{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Shaped By Grace","home_page_url":"https://shapedbygrace.org","description":"Shaped By Grace","author":{"name":"Shaped By Grace"},"items":[{"id":"passed-on-through","html_content":"

I wrote \"Passed on Through\" to encourage those who have lost a loved one. I hope it ministers to you.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/passed-on-through","title":"Passed on Through","date_modified":"2026-04-11T23:35:26Z"},{"id":"old-store-long-kept","html_content":"

The 10th verse of the 26th chapter of Leviticus offers some really sage advice, “You shall eat old store long kept, and you shall clear out the old to make way for the new.”

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/old-store-long-kept","title":"Old Store Long Kept","date_modified":"2026-04-10T18:21:17Z"},{"id":"starting-with-zero","html_content":"

One of the many cultural differences we experienced first-hand when we were missionaries in South America was in the area of trust.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/starting-with-zero","title":"Starting with Zero","date_modified":"2026-04-09T21:19:12Z"},{"id":"your-alphabet","html_content":"

An alphabet is the set of letters or symbols used to represent the sounds of a language. Every written language has an alphabet. Every alphabet is widely available to those who speak that particular language.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/your-alphabet","title":"Your Alphabet","date_modified":"2026-04-08T19:37:17Z"},{"id":"chasing-the-swap","html_content":"

There’s something in us that gets restless. We see what we have become accustomed to, and after a while it feels too familiar, too ordinary, and too predictable.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/chasing-the-swap","title":"Chasing the Swap","date_modified":"2026-04-04T17:14:10Z"},{"id":"scheduling-failure","html_content":"

We don’t usually choose failure. Very few people wake up and say, “It’s a beautiful day. I should fall short of everything that matters most.”

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/scheduling-failure","title":"Scheduling Failure","date_modified":"2026-04-03T21:44:45Z"},{"id":"a-better-way-to-win-the-lottery","html_content":"

For all practical purposes, it’s mathematically impossible to win a nationwide lottery. Many people try. Some people try harder. And then there are the people who buy more tickets. The odds are still essentially zero.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/a-better-way-to-win-the-lottery","title":"A Better Way to Win the Lottery","date_modified":"2026-03-29T14:21:06Z"},{"id":"endless-content-and-the-end-of-consciousness","html_content":"

We live in an age of endless content creation. Every minute humans and their machines produce new videos, new posts, new opinions, and new takes on just about anything and everything. Bots and trolls even create opinions...

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/endless-content-and-the-end-of-consciousness","title":"Endless Content and the End of Consciousness","date_modified":"2026-03-27T21:13:03Z"},{"id":"the-wrong-trophy","html_content":"

You can be excellent and still be off assignment. It’s one of the most avoidable tragedies of life: Mastering something God never asked you to spend your life doing. Sure, the applause gets louder, the results look incre...

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/the-wrong-trophy","title":"The Wrong Trophy","date_modified":"2026-03-18T02:47:03Z"},{"id":"the-great-baby-boomer-revival","html_content":"

Something Awesome This Way Comes

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/the-great-baby-boomer-revival","title":"The Great Baby Boomer Revival","date_modified":"2026-02-26T18:34:15Z"},{"id":"life-of-the-party","html_content":"

Every party has a personality even before the very first guest arrives because a party isn’t just an event — it’s a reflection of the host’s values.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/life-of-the-party","title":"Life of the Party","date_modified":"2026-02-25T17:33:25Z"},{"id":"does-time-really-heal-all-things","html_content":"

Time heals all things. That’s what we say when we comfort a grieving person. It’s an honest attempt by a sincere heart to encourage a hurting heart.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/does-time-really-heal-all-things","title":"Does Time Really Heal All Things?","date_modified":"2026-02-24T22:54:50Z"},{"id":"gift-to-self","html_content":"

A gift to the future you is far more than a note to yourself. It’s a time capsule of sorts, but of the greatest kind of sorts. It’s a specific investment today that pays a variety of dividends then.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/gift-to-self","title":"Gift to Self","date_modified":"2026-02-23T16:16:06Z"},{"id":"the-power-of-status","html_content":"

Influence can build or break community. That’s probably the title I was going for, but it was not succinct enough.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/the-power-of-status","title":"The Power of Status","date_modified":"2026-02-22T13:43:49Z"},{"id":"kinds-of-friends","html_content":"

Technically speaking, a friend is someone attached to another person by affection. We’ve got workplace friends, casual friends, neighborhood friends, gym friends, and, of course, best friends. While some folks are lone w...

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/kinds-of-friends","title":"Kinds of Friends","date_modified":"2026-02-13T16:32:14Z"},{"id":"standing-firm-by-standing-still","html_content":"

Sometimes victory in Christ doesn’t mean dashing down the field of battle. It’s not always rushing headlong into arrows, spears, and swords. Some days, victory in Christ may not come from the thunder of a charge or the g...

