Sharon JaynesTake Hold of the Faith You Long For 31 Comments

How to Have Big Faith

Harry called it a dune buggy. I called it a death trap.

My friend, Harry, invited me and some of my friends for a ride over beach sand dunes in his big wheel jeep. I like sand. I like rides. Sounded like fun. It was not.

We buckled in and Harry revved up the engine. We did not ride over the sand dunes;  Read more…

Sharon JaynesConfidence in Christ, Expectant Living, Identity in Christ, Living Fully, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For 111 Comments

What Are You Afraid Of?

How do you react to fear of the unknown when it comes to stepping out in faith or living boldly? I remember the first time I spoke with a microphone in front of a crowd. I was terrified! My topic was Unshakable Confidence in Christ, but my knees were knocking!

Everyone has his or her own unique way of talking themselves out of taking steps of faith.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesForgiveness, Perspective, Relationships, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For 46 Comments

When Family Gets Messy

Family can get really messy over the holidays. My family growing up was one big mess on every-days.  Fighting. Arguing. Yelling. Crying. And eventually, a lot of forgiving.

If ever there is a place to learn about forgiveness…to practice forgiveness…to struggle with forgiveness…it is in the context of family. And interestingly, it is in the context of family where the word forgiveness first shows up in the Bible.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesLiving Fully, Perspective, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, Trusting God 58 Comments

When You Feel Stuck in Your Faith

Have you ever felt stuck in your faith? Like you can’t seem to grow any deeper? Stand any stronger? Believe any better? I know I have.

Sometimes I feel like a trapeze artist who’s stuck hanging over the vast expanse in a circus tent, wondering why I can’t fly through the spiritual life with the greatest of ease like so many others seem to.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesExpectant Living, Living Free, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For 96 Comments

When It’s Time to Stop Moping

Have you ever been so discouraged that you just wanted to stay in bed and pull the covers up over your head? Maybe that’s where you are right now.

I felt that way last Christmas when my son and daughter-in-law didn’t make it to our house for our much longed for, much planned for holiday visit.  A snow storm canceled their flight and it was too dangerous to drive.  Read more…

Sharon JaynesConfidence in Christ, Enough, God's love, Identity in Christ, Knowing God, Living Free, Living Fully, Perspective, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For 278 Comments

You’ve Been Pre-Approved!

I’ve got something really special to give away at the end of this devotion! But for now, here’s today’s encouragement!

I walked to the mailbox and then to the recycler. Don’t need this one, or this one, or this one I whispered as I dropped the shiny flyers in the red box.

I don’t know about you,  Read more…