Habits
Lisa Schnedler
They Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes

Each year, I listen to a daily audio Bible podcast—and complete the Bible in one year. This year marks my sixth year through the Bible.

Why don’t I stop?

Every year, I learn new aspects of the Bible because each year, I am in a different place in my life, and the Holy Spirit speaks to me where I am.

The Bible is always fresh! It is always alive!

It is the only book that has a Living Spirit within it.

Each year, when I get to Judges in the Old Testament, I say, “Oh boy!” because I know what is ahead.

They Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes
Lisa Schnedler
What Passover Means to Christians

Passover begins this evening.

It is one of the most significant Jewish Holidays, commemorating when the angels of God “passed over” the Hebrews as the firstborn children and animals of the Egyptians were killed—all because Pharoah would not set the Hebrews free as God commanded.

With this final plague on Egypt, Pharoah agreed to free the Hebrews so they might begin their journey to the promised land.

God instructed the Jews to commemorate the first Passover, when they had marked their houses with blood, alerting the angels to “pass over” their homes.

Christians draw parallels in their faith,

What Passover Means to Christians
New/Renew
Lisa Schnedler
The Days After Easter...

This week, I was listening to a minister on the radio who noted that in the days after His resurrection, Jesus did not appear to Pilate to tell him that he had been wrong in ordering His crucifixion.

Jesus did not appear to the Jewish leaders and chastise them for not believing and demanding His death.

He did not appear to the Roman soldiers who nailed Him on the cross.

Why?

The Days After Easter...
Lisa Schnedler
Holy Week

Today, I was drinking in the beautiful hymns of Psalm Sunday. They are majestic, powerful, and inspirational!

Among my very favorites is All Glory, Laud and Honor. When I close my eyes and listen to the lyrics, I can feel all the emotions I imagine those present at Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The hope. The joy. The expectation.

As Christians, we carry the hope, joy, and expectation at our Lord’s second coming. Feel this excitement. Play this song and sing along. It is a wonderful way to enter into the spirit of Holy Week.

What are some of your favorite Holy Week Hymns/ song?

Holy Week
New/Renew
Lisa Schnedler
An Irish Blessing

My mother is Irish—which makes me Irish as well!

One of my favorite blessings is The Irish Blessing, which is a favorite benediction of my forefathers—and so appropriate for St. Patrick’s Day!

It is a great blessing for everyone—even if you aren’t Irish!

An Irish Blessing

A New Year's Message by James Smith - 1849- For Us Today!

A New Year's Message by James Smith - 1849- For Us Today!

oday, I will share a writing that was referenced in an email I received today. In spite of the fact that it was written in 1849.

The author is James Smith. He was a pastor the New Park Street Chapel in London, the same church Charles Spurgeon was to serve five years later. He gave this impactful New Years message that has much to say to us today.

So here is a gift from the past. The essence of the message is this: The Lord meets us on the threshold of this year and assures us that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!" He is deeply interested in our welfare, lovingly concerned to do us good, and ready to help us in every time of trouble. This is our encouragement.

James Smith, New Park Street Church, London, 1849

The Secret Sauce for Goal Achievement--to Make it a Happy New Year!

The Secret Sauce for Goal Achievement--to Make it a Happy New Year!

Generally, when we are facing a new year, many of us set goals, listing out all we hope to accomplish in the year to come. But, surveys tell us that only between 8% and 9% of Americans realize the goals they set for the new year.

Why such a low rate of achievement?

Marcel Schwantes, in an article in Inc. magazine, details what the eight percent who successfully achieve their goals do on a regular basis that the other ninety-two percent don’t consistently do.

According to Schwantes, those who succeed: