Goodbye 2019, Hello 2020

This year was filled with a lot of learning and growing. It was a year of struggles and happy moments.

One of the most special and memorable moments of this year for me was watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. 

What is your best memory of 2019?
What are you looking forward to most in the new year?

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:5

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Merry Christmas!

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

1 John 4:14

Merry Christmas!

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Finding Joy This Christmas Season

We get so caught up in the cares of this world, in the pain that we are feeling in the moment, that we forget to be grateful for the most amazing gift that has ever been given to us. A gift we don't deserve and that is better than anything we could ever imagine.

We get so wrapped up in gifts, in the traditions that we have made on earth, that we start to forget what Christmas is really about.

Christmas is about God's son coming to earth. He was born in a humble place for us. He lived to die, to take away our sins.

This year, as we struggle with health, finances, or whatever may be on our minds, let us put our focus on him.

This year, instead of thinking of the gifts or the pressure surrounding Christmas, let us find the light and joy of the season. Let us be thankful for the greatest gift ever.

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
1 John 4:14

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Because of Jesus, Death Is Not The End

Christmas is a beautiful time because it holds promises and hope.
Jesus came to earth for us, to live and die for us. He rose again and offers us everlasting life.
Because of God's power and grace, evil will never win. Death is not the end.

'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Revelation 21:4

Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
Psalm 112:6

There is so much to be thankful for this Christmas season and always!

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Happy Thanksgiving Week

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for a God who never lets go.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4


Happy Thanksgiving week!


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

5 Things I Am Thankful For This November

1. I am thankful that it is above freezing and the snow is melting. It is still cold but not as bad as it was for a little bit.

2. For my nieces and nephews. They are so sweet and precious and fill me with so much joy.

3. For Jesus and that he came to earth, was born in a stable, and lived and died my sins.

4. For Christmas lights and music and the joy of the season.

5. For a warm home during the cold weather.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
Psalm 95:2

What are you feeling thankful for this month?


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Come To Me... I Will Give You Rest

A simple reminder this week...

Are you weary? Carrying burdens that feel too heavy? God will give you rest.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

God's Plans Are Best

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16:9

We all try to plan out our lives.

We make plans and get frustrated when things don't turn out how we wanted.

But sometimes things not going as planned is better in the end.

God is always watching over us, and his plans are always best.

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Do Not Boast About Tomorrow

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
Proverbs 27:1

We shouldn't boast about what we think is going to happen or what we have planned but we should know that this life is temporary.

Everything can change so quickly.

But no matter what changes happen or what gets in the way of what we think is right, God is in control. He sees us and knows us.

We shouldn't boast about our plans for tomorrow but we should look to him to guide us. We should rely on him for every decision that we make.

God is good, and he wants what is best for us. We can trust him with our lives today, tomorrow, and always.


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

We Will Not Be Destroyed

Even when we feel overwhelmed or afraid, we are not alone.

Even when we feel pressed in on every side, we will not be crushed.

God will take care of us through everything that we face, through persecution, through all of the pain that we face. We are not alone. We will not be destroyed.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

God Will Protect Me

The Psalms are filled with so many beautiful promises and words of encouragement. Here are a few verses about God's protection.

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 32:7

But I call to God,
and the Lord will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon
I utter my complaint and moan,
and he hears my voice.
He redeems my soul in safety
from the battle that I wage,
for many are arrayed against me.

Psalm 55:16-18

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise-
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4

Which verses in the Psalms comfort you and remind you of God's protection and love?

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

There Is Nothing To Fear

When we put our faith and trust in God, there is nothing to fear.

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Like Little Children

Little children are innocent and sweet. They have so much faith, believing without seeing. They have so much love in them. They are so pure.

Jesus said that the Kingdom of God belongs to "such as these." Children are a great example to us all. We should all try to live like little children.

He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Mark 10:14-15

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Let Your Light Shine, Let Him Become Greater... and Live At Peace

Here are a few Bible verses to live by this week and always.

 

I hope you have a great week!


