A Voice Of Hope

May 11, 2026 Gracie

Words Matter: A Voice of Hope

What are your posts like on social media?

Are you a voice of hope, or do your words divide?

Is encouraging others your goal, or changing someone else’s politics?

There are so many angry negative voices out there.

For that reason (and a few more), I gladly got off Facebook.

My time (and yours) is much more valuable than going down those rabbit holes.

Our purpose in life is to use our gifts to tell others about the life-saving grace of our Savior Jesus.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “What would Jesus do?”

Similarly, what about what “did” Jesus do?

Jesus had a distinct mission during his life on earth. A great example of this is in the Book of Luke. Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, spent time with Jesus, renounced his sins, and sealed his final destination in Heaven.

The words from Jesus Himself:

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” – Luke 19:10, NASB.¹

Jesus coming to earth is everything (and He’s coming back!).

We glorify God by telling others about Him.

The more we get to know our Creator and the more we love Him (Matthew 22:37–38), the better we understand who we are and what our purpose is. We were created to bring Him glory. God has unique plans and purposes for each person (Psalm 139:13–16), but we can know that, whatever those plans look like, they will ultimately result in His glory (Proverbs 3:6; 1 Corinthians 10:31). – gotquestions.org..²

Every day, a mindset of seeing the world from a godly perspective gives us reason to rejoice.

Have you ever shared your testimony before?

You can find mine here on delight-in-God.com.

I have also shared it during a funeral service for my dear father-in-law, and also in person with a friend. As much as I love to write, there’s just something special about talking one-on-one to someone who is seeking the Lord.

It is an honor.

I pray that if you are reading this, you too will feel encouraged to share your story.

Be honest about what your life was like before you met Jesus. Be ready to share the wonderful changes a relationship with Him has made. No one has a redemption story quite like yours. It is powerful, and you should tell it at every opportunity. – Pastor Allen Jackson.³

# # #

²Quotation from gotquestions.org from “What is the purpose of man, according to the Bible?” n.d., para. 6. Web. Accessed May 3, 2026. Retrieved from Purpose of Man.

³Pastor Allen Jackson quotation, courtesy of allenjackson.com, “Unrelenting, Unyielding Advocate for Jesus” n.d., para. 1. Web. Accessed May 3, 2026.

Our Exceptional God

Cardboard Testimonies: Powerful Examples of Faith

April 28, 2026 Gracie

Cardboard Testimonies: Powerful Examples of Faith

Hey, what does your sign say?

Okay, before you start thinking I’ve lost my mind and have started delving into reading horoscopes, there’s no need to worry.

Admittedly, horoscopes in the newspaper were fun to read when I was younger.

Now I know how unbiblical it was.

Looking to the constellations for guidance is foolish.

The stars are an amazing witness to God’s creation, but they’re not our Creator, nor Deliverer, nor our Promise Keeper.

Wisdom comes from God, not the positioning of the stars.

That affirmation hasn’t changed.

From earlier biblical times to present day, the following inspired words from James remind us of our need for God’s wisdom to live this life.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. – James 1:5, (NASB).

In the midst of trials, our human nature to stress and overthink can initially hijack our godly perspective.

We may panic, or feel confused, or abandoned.

Where is Jesus when this happens?

As believers, remember we have the assurance that He is right there beside us . . . listening to our prayers and praying on our behalf.

Recently, I watched a touching video produced by a church in Tennessee called “Blessed Assurance and Cardboard Testimonies.”

I wanted to share it here because, not only is it beautifully done and tied to the beloved hymn “Blessed Assurance,” it is thought-provoking as well.

These cardboard testimonies reveal real life challenges in just a few words.

Just a few words, yes, but they speak volumes about our Lord’s grace, mercy, and love.

It helps to know that no matter what you personally are going through, you are not alone.

Cardboard Testimonies: A Prompt to Share the Gospel

People often say they don’t know how to start a conversation about Jesus with a nonbeliever.

So I ask you . . . were you to create your own cardboard testimony, (remember using just a few words), what would your sign say?

