he could offer local children a Christmas gift that would allow him to communicate the real story of Christmas.

His prayer led to an idea – the candy cane. I hope you will take his idea and share it with others.

Shepherd’s Staff: He chose to make the candy cane in the shape of a shepherd’s staff. After all, Jesus is the shepherd to his followers and the Bible notes that the “sheep” would hear His voice and follow him (Psalm 23:1, John 10:11, John 10:27-30, Isaiah 40:11).

Letter J for Jesus: Not only was the candy cane in the shape of a staff, but when held upside down, it formed a “J,” which stood for Jesus (Luke 1:31, Matthew 1:21).

Solid as a Rock: The candy maker chose hard candy for the candy cane, which was done to remind children that Jesus was our “rock,” dependable and strong (Psalm 31:3).

White Base: The white base of the candy cane represents the purity of sinless Jesus and the cleansing we receive through His blood. (1 Peter 1:19, 1 John 1:7, Hebrews 9:12-4).

Red Stripes: Red stripes were added to the candy cane, representative of the blood Jesus shed for our sins. Through trusting in Jesus Christ, we are saved from the punishment of our sins and given eternal life. (Isaiah 53:4-7, Revelation 1:5)

Sweet Fragrance: Peppermint is the flavor traditionally used the candy cane. Peppermint is very similar to hyssop, which was used for sacrifice and purification in the Old Testament, reminding us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Peppermint also reminds us of the fragrant spices brought by the Wise Men when they came to visit Jesus (Psalm 51:7, Matthew 2:9-11).

Given as a Gift: The candy cane was made to be given as a gift. This reminds us of the greatest gift ever given, the gift of God’s only Son, Jesus, as well as the gift of faith that leads us to the priceless gift of salvation. (John 3:16, Romans 6:23)

the-story-of-the-candy-cane-1Download

My Favorite Passage of Scripture

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I love the writings of Peter because he’s so outspoken and quick.

I love the writings of John because he’s so fixed on the mutual importance of truth and love.

But I have a special place in my heart for Paul because he was once a blasphemer and opponent of the gospel like me.

Every time I read Paul’s letter to Timothy, his child in the faith, I am reminded anew of God’s unique calling and purpose for me and how greatly His grace and love have overflowed in my life.

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:12-16 ESV

Does your testimony sound different from mine and Paul’s? Were you never a persecutor of Christians and an opponent of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Great news! God still has a unique purpose and calling for YOU! God still wants to use YOU as an example of His perfect patience.

Whether you grew up from infancy surrounded by Words of Truth whispered over you as you slept, or you walked in utter darkness until adulthood, the light has come for you. Now go and share the good news with others this holiday season. It’s never too late to tell someone about the saving faith available to all through trusting in Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

2 Timothy 2:8-13 ESV

Preparing our Hearts for Christ

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We usually begin our celebration of Advent on the Monday four weeks before Christmas, so today we will read Day One of our “From Creation to Christ: A Family Advent Devotional” book.

The paperback version available on Amazon for $14.99 and includes 25 devotionals with accompanying songs, scriptures, and full-color graphics. There’s also an ebook available that includes links to lyrics videos for all 50 songs.

You can download a free PDF for the ornaments here.

And checkout my advent playlist on YouTube.

The daily devotionals were originally published here on my blog in 2020. They are still available here, but I have made quite a few improvements since originally writing them. Hope you enjoy and pass it on!

Happy Children’s Day

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In China, June 1 every year is Children’s Day. Here in the U.S., it seems like every day is Children’s Day. 😆

Have you ever heard the phrase, “We’re all God’s children?” It’s a pretty popular saying and somewhat accurate in that we are all God’s creation, or that we are all created in the image of God. Every man, woman, and child, born or unborn, has been created by God, after the image of God, for the intentional purpose of God. In that way, yes, we’re all God’s children.

But, today, as I was reading Ephesians 2, verses 2 and 3 jumped out at me. They say that we were all once by nature sons of disobedience and children of wrath. Verses 4-10 go on to explain that because of God’s rich mercy and love and grace, we have been saved from His wrath by faith in His Son, Jesus.

In order to be God’s children, we must be born again and be made new by the Holy Spirit. In order to call on God as our Father, we must be adopted as His sons and daughters.

I pray that today, as Children’s Day is being celebrated on the other side of the globe, you will call out to your Creator, that you will receive Him as Your Father, confessing your sins to Him and asking Him to welcome you into His family, coming to Him by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. I’d love to call you my brother or sister and welcome you into the household of God.

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:1‭-‬10 ESV

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:9‭-‬13 ESV

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Romans 8:14‭-‬17 ESV

for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
Galatians 3:26 ESV

Friendship

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Over the years, intimate friendship has always been tough for me. Maybe because I’m selfish. Maybe because I’m critical. Maybe because I can be too direct and intimidating. Maybe because I’m too busy, and genuine friendship takes work.

