Journal

God is in the Battle with You

The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away. They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom. A man who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the great […]

Go

After Terah had lived 70 years, he became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. This is the account of Terah’s family line. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot. Genesis 11:26-27 Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law […]

Sons of God

When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. Genesis 6:1-2 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days–and also afterward–when the sons of God went […]

God Wants Your Heart

In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. And Abel also brought an offering–fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look […]

The Beginning

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 Ten words make up the first verse of the Bible It is simple, straight forward, succinct. For the believer, it is taken in faith which is proven out later as we walk with God. For the unbeliever, he objects with a phrase often […]

Come, Lord Jesus

We invite you to read through the Bible in 2021 with us starting on January 1st.. The Daily Bible (Harvest House) sets out the scriptures in chronological order to the extent possible, with daily reading and commentary to take you through the Bible in one year. We will end the year with no commentary or […]

The Final Judgment

And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled […]

Man versus God

The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East. Then I saw three impure spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and […]

I’d Rather Die Than Live

During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them. Revelation 9:6 After the Seal Judgments and near the last of the Trumpet Judgments this verse shows the impact of the judgments on the unsaved world. For many there is no hope, they […]

For All Eternity

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: ” ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.” Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him […]

The Revelation

The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw–that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the […]

Good News!

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will […]

Praise Him!

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy– to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 1:24-25 Praise God from whom all […]

Make Your Joy Complete

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched–this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was […]

God is With You

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 The […]

You are My Father, I am Your Son

And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his […]

How can You Please God?

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 Why do we need faith to please God? Isn’t God pleased by what we do and what’s in our hearts? If you believe that […]

Hope

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the […]

Growing in Christ

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2 The writer […]

Jesus is Coming Soon

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. Hebrews 1:1-2 Have you noticed that several New Testament […]

Once and for All

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18 Jesus paid for our sins on the cross, the righteous one in the place of all mankind who face the […]

Christian Conduct

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter […]

Living Stones Offer Spiritual Sacrifices

As you come to him, the living Stone–rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him–you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5 God is building a spiritual house, a spiritual temple, […]

Count it all Joy

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 It is hard to look beyond a struggle or trial you […]

Jesus Our High Priest

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just […]

Bursting Flames of Power

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 Paul saw Timothy had sincere faith in God the […]

Jesus Saves

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full […]

The Mindset of Christ

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. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:3-5 I have one goal, to be more like […]

Spiritual Growth

…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 Kids love to have their height measured and to see their growth marked off on a doorway or other family “heirloom.” Over the years they see the evidence […]

He Holds All Things Together

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all […]

Children of God

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 Stop! Look! Behold what has happened. Take time to SEE what a great love God has lavished on us. Not on everyone, but on those who believe in […]

Governing Authorities and You

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1 About half the country is upset and the other half is over joyed at the apparent outcome of the Presidential election. No matter which side […]

Justified by Faith for Good Works

For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Romans 3:28 You can’t earn it, you can’t buy it. The law hasn’t saved a single soul. Eternal life comes only through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Repenting of your sins, and by faith believing Jesus […]

All Have Sinned, but All Can Live

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 Sin separates all men from God. If the story ended there we would be without hope. Thankfully, God’s plan for man provided an avenue for redemption from the penalty of sin. The price was more than any father should bear. A […]

Awesome God

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1: 20 God IS everywhere. In the starry night sky or the majestic mountains, in the vast oceans whether violently destructive […]

Righteousness of God

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” Romans […]

Life Beyond this Life

If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:19-20 We are not led by blind faith to believe in Jesus. In fact, as the scripture […]

The Gospel

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on […]

Concern for the Least of These

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 The church forms the body of Christ and each believer is a part of his body. Everyone in the church is an important part of the body. In fact each […]

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, […]

Powered by the Holy Spirit, Honor God

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Earlier Paul teaches the Corinthians that the believers together, in other words […]

Rapture!

