by Patricia Broyles Sometimes we carefully choose our words so that we don't give too many compliments to someone. It can be in an ordinary situation or even a situation that had many ups and downs. In the back of our minds we think “they don't need compliments”, “they are fine”, “they already have enough attention” but what we don’t see is that even a kind word could mean the world to that person and even build up a discouraged spirit. We measure words of encouragement and c

by Patricia Broyles I loved growing up in Brazil where everybody has a name but no one calls you by your name. Brazilians love giving nicknames to people which are usually based on their name and/or appearance. I grew up having several nicknames given to me by my friends, and also “giving” them nicknames. In my teen years and young adult life those nicknames changed based more towards what I did or was capable of. Many times it would be based on my faith or with who I spent t

by Patricia Broyles             Hath God forgotten to be gracious?       Hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. Psalm 77:9 Busy days and tiring days will come. When our spirit is overtaken by a series of circumstances, we find ourselves sinking and struggling to keep our heads above the water. Perhaps we experience physical fatigue, emotional distress and many times an empty spirit. Days where prayers have no words and where we don’t even want to be comforted. Ou

by Patricia Broyles Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.  Matthew 18:21-22 Have you ever thought about what to do with the hurtful memories of somebody you have already forgiven? You don't want it to become bitterness, but now something has triggered your memory about that pain. When Jesus taught about f

by Patricia Broyles And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Luke 2:17 As a Christian the great commission is not an option. If you are staying close to home or going overseas, the Lord has already given the commandment. To go and tell. You may ask how can I be a missionary? “I don’t fit the description”. You may find that you don’t have much of the ability that others have. You may notice that you have difficulty

by Patricia Broyles That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 1:7 Perhaps the Lord is taking you through a trial so you will see your faith refined. So many times we ask the Lord to give us strength and to grow our faith, but we should remember that our faith is actually revealed during the hard times. Like a firefly

by Patricia Broyles And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:19 Wellspring means a source of continual or abundant supply. Is it such a comfort knowing that God’s love towards us is a wellspring. If God had only given us salvation it would already be more than enough, yet the cross of Jesus is the most gracious, beautiful, and sacrificial demonstration of love this world will ever see or experien