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/standing-firm-by-standing-still","title":"Standing Firm by Standing Still","date_modified":"2026-01-28T01:37:00Z"},{"id":"whos-writing-your-story","html_content":"

2026…A new year. Same you?

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/whos-writing-your-story","title":"Who's Writing Your Story?","date_modified":"2026-01-04T14:19:23Z"},{"id":"whoever-and-whatever","html_content":"

There is something beyond wonderful about the birth of a child. I know it certainly was for me and my wife with the birth of our four children.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/whoever-and-whatever","title":"Whoever and Whatever","date_modified":"2025-12-29T20:18:04Z"},{"id":"the-raven-the-berry-and-the-hand","html_content":"

I was recently speaking with a sweet sister in the Lord who shared a testimony of God giving her direction in a challenging season of her life during which she felt that He was silent.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/the-raven-the-berry-and-the-hand","title":"The Raven, the Berry, and the Hand","date_modified":"2025-12-16T18:32:53Z"},{"id":"presents-or-presence","html_content":"

We are now halfway through the Advent season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and anticipate His eventual return.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/presents-or-presence","title":"Presents or Presence?","date_modified":"2025-12-12T15:30:10Z"},{"id":"hope-and-a-future-on-thanksgiving","html_content":"

With Thanksgiving just a couple of days away, now is a great time to both reflect on that day and to think about what comes next.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/hope-and-a-future-on-thanksgiving","title":"Hope and a Future on Thanksgiving","date_modified":"2025-11-25T17:36:43Z"},{"id":"a-brief-devotion","html_content":"

Nearly every human on the planet is devoted to something or someone. Devotion is loyalty to a person or cause.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/a-brief-devotion","title":"A Brief Devotion","date_modified":"2025-11-08T15:09:40Z"},{"id":"refining-fire","html_content":"

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego standing up for their belief in God is a masterclass in faith, persistence, and tenacity. Here are five lessons we learn from Daniel 3:1–30 that help us on our own life journe...

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/refining-fire","title":"Refining Fire","date_modified":"2025-11-07T21:54:45Z"},{"id":"three-in-one","html_content":"

Three in one. Makes sense. Body wash, conditioner, and shampoo. All in one. Get them together and save the hassle, time, and money. The promise is good. The delivery is the problem.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/three-in-one","title":"Three in One","date_modified":"2025-10-15T23:56:45Z"},{"id":"1-or-2","html_content":"

1 or 2. Which are you?

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/1-or-2","title":"1 or 2","date_modified":"2025-10-09T00:07:47Z"},{"id":"unjustified-justification","html_content":"

Just because you can defend it doesn’t make it right.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/unjustified-justification","title":"Unjustified Justification","date_modified":"2025-10-06T23:14:40Z"},{"id":"retreat-or-surrender","html_content":"

Life is not a child’s birthday party. It can be difficult. It is often challenging. There are times that it is absolutely gut-wrenching.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/retreat-or-surrender","title":"Retreat or Surrender","date_modified":"2025-10-02T16:50:41Z"},{"id":"with-a-smile","html_content":"

If you don’t have the spiritual gift of service, do you have any responsibility to serve others with a joyful heart?

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/with-a-smile","title":"With a Smile","date_modified":"2025-10-01T23:53:34Z"},{"id":"pray-to-the-lord","html_content":"

The following is a devotional from my book, The Gift of Prayer, which is now in its third printing. I hope it encourages you today.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/pray-to-the-lord","title":"Pray to the Lord!","date_modified":"2025-09-30T20:10:48Z"},{"id":"glory-days","html_content":"

Happiness isn’t bad—it’s just fragile. A new car is delightful until someone dings the door at the grocery store. That steak dinner melts in your mouth, then it’s gone—maybe sitting a little heavy on the stomach after it...

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/glory-days","title":"Glory Days","date_modified":"2025-09-27T21:31:06Z"},{"id":"a-little-help-from-the-romans","html_content":"

If you have ever been rejected, then you know the unforgettable feeling of abandonment and betrayal. There is nothing enjoyable about being turned down and sent packing. It leaves us feeling a bit disposable.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/a-little-help-from-the-romans","title":"A Little Help from the Romans","date_modified":"2025-09-22T22:53:53Z"},{"id":"friendship-and-the-journey","html_content":"

The more time I spend with people at the end of the final chapter of their life the more I am reminded that the vast majority of what we deem to be important throughout our life is anything but important when it’s all sa...

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/friendship-and-the-journey","title":"Friendship and the Journey","date_modified":"2025-09-19T00:08:43Z"},{"id":"a-bridge-too-far","html_content":"

The murder of Charlie Kirk has shaken this nation to its core. The grief and anger being poured out like a sacred drink offering has far exceeded expectations—touching politics, music, sports, and every facet of daily li...

