Entries by Susie Shellenberger

How’s Your Wall?

When Nehemiah received word that the wall around his hometown of Jerusalem had been torn down, he made the journey home to repair it. It was an actual physical wall that surrounded Jerusalem. This protected the residents from enemies and bad influences. I’ll talk more about this actual wall in our December 4 devotional. But […]

Boiled in Salt

Ever eaten a salt potato? Syracuse salt potatoes are boiled with so much salt, they come out covered in white crust. By adding a really really really large amount of salt (two cups of salt for every eight cups of water) cooks in central NY create a white- crusted creamy potato. It’s easy to take […]

An Unexpected Surprise

In many German restaurants you can find what may look like an unusual item on the menu: Spaghettini. Chefs create it to look like a plate of spaghetti, but it’s actually an ice-cream delicacy. Vanilla ice-cream is served in thin strands that resemble spaghetti noodles, and strawberry puree is poured on top that looks like […]

Behind the Scenes

Back story: Before Elijah defeated the 450 false prophets of the false god of Baal, he told wicked King Ahab that God would withhold rain from the land. God made good on His Word, and the result was a severe famine. King Ahab summoned Obadiah (who was in charge of his palace (and also a […]

Spiritual Renewal

If Jesus needed to spend time in renewal, how much more do we! Let’s face it: deadlines, family responsibilities, job stress, relationship woes, and simply the everyday routine of life can wear us down. That’s why I’ve put together the perfect spiritual renewal adventure. If Alaska is on your bucket list, you can cross it […]

Spiritual Drama

Once in a while I hear someone say, “Whoa!” But I never hear anyone say “Woe!” It’s a word we don’t use much anymore. But Isaiah used it—and when we did—it had a powerful meaning. Let’s take a look: “Woe to me!” I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live […]

Right Concept, Wrong Idea #7

We’re taking a look at some well-known thoughts that we tend to misinterpret biblically. “God heals everyone who has enough faith.” God’s healing isn’t dependent on your faith. God can do whatever, whenever and wherever He wants regardless of you. Yes, He loves it when you express your faith in Him. And He loves to […]

Right Concept, Wrong Idea #4

We’re taking a look at some well-known thoughts that we tend to misinterpret biblically. “God is the only One who can judge.” (Part 1) Many Christians have become so afraid of being labeled judgmental, they have misunderstood what Christ said about judging! Only God can judge for condemnation. He’s the only One who has the authority […]

Right Concept, Wrong Idea #3

“It’s not God who sends people to hell; they send themselves.” That’s like saying, “Teachers don’t punish students who misbehave; they punish themselves.” Allow me to revert back to my third-grade self for a moment. As a student who was disciplined for talking in class, I can guarantee that I never punished myself. My teacher […]