Recent Devotions
“While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and lying face down on the ground in front of the Temple of God, a very large crowd of people from Israel—men, women, and children—gathered and wept bitterly with him.” (Ezra 10:1, NLT) After years of exile in Babylon, Artaxerxes, king of Persia, decreed that any of the people of Israel who desired were free to return their homeland. Ezra, a priest and scribe, led a group of fellow Jews back to Jerusalem. Their journey took four months, but they were finally in the land God had given them long ago. What…
I’ve talked to several people in the last few months that are in tough situations. Problems with their finances, their children, their marriages, addictions, you name it. What has shocked me in every instance is their lack of desperation. They’re complaining, crying, and even asking for help…but they really don’t…
“Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know…
Readers Loved
“Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?” 1 Kings 3:9 MSG Right before Solomon made this request, God appeared to him in a dream and asked him (Solomon) what He (God) could give him. I can’t even imagine being asked that question, and I truly don’t know what I myself would ask for if God woke me up and asked me the same question. I like to think though that I would…
“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:25 Today is my birthday. I do not remember the day that I was born, only know the stories that I was told about that day. I have some recollections of things that happened when I was young, but there are a lot more that I cannot remember. As I get older, I realize so much more how good the Lord has been to me. I am so thankful that from an early age I went to Sunday…
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Genesis 50:20 The story of Joseph is one of the most well-known accounts in Scripture. If you are unfamiliar with his life, I encourage you to spend some time this week reading Genesis 37–50. It is one of the most compelling stories in the Bible because it reveals the complexities of the human condition while showcasing the faithfulness of God. Joseph’s life was marked by both extraordinary blessing and profound suffering. He…
Seasons do not last forever. The season that we are in right now will come to an end. I know for me, I am awaiting the day of change, a day of answers, a day of harvest. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1. Winter is my least favorite season—I relish all things sunshine. Yesterday, I walked outside without a coat on and was rudely introduced to a cold, north wind. I ran inside as fast as I could to shield myself from the frigid air. This is not…
