Author: Lia Smith

If I am honest, I don’t want to get all wrapped up in people’s thoughts of what has been going on in the world. From pandemic “statistics” to people’s stress levels, from conflict with politics to disputes with the police, one can go sincerely insane. Who am I supposed to listen to? Who am I…Read more

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the…Read more

This week, I was studying the name “El Shaddai” which translates to the Almighty, all-sufficient God. It was a great reminder that God’s grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9). God is everything we need! Although it is true there are times we need things physically (like food and water), God fills us spiritually…Read more

I recently heard a sermon preached on Exodus Chapters 16-17, and I was shocked at how much the Israelites were demanding from God. These chapters hold the story of the manna and quail from Heaven and the water coming from the rock – both really well-known Bible stories. In each, the Israelites were discontent and…Read more

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” (Matthew 13:44, NIV). I think about how this Parable reminds me of Jesus giving up everything and dying on the…Read more

Through a powerful Bible study I had with a group last year, I learned that there are 366 verses in the Bible that address the idea of fear. Over and over again, Jesus Himself turned to the people around Him and said “Do not be afraid.” As interesting as that might be, I found it…Read more

Titus Chapter 2 is full of instances where the Church of God is commanded to have self-control. Paul calls all parts of the body of Christ to have discipline and self-control. “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions,…Read more

I don’t know, but gentleness is not something that comes naturally to me; I have to fight my natural inclinations of being selfish and stay within my comfort zone. I feel like we as human beings have a tendency to be extremely hostile the moment we feel threatened. I hate getting involved in any news…Read more

Tonight during the evening service at my grandparents’ church, our pastor was going through Exodus 17 talking about how the Israelites walked with God. The Book of Exodus is riddled with different instances and examples of how God’s people failed Him again and again, and yet that never changed how good God was to them….Read more

I really struggled with the title of this devotional because I don’t want to suggest the idea that in any way we are inherently good. I believe in something theologians call original sin, meaning that when babies are born, they are born into sin. No one needs to teach a child to be selfish or…Read more