Once you’re finished, perhaps without realizing it, you’ve just come up with a model for opening a conversation with someone else who desperately needs to hear the gospel.

# # #

Our Exceptional God

Feed Your Soul With Joyscrolling

April 20, 2026 Gracie

A Better Diet: Feed Your Soul With Joyscrolling

What happens when you mix oil and water together?

They separate right there in the glass.

What happens when your daily scroll through social media cooks up a divisive blend of overwhelmingly negative news headlines and pessimism?

It’s called “Doomscrolling.”

Doomscrolling is a recipe that can separate us from God’s gift of peace.

If you feed your soul with joyscrolling, that doesn’t happen.

Joyscrolling feeds inquisitive minds, but with a better-for-you, healthier-for-your-brain outcome.

Frankly, I’d rather embrace a positive attitude for the day, rather than having a news anchor, influencer, or online commentator trying to influence it for me.

But where does one start you might ask?

We can take a cue from the following encouraging verse in God’s Word.

The Apostle Paul was speaking to the Philippians but his words, as one of God’s chosen messengers, ring true for believers today.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8, (NASB).¹

God wants us to seek His peace, no matter what the circumstances.

Peace is knowing that what the Bible tells us is true, that God is always with us and that, through belief in Jesus alone for our salvation, we will have eternal life.

Thinking on whatever is pure entails filling our minds with thoughts that are innocent, virtuous, clean, not contaminated by anything evil, and free from every defilement. Pure thinking should infuse every area of our lives, including what we watch, read, and do. – gotquestions.org.²

What sort of videos or stories bring you joy or laughter? What makes you smile?

Seek those things out!

BibleRef.com explains it this way: “While God guards our hearts (Philippians 4:7), we are also commanded to focus our lives on things that please God.”³

Feed Your Soul With Joyscrolling: A Change in Attitude

Purposely avoiding the endless feeds of doomscrolling options is not “sticking your head in the sand”, as some critics might like to say.

On the contrary, you can be aware of what’s going on in our fallen world, but “dwelling on it” can be a big mistake.

With that in mind, what brings you joy, positive thoughts, and/or happiness?

A walk in the sunshine?

A particular hobby?

Reading an inspirational book?

Playing an instrument?

Daily I try to seek out positive sermons or inspirational podcasts.

My video scrolling also includes funny dog videos on YouTube, laugh-out-loud classic Candid Camera episodes, FaithPot feel-good stories, and more.

When online, joyscrolling is very attainable – if you just make the effort to look.

For instance, one of my favorite pastimes is listening to good music. I like a lot of genres from classic rock to bluegrass.

Whether it’s singing along to an old Motown tune or a country favorite, it’s a fun way to bring up some great memories and have better free time.

Speaking of joy, there’s a talented family I’ve featured before on Delight-in-God – The Petersens.

They have a new cover song I found recently while joyscrolling.

Every time I watch it, it makes me happy so I’m excited to share.

I hope your screen time is filled with positive content evoking laughter, joy, and heartwarming inspiration.

# # #

²Quotation from gotquestions.org from “What does it mean that we should think on whatever is pure (Philippians 4:8)?” n.d., para. 4. Web. Accessed July 19, 2024. Retrieved from Whatever is Pure.

³Quotation from BibleRef.com. “What does Philippians 4:8 mean?” n.d., para. 2. Web. Accessed April 20, 2026. Retrieved from bibleref.com.

Our Exceptional God

Jesus is Waiting

February 17, 2026 Gracie

Jesus is Waiting

Christian camp

The first time I ever picked up and read the Bible was at – get this – a horse camp.

You just never know where God will first speak to your heart. 🙂

This week-long summer camp had a lot to offer – trail rides, archery, skill-building games, swimming, plus arts and crafts.

Although it was a Christian camp, I didn’t know much about what that meant at the time.

As a 6th grader and huge horse lover, all I wanted to do was get on a horse and go riding every day.

When the camp’s billboards went up around town, my next-door neighbor, her little sister, and I couldn’t wait to sign up.

“Camp week” couldn’t come fast enough.