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to […]

Death Can’t Stop Hope

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen […]

The Fruit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. […]

Walk by the Spirit

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 Feel that conflict within you when your flesh wants you to do something, but the Holy Spirit is telling you otherwise. The conflict is natural because what the flesh desires is contrary to the Spirit and […]

Crucified to Freedom

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20 What is freedom from sin? Freedom […]

Set Free From the Bondage of Sin

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Acts 13:38-39 Keeping the Law of Moses was not designed to set […]

Victory Over Sin

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9 NIV We are not perfect. We all sin, perhaps unintentionally or driven by emotions, even if you’ve walked with Christ for 20 years. Isn’t it good to know that God will […]

Joy, Peace, Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV Jesus Christ is the hope not only for the Jews, but for the Gentiles also. The verses before this are focused […]

Dwell on Purity

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 NASB Build on God’s peace guarding your heart and mind by filling your mind with God […]

Jesus’ Authority

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And […]

He is Good, His Loves Endures Forever!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1Chronicles 16:34 NIV Throughout the Bible this praise is repeated over and over. Why? Because it is the truth. God IS good! His love DOES endures forever! Thank You Lord! In response, may the words from my mouth, the thoughts from my […]

No Greater Love

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV It is comforting to know that God is with you even in the toughest times. In Zephaniah, […]

Jesus’ Kingdom

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” John 18:36 NASB Jesus answered Pilate’s question, “Are you the King […]

This is Eternal Life

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.  I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. […]

Help, I Need Somebody

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.  “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let […]

The Temptation: Just this one time

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1Corinthians 10:13 NIV     You are not alone.  Whatever tempts […]

Who do I Work For?

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24 NIV     Is there someone you would do your absolute […]

Because the Spirit Lives in You

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.  Romans 8:11 NASB     To make it clear, for a Christian there is no question as […]

God’s Will for You

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB What a heart attitude you can have in Christ.  Trusting God in and for everything you can be an overcomer.  God’s will for you is that you would trust Him with all your […]

Giving From the Heart

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2Co 9:7 NIV    What is a cheerful giver?  A cheerful giver is not dependent on the gift itself or the size of the gift.  In fact the gift decision […]

Promise Made, Promise Kept

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to […]

Renewing Your Mind

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2Corinthians 12:9 NIV   Just before God’s words, Paul asked Him three times to remove the tormenting […]

God’s Unshakeable Love

Though the mountains be shaken andthe hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor mycovenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.  Isaiah 54:10 NIV     God hassuch a great love for us.  The earth maybe crumbling around us, but God’s love will […]

Now and Forevermore!

Tohim who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before hisglorious presence without fault and with great joy–to the only God our Saviorbe glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, beforeall ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 1:24-25 NIV     Both promise and praise!  A glorious way […]

How I Gained Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, youshould ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it willbe given to you.  James 1:5 NIV     I thinkmost people would agree that wisdom is good, something to be desired.  For most people wisdom comes from years ofexperience.  Although for some people, experiencedoes not […]

Secure in Troubled Times

You are my hiding place; you willprotect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7NIV     Givethanks to God for He is good, his love endures forever!  When we are in trouble He is a shield around us,and with songs of deliverance we find protection under His wing.  Turn to […]

Unfailing Love

Your unfailing love, O LORD, is asvast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.  Psalm 36:5 NLT     What doesunfailing love mean to you?  A love thatnever fails, a love that never quits, a love that will never leave you?  A love that is always there for you, a lovethat always reaches […]

Freedom!

Therefore, there is now nocondemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the lawof the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.  Rom 8:1-2 NIV     You’re freefrom the law of sin and death!  God doesnot condemn His son Jesus, therefore He […]

God is at Work

And we know that God causes all thingsto work together for good to those who love God, to those who are calledaccording to [His] purpose.  Rom 8:28NASB     We oftendon’t see how God is working in a particular area related to us until Heunveils his work.  At that time weusually are left in shock […]

You are God’s Desire

This is good and acceptable in thesight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to theknowledge of the truth.  1Timothy 2:3-4NASB     Does Godwant bad things to happen to some people? Does God hate me?  Maybe you knowsomeone who thinks so.  Maybe thatsomeone is you.  Whether this verse […]

Got Peace?