So, today, as I was reading James, I was captured by James 4:4

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

James 4:4 ESV

Being friends with the world is easy. The world encourages me to be selfish and critical. The world is waiting for me every time I pick up my phone and veg out on the couch, or pick up a big slice of “poor me pie.”

But, God is a better friend than the world can ever be. God listens to me at all hours of the day or night. He’s never too busy. He’s never distracted. He never ignores my call. He’s never too tired.

God tells me what I need to hear, not only what I want to hear. God gives me wise counsel filled with His loving grace and mercy. God is patient with me. God knows my weakness and still loves me.

The world woos us, pretending to love us, calling to us to come and be filled, but really it is only speaking empty lies and deceit. When I’m chasing after the world, I’m turning my back on the lover of my soul, Jesus, my Savior and Shepherd who gave up His life in my place.

If you’re looking for a true friend, look up.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 ESV

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17 ESV

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
Proverbs 27:6 ESV

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 ESV

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 ESV

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20 ESV

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
Revelation 22:17 ESV

A Dream Come True

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When I was a much younger mom, about to begin my second year homeschooling, I stumbled upon a history curriculum that blew me away. It was exactly what I was looking for – Biblical, mom-friendly, and kid-friendly. It included extra ideas for crafts and read-aloud books. Through this history book, I finally became aware of how interesting it can be to learn about history! It was the first homeschool textbook that I became an outspoken advocate for.

In the twenty years since Linda Hobar published that first history textbook, The Mystery of History, God has grown Linda’s ministry, adding three more history volumes spanning from ancient history to modern history – and I’ve loved them all. God has helped Linda to become an incredible spokesperson for homeschooling from a persuasive, winsome, intelligent Biblical worldview.

About ten years ago, I had a crazy “fan girl” experience when I ran into Linda in the bathroom of my church during an exercise class that she and I were both participating in! How does this happen? I’d heard that she had moved to Memphis — keep in mind I originally found her book while we were living in St Louis and she was living in Texas, I think … and here she was in MY CHURCH BATHROOM! What is going on?

In the years since then, her husband became my older son’s baseball coach, and I had the blessing of chatting with Linda at several homeschooling events, but we’d lost touch in the last few years.

So, I was super excited to run into her again at my church women’s retreat a few months ago. We had some time to catch up and she invited me to join her in her latest venture — hosting a podcast, The Mystery of Home Education. (I’ve listened to every episode and loved them all. I know you will, too!)

But I hope you’ll especially take 23 minutes to check out today’s episode, January 20, 2022, where Linda interviewed … *me.*

What??? Me??? Kim Endraske???

Former Evangelical Atheist turned Evangelical Christian… Homeschooling mom and Wanna-be author and speaker. Me?

Isn’t God so good to work all things together in His perfect time and place??? I hope you will be encouraged to hear more about my journey of coming to faith and walking out my faith.

Thank you, Mrs. Linda Hobar. You have greatly impacted me and my children. You have mentored me and my family through the books you have written and the talks you have shared. May the Lord bless and grow your ministry and in turn bless and grow His kingdom!

Lord, let me not despise small beginnings. You are my Creator. You have purpose for my life, and for Linda’s, and for every person reading this little blog or listening to Linda’s podcast. History is indeed YOUR story. History is His Story. To the glory and fame of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen

A Cord of Three Strands

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If you’ve ever spent more than a few hours with me, you’ve probably seen me whip my hair back into a simple little braid. While together with family for the Christmas holiday, I asked someone (I can’t remember who ☺️) if they could do that and they replied that, no, they couldn’t, it must be a special thing for my curly hair.

So, yesterday, while getting my hair out of my face by quickly braiding three strands of my fine, curly hair behind my head, I suddenly remembered Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV, “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

But, then, my mind went to this — that three-fold cord takes effort to stay tight, to stay woven and together. I can’t just throw my hair up in a braid and expect it to stay for the rest of the day or week or month. This reminds me that my relationship with God, my relationship with my husband, or my sister, or my children, or a good friend, needs attention to remain tightly held together. Something to ponder.

Father, please help me to abide in You, to hold fast to you, to cling to you. Help me to weave myself into Bill’s life and to be his faithful helper. Grant me your strength to love others and to serve them by your love abiding in me. Thank you for giving me Your Spirit and for the promise that You will never leave me or forsake me. Help me to hear Your voice and to walk step by step holding onto Your loving hand. By the Grace of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

“And though a man might prevail against one
who is alone, two will withstand him —
a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Ecclesiastes 4:12 ESV

Ecclesiastes 4:12 KJV “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”