One of the must-bring items on our packing list was a Bible.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have one growing up because I was raised in a different faith. So, I took the only religious book we did have at our house which was a book of Parables. Thankfully, my cabin leader had an extra copy of the Bible which she let me borrow.

Every night we attended a chapel service which included a rousing sermon and some singing.

At the end of the week, the service ended with an “altar call.” I had no idea what that was, but I was intrigued.

We were asked to close our eyes.

Through my admittedly, partially-closed eyes, I watched a few campers who had raised their hands be led off to a little room behind the stage.

What was that all about?

Part of me wanted to go there too because I was curious, but I held back.

After that fun-filled week was over, I returned home with a lot of questions about why we didn’t talk about Jesus more, but never got any real answers.

I didn’t realize it then, but God was speaking to my heart.

Jesus was waiting there for me, but I wasn’t ready to open that door just yet.

Jesus is Waiting: Have You Answered His Call?

Jesus is waiting

Fast forward to today, my love for horses is still there.

I think they are one of God’s most beautiful creatures. Little did I know how much a part they would play in my own embrace of true Christianity – through the good and the bad.

I never knew how much I needed Jesus until certain life events brought me to my knees.

¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. – Hebrews 4:15-16, (NASB).

Praise the Lord now my faith, praise, and worship are dedicated to our one and only Savior.

Everyone’s faith journey is different, but without a doubt, I see the evidence of God working behind the scenes throughout my life.

If you haven’t yet given your life to Christ, Jesus is waiting for you.

It will be the best decision “of” your life, and “for” your life.

This song about seeking the Lord is one of my favorite praise songs.

# # #

Our Exceptional God

Blessing in Disguise

January 6, 2026 Gracie

Could It Be a Blessing in Disguise?

Blessing in disguise

When you look back at the past year, was 2025 everything you had hoped it would be?

Were there any disappointments?

Who hasn’t had some, right?

We know that disappointments are just a part of life.

They just . . . happen.

But, have you ever considered that what you perceive as a “setback” may actually be something totally different?

Could your disappointment actually have been a blessing in disguise?

God works in ways behind the scenes that we will never fully know and understand.

That troublesome setback in your life could be a stepping stone to something greater – a deeper more trusting relationship with the Heavenly Father.

You may feel like a trouble-magnet at times, but please don’t ever forget that you are a deeply-loved child of the King.

We can rely on His goodness and mercy to always be there to carry us through any trial.

He has done it before, and He will do it again.

God is faithful.

Look to His Son Jesus, the most perfect embodiment of compassion reflecting the love of our Father.

This love the Father has for us is eternal, just as our praise and worship of Him should be.

David echoes this devotion in Psalm 145. This psalm is a powerful reminder to share our blessings with each other and with the generations to come.

⁵On the glorious splendor of Your majesty
And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.
⁶People will speak of the power of Your awesome acts,
And I will tell of Your greatness.
⁷They will burst forth in speaking of Your abundant goodness,
And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:5-7, (NASB).¹

Pondering God’s Blessing in Disguise

In a recent blog post I mentioned that I followed the yearlong LIFT Daily Prayer from Pastor Jack Hibbs.

The introduction to the podcast for December 30 really struck a chord with me and I’m happy to share this as an encouragement for you for the year ahead.

As we stand at the end of another year, God invites us to step back from whatever is right in front of our noses and remember His wonders. Over the course of these months, there have been answers to prayer, protections we never saw, “coincidences” that were really His hand, closed doors that later proved to be mercy, and even painful seasons where He was present in ways we only now begin to recognize.
If we were to sit with a blank page and start listing His deeds toward us this year, we might think of a few at first—but the longer we linger, the more we remember, and we soon realize we will never come to the end of them. The problem is not that God has done too little, but that we too rarely stop to see, to name, and to thank Him for what He has done. – Pastor Jack Hibbs²

Thank you Lord for all of your blessings!

# # #

²From Hibbs, Pastor Jack, “Lift Daily Prayer: Too Many Wonders to Number | December 30, 2035. YouTube Podcast.” Web. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/eSXzUDh7o60

Our Exceptional God

1 2 3 … 6 »