“I fear John Knox’s prayers more than an army of ten thousand men.” — Mary, Queen of Scotland We find the story of King Jehoshaphat in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles in the Old Testament. He was the son of King Asa and was known to follow many of his father’s positive actions. But as his father, Jehoshaphat was also a king who often obeyed God partially. Even though he started a national religious education program and developed an extensive legal structure throughout the kingdom, Continue Reading
All Articles by Patricia Holbrook
Grace is amazing. Breathtaking… Empowering… Everlasting… All-surviving… Grace makes you soar.
And as you browse through my messages,
Come Soar with me!
Prejudice has No Place at Church {Recharge Wednesday}
On Sept. 6, 2005, our family drove to the local immigration office for my citizenship ceremony. After almost six years of extensive paperwork and considerable costs, I finally held the green certificate that attested that I was an American citizen. I remember the excitement of pledging allegiance to the American flag as a citizen for the first time. I would not need a “green card” or an “alien card” to be accepted for employment, to leave the country and — best of all, I would finally be able Continue Reading
Overcoming a Lack of Confidence {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
Confidence is an anchor for the heart. It separates those who only dream from those who accomplish great things. It is a crucial element of personal fulfillment, focus, and joy. Confidence anchors our hearts when doubts assail us and pushes us toward the next step when everything around us pulls us back. It helps us overcome hurdles, dismiss nay-sayers, and look at the mirror with a smile on our faces. Indeed, confidence is arguably the one ingredient mixed into every success story. And Continue Reading
Standing for the Right to Worship {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
In 1789, James Madison, who later became the fourth president of the United States, introduced 12 amendments to the First Congress, 10 of which would become the “Bill of Rights.” These amendments, defined in the Magna Carta, contain rights considered fundamental to America’s peace, liberties, and prosperity. The First Amendment provides that Congress cannot make laws respecting any religious establishments or prohibiting its free exercise. Likewise, it protects freedom of speech, the press, Continue Reading
‘Help Is Here’ – Max Lucado’s New Book (Interview & Column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
“The Spirit is the dove of peace who calms us, the gift giver who equips us, the river of living water who flows out of us to refresh the world.” Max Lucado – “Help Is Here” Fifteen minutes into my conversation with New York best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado, I was surprised by how much I did not know about the beloved author. For starters, I was unaware that he had lived in my country, Brazil, for five years and speaks Portuguese with unlikely fluency for someone who has not Continue Reading
Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
“Nothing changes if nothing changes.” The quote scrolled across the TV screen while the leader talked. I immediately started thinking about the truth behind those words. It was one week before the beginning of the new school year, and I knew it was time to practice some of the changes I had committed to making during the summer. Let me rephrase it: It was time to start implementing some of the changes I felt God was instructing me to make. Leave it to me, and I will keep doing things Continue Reading