Do not be anxious about anything,but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present yourrequests to God.  And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds inChrist Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7 NIV     We allwant to be free of anxiety.  We all wantpeace in our lives.  You […]

Overcomer!

Forwhatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that hasovercome the world–our faith.  Who isthe one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son ofGod? 1John 5:4-5 NASB     Did youever notice the question mark at the end of verse 5?  No, it’s not […]

You’re in Good Hands

ForI am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neitherthe present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, noranything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of Godthat is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Rom 8:38-39NIV   Nothing.  Nothing! That’s right, nothing can separate […]

Changing Your Foundation Material

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 (NIV) Have you ever been frustrated by certain things you do that you know are wrong, but […]

Bonfire at Ventura beach

Pentecost Activities

Lets Celebrate Pentecost together! Acts 2:1-4When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All [...]
Christmas decorated bowl with advent candles

Day 6 of Advent

And He shall stand and shepherd and guide His flock In the strength of the Lord , In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; And they shall dwell [secure in undisturbed peace], Because at that time He shall be great [extending His authority] [Even] to the ends of the earth. This […]

Wood burned art in Ventura of advent

Day 5 of Advent

“Then a shoot shall grow out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him – The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and strength, The Spirit of knowledge and of the [reverential and obedient] fear of […]

Red lantern in snow display in Ventura

Day 4 of Advent

“The Lord said to Abram: ‘Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you . I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless […]

Red and gold Christmas decorations on table in Ventura

Day 3 of Advent

“And I will put enmity (open hostility) Between you and the woman, And between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall [fatally] bruise your head, And you shall [only] bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15 AMP Christmas time is my absolute favorite season. Everything about it makes me feel warm and snuggly, especially the thought […]

Christmas decorations on table in Ventura

Day 2 of Advent

For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, Making it bear and sprout, And providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without […]

Christmas tree farm in Ventura

Day 1 of Advent

"But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared and worshiped [with submissive wonder]. I wait [patiently] for the Lord , my soul [EXPECTANTLY] waits, And in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; More than the watchmen for the morning. O [...]
hands holding a heart and coffee latte art

Hope Coffee

Hope Coffee has amazing coffee and a fantastic mission. HOPE Coffee was born from mission efforts in Central America.  Through Direct Trade relationships with coffee farmers, we import and roast our own high-quality coffee and share it with hundreds of organizations across the country.  Profits of HOPE Coffee fund service projects in Honduras and Mexico that provide clean water, safe shelter and more to families [...]
Pumpkin spice latte on wood table

Fall leaves and Pumpkin Spice Everything!!!

Fall has just begun and here in Ventura we’ve begun to get our cooler nights and misty mornings. If you are like me, you will Fall to come faster by lighting fall scented candles, making soups and stews for dinner and enjoy pumpkin spice lattes. I will admit I’m not the biggest Pumpkin Spice fanatic. […]

Latte art on wooden table

I Can’t Espresso How Much I liked This Podcast

According to Psychology today, it takes 7 seconds to make a first impression. That means you have 7 seconds before people judge the kind of person they think you are. When roasting coffee, the purpose of cupping is to identify the taste of coffee in its entirety; to identify the flavors, boldness, acidity, sweetness and […]

Man looking in binoculars with blog title

How to find a Church

Are you looking for God, or a place to Worship? Follow our five easy steps to finding the right Church for you and your family. How to find a good Church... 1. Start with a search on Google for "Churches near me" 2. Read the "About Us" page on the different Church Websites. Make sure [...]
Mom with two children standing by Ventura Mountains

Find True Love And Strength This Mother’s Day

Sometimes Mother's Day Can Be Rough My firstborn was a full 9 and a half months old by the time my official first Mother’s Day rolled around. Now, as I prepare to celebrate my tenth (and with two more children), he is a full 9 and a half years old!! So much has changed since [...]
made by meg in ventura with nachos

Made By Meg Helps In A Big Way

National Nacho Day Assisted By Made By Meg A local community in Ventura California came together on International Nacho day, October 21st, to celebrate their love for this Cuisine. Made By Meg heard about the event and loved the idea. Meg personally OK'd the green light for cooking equipment and food displays to be used [...]