Author Archives: JoAnn Alo

What does it mean to serve mammon? I avoided this question for a long time. I, for one, like having a savings account, a nice car, a pretty house. I feared understanding this verse would take my stuff. After inviting in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, that fear fled. Not because God said, “StoreContinueContinue reading ““You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24″

Ever think of Jesus as affectionate? I have to admit, I never have. I see Jesus trustworthy, upright, kind, wise, compassionate, commanding, humble, giving and doing all things for the sake of His people—but not necessarily affectionate. When I hear the term, affection, I imagine snuggling, cuddling, handholding, smooching, butterfly kisses. So, I sat downContinueContinue reading ““The affection of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:8″

How do we read the Psalmist without tears? No matter our story, the word of God is comfort in affliction, joy in sorrow, peace in turmoil, a compass in confusion, hope in death. When we choose not to live in the word of God, it’s because we are drawn to death. God withholds His graceContinueContinue reading ““Your word has given me life.” Psalm 119:50″

Some thoughts about wisdom, faith, and doubt. James speaks of praying for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask.” However, without faith—we need not expect wisdom from God. Should I take the job? Save my money? Offer my help? Pay the price? Every day we’re faced with decisions like these and wisdom is theContinueContinue reading ““Ask in faith, with no doubting.” James 1:6″

The blood of every color is interwoven into the DNA of King Jesus. Look through the Old Testament and you will find how intentional God was in bringing forth His firstborn Son by blood flowing through the veins of every nation, tribe, people, and tongue. It’s mind-boggling! How God loves is a concept we will neverContinueContinue reading ““From every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages.” Revelation 7:9″

If these words don’t put us on the edge of our seat, nothing good could. I hold my breath every time I read them! Can’t wait to hear this all-affectionate statement. Jesus inviting us into a most intimate relationship with Him, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God,ContinueContinue reading ““And this is eternal life.” John 17:3″

You’ve got relatives, friends who never understood you after joining God’s family. And it’s hard. Really, truly brutal. Jesus knows, feels your pain deeply, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you.” [Emphasis mine.] When we think about the world hating us it doesn’t really phase us untilContinueContinue reading ““Why the world does not know us.” 1 John 3:1″

In the midst of suffering the devil will do anything to get us to say, God is nothing. As if loss of occupation, offspring, and our time on earth, is proof: God is not good. How do we not crumble under this kind of pressure? Why didn’t the end of everything good in Job’s lifeContinueContinue reading ““I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go.” Job 27:6″

Jesus shows us what happens when we repent and our passion turns to God. Heaven opens! We who were dead in trespass and sin are alive again! Our hearts open to the adoring arms of God! Upon those who sat in the shadow of death light has dawned! Isn’t rescue from our emptiness what we’ve searchedContinueContinue reading ““The heavens were opened to Him.” Matthew 3:16″

Isn’t it amazing that everything God ever said would happen, did? Kings rose and nations fell. A sea of enemies wiped out with one hand behind His back. The earth quaked, locusts came, thousands were fed, those who were dead came alive again. Poor became rich, sinners became saints.  He is God and there’s noneContinueContinue reading ““According to the word of the Lord.” 1 Kings 22:38″

Who do you call first for answers, direction, honest to goodness help?Spouse, friend, mom, doctor, lawyer? I suffer from a history of emotional neglect and anxiety with panic causes me to run circles inside my head even when facing a routine day. Medication helps, but it’s the living word of God that calls me outContinueContinue reading ““Inquire first.” 1 Kings 22:5″

This simple command touched my heart this morning. The Father, faithfully attending to our fears, looking out for our best interest. Elijah was facing a cruel enemy—and so are we. The people of God will always be fighting battles, facing opposition. There’s a Jezebel in every area of our lives swearing allegiance to our destruction.ContinueContinue reading ““Arise and eat.” 1 Kings 19:5″