Shoshana's Garden

Verses about the GLORY of God are always encouraging. So often we focus on the worries of the day and they drag us down. I love the Psalms which does bring hope and lifts me up, but sometimes we must just focus on the GLORY of God. Today’s verse does just that. Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth will be as full of the knowledge of Adonai’s glory as water covering the sea. (CJB) This book of the Bible is little known and often overlooked. What a hidden gem to find this tucked away. I

Another new week. Another time to think about BEGINNING new and fresh! Jeremiah 31:3 Once again, I will build you; you will be rebuilt, virgin of Isra’el. Once again, equipped with your tambourines, you will go out and dance with the merrymakers. (CJB) Why is this such an encouragement? Because GOD is REBUILDING! I would say this is a positive way to begin a new week! We can be JOYFUL knowing that HE is in charge of rebuilding. It didn’t matter how many times Israel disobeyed

Another Friday and Shabbat has arrived… As you have already observed, I usually try to do a verse about REST. Today, I chose a verse that is a bit different. Matthew 4:4 But he answered, “The Tanakh says, ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of Adonai’” (CJB) Why would I choose a verse about bread? On Friday evenings we eat bread. It is a special braided bread. We know, and understand, that this bread represents the body of Christ and

Weakness… We all have our moments. This is a good verse to be reminded of when we just can’t get ourselves motivated. Romans 8:26 Similarly, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we don’t know how to pray the way we should. But the Spirit himself pleads on our behalf with groanings too deep for words; (CJB) There is not too much explanation needed for these words. Clear. Precise. To the point. I am thankful that the Spirit inside of me HELPS me. He PLEADS on my behalf. He

Do you love the Psalms? Do you appreciate how David brought to life how to live life? Today’s verse is from a Psalm we often read, but by the time we get to this verse, we have probably zoned out. Psalm 18:29-30 “For you, Adonai, light my lamp; Adonai, my God, lights up my darkness. With you I can run through a whole troop of men, with my God I can leap a wall. (CJB) Most of us know and believe that Adonai’s Words are the lamp to our feet and light to our path. Most of us hol

Shabbat. Another Friday has arrived! Another verse about resting and… Psalm 37:7 Be still before Adonai; wait patiently till he comes. Don’t be upset by those whose way succeeds because of their wicked plans. (CJB) BE STILL! Not only is Shabbat about resting and stopping, it means to be still. And then my favorite words, “wait patiently.” Yes, I am being a bit sarcastic. Patience is not a strong suit for me. This verse, however, brings new insight to those words. It is actual

July 4th is about freedom. Understanding HOW to be really free is another story… Galatians 5:13 For, brothers, you were called to be free. Only do not let that freedom become an excuse for allowing your old nature to have its way. Instead, serve one another in love. (CJB) Paul told the community of faith at Galatia that they were “called to be free.” He KNEW that there was something holding them back and they needed to let go of the legalism and find a freedom from man-made t

Patience… definitely not a word most of us like to hear. I know my children do not like it when I tell them to have patience. And when the following verse popped into my Facebook feed today well… I must say I had to take a big gulp. Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised. (AMP) I also read this

I certainly hope I have not used this one before. I don’t have it listed, but even if I have, it is a great reminder. Exodus 14:14 Adonai will do battle for you. Just calm yourselves down!” (CJB) My favorite line is, “Just cam yourselves down!” I laugh every time I read this. I just have to chuckle as I think about the Children of Israel hearing these words. And yet… How many times do we worry, fret and get in a “tizzy” because of something happening in our life? How often do