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Finding Strength From The Psalms

But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.
Psalm 22:19

Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
Psalm 31:2

Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.
Psalm 30:2

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14

The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:1-2

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

God Is Good All Of The Time

This world was never perfect and it's never going to be. But God is good.

There are no guarantees in life. We can't see the future. We don't know what's going to become of us. But we can trust that God is good.

Through all of the disasters, the fears of this life, we can know that He is good.

God is good all of the time.

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
Psalm 145:3

The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
Psalm 145:9


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Have Faith

Don't become discouraged.

Don't let the little things get you down.

Know that there is something to be grateful for each day.

Know that God is looking out for you.

Have faith.

Be strong.

God has saved you. He loves you. And he will always take care of you.

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

God Will Never Fail Me

No matter what I face, God will never fail me.

No matter how dark life gets, God will never fail me.

No matter how much I am afraid, he will not fail me.

No matter what comes my way, God will never fail me.

God will always be with me and give me strength.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:26

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Look To God For Hope And Peace

We can be afraid of what is to come or trust God with it.

We can let ourselves become overwhelmed, or we can ask God for help.

We can be discouraged, or we can ask God for hope.

We can be angry, or we can look to God for peace.

It is important to be aware of what we are thinking and feeling and doing. It is important to trust God, to look to him so that we can feel peace and live in the way that he wants.

It's not easy, but when we begin trusting more and look to God for hope and peace, we will feel better than ever.

 

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

5 Things I'm Grateful For This Week

1. Freedom in this country. With Independence Day coming up this week it's important to remember that this country was founded to give people freedom. I never want to take it for granted!

2. Summer. It has been pretty hot lately, and while the heat isn't always the most enjoyable, I will take it over snow and winter any day!

3. Sports. Go Brewers!

4. Health. I am grateful for health for me and my family.

5. Writing. I am grateful I get to write every day.

Praise the Lord, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 117:1-2

What are you grateful for this week?


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

We Live By Faith

My nine-year-old nephew asked me to read him the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den this past week. About King Darius, he said, "His faith must have been a bit smaller than the size of a mustard seed." It's amazing to see him understand something like faith.

Faith is believing what we don't yet see.

Faith is powerful.

Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.

Faith makes us strong.

We live by faith.


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Each Life Was Made By God

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27
Life is precious.

Each life has a purpose.

Life is so tempory, and yet so beautiful.

Life is irreplaceable.

Each life was made by God.

Each life is worth living. Worth loving.

Life is precious.

Life is a gift.

I am grateful for life.




By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

A Few Bible Verses About God's Love And Care

God loves us and cares about us, and we are reminded of that so many times throughout the Bible, including in these verses.

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

This World Is Far From Perfect... But God Is Still Good

This world is far from perfect. It's easy to see that some days. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the evil some days.

But, God is still good.

When I begin to feel overwhelmed by all of the bad things in this world, when I begin to think that no one is trying to do any good, I need to remember that God is still in control.

And there is something perfect to look forward to. One day, we who have accepted God's grace will live in Heaven.

But, until then, here are a few Bible verses to keep in mind.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Phillippians 2:3-4

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Thanking God (because he has given us so much)

Nothing can affect or change our lives like gratitude.

I find myself asking for things all too often, but where is the gratitude when I get what I ask for? 

I am so blessed. He has given me so much.

There is so much to thank God for every day, from the ways that he has answered our prayers and all that he has brought us through, to our health, family, and homes.

God is always looking out for us, and instead of always asking for more, we should remember to thank him for what he has already given us. 

By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken

Do Not Be Afraid But Trust God

We can try to plan out our lives, but things don't always turn out like we think they should.

We can try to make everything perfect, but that doesn't always come to be.

There are times when we are working toward a goal that will never come to be. But God is in control.

God has great plans for our lives. We can trust him to show us where to go. We can trust him to lead us. We can trust his plans and purpose for our lives, even when things aren't going like we expected.

What Bible verses help you remember that God is in control?


By Bethany Acker, Co-Author of No Longer Broken