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/a-bridge-too-far","title":"A Bridge Too Far","date_modified":"2025-09-17T15:25:17Z"},{"id":"your-rescue-story","html_content":"

Everyone has one. For some, it happens early in life. For others, it occurs at the very end. But everyone has one. Everyone has a rescue story.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/your-rescue-story","title":"Your Rescue Story","date_modified":"2025-09-14T14:07:54Z"},{"id":"laurels-are-not-for-resting","html_content":"

Today we pause to remember September 11, 2001. Twenty-four years have passed, but our nation still carries the weight of that day.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/laurels-are-not-for-resting","title":"Laurels are not for Resting","date_modified":"2025-09-11T20:04:48Z"},{"id":"what-remains","html_content":"

Beginnings are pregnant with opportunity. The start of something ushers in excitement. The launch of something brings energy. The new means accumulation and growth.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/what-remains","title":"What Remains?","date_modified":"2025-09-09T19:58:41Z"},{"id":"everyone-else","html_content":"

“I have to serve everyone else.” Everyone else. That phrase struck me and stuck with me. As we flew over the continental United States at 35,000 feet above sea level, I watched the cabin crew interacting with our fellow ...

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/everyone-else","title":"Everyone Else","date_modified":"2025-09-04T14:52:04Z"},{"id":"run-before-fun","html_content":"

I was up early this morning for my daily run. I wasn’t really feeling it when I started. You have, no doubt, had that kind of day. Whatever you had to get done, or needed to get done, or wanted to get done just wasn’t cl...

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/run-before-fun","title":"Run Before Fun","date_modified":"2025-08-12T20:22:06Z"},{"id":"bike-hike-and-run","html_content":"

Today I reached a milestone in my biking, hiking, and running routine.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/bike-hike-and-run","title":"Bike, Hike, and Run","date_modified":"2025-08-10T22:09:26Z"},{"id":"ode-to-a-faithful-friend","html_content":"

For seventeen years, our dog, Chico, was more than a pet—he was a beloved companion, a steady presence, and a quiet source of comfort. He was family.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/ode-to-a-faithful-friend","title":"Ode to a Faithful Friend","date_modified":"2025-08-07T22:10:52Z"},{"id":"the-blazing-center","html_content":"

Each one of us needs a burning fire at our core—something that serves as the blazing center of the passion of our heart. Without it, life easily drifts into a drab monotony, an endless calendar of obligations, and a pain...

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/the-blazing-center","title":"The Blazing Center","date_modified":"2025-08-06T22:57:46Z"},{"id":"time-will-tell","html_content":"

Time will tell.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/time-will-tell","title":"Time will Tell","date_modified":"2025-08-03T21:45:16Z"},{"id":"toxicity","html_content":"

Do you know a toxic person who is the bane of your existence? A pain in the neck? A sore spot in your life?

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/toxicity","title":"Toxicity","date_modified":"2025-07-31T21:11:42Z"},{"id":"the-longest-row","html_content":"

According to Guinness World Records, the longest non‑stop solo row across an ocean lasted 335 days, 22 hours, and 30 minutes. That was Jacob Adoram’s relentless crossing of the Pacific Ocean.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/the-longest-row","title":"The Longest Row","date_modified":"2025-07-30T22:30:53Z"},{"id":"giraffe-in-the-headlights","html_content":"

Oh, that giraffe in the headlights look. It was so surprised to see us as we drove along a desolate road just outside Kruger National Park in South Africa while on a recent safari. It was spooked and startled. It didn’t ...

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/giraffe-in-the-headlights","title":"Giraffe in the Headlights","date_modified":"2025-07-18T21:58:56Z"},{"id":"the-humble-scroll","html_content":"

The drop-down menu. They can be helpful. Then again, they can be a reminder…a reminder that you’re getting old.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/the-humble-scroll","title":"The Humble Scroll","date_modified":"2025-07-17T22:40:31Z"},{"id":"the-gift-of-justice","html_content":"

We know justice when we see it. We feel injustice when we experience it.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/the-gift-of-justice","title":"The Gift of Justice","date_modified":"2025-07-17T16:01:03Z"},{"id":"going-along-and-getting-along","html_content":"

Why is there so much anger, division, and rancor in the world today? Historians, psychologists, and sociologists will likely write about this for many decades. There will, no doubt, be Ph.D. dissertations written about t...

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/going-along-and-getting-along","title":"Going Along and Getting Along","date_modified":"2025-07-12T16:06:54Z"},{"id":"attitude-gratitude-solitude","html_content":"

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/attitude-gratitude-solitude","title":"Attitude. Gratitude. Solitude.","date_modified":"2025-07-10T18:40:13Z"},{"id":"miraculous-prayer","html_content":"

The following is an excerpt from my latest 40-day devotional book, The Gift of Prayer.

","url":"https://shapedbygrace.org/big-house-records/f/miraculous-prayer","title":"Miraculous Prayer","date_modified":"2025-07-09T22:59:07Z"}]}