Today's Devotion
“But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20). Many families have suffered the heartache of a child turning his back on God. Whether it is a total rebellion against the teachings of the church or a gradual drifting and indifference to things spiritual, the parents are left with sorrow, questions, and often guilt that they have somehow failed in their parenting. A look at some notable Bible families shows this happens in even the most godly of families. Those in…
Why is it so difficult to say those words, “I’m sorry. Forgive me.” Perhaps just as difficult to say is a sincere, “I forgive you.” None of us goes through life without at some point being on both sides of the situation. Sometimes we are the one hurt; other times we are the offender. Hurts and wrongs alter relationships, sometimes forever, unless we learn how to build a bridge of forgiveness to the other person.
“…Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42 When God’s Will is Different from Our Will This coming week commemorates the loss of one of my spiritual mentors. Sister Ann, a very influential woman in my life, was diagnosed with an invasive cancer. Prayer about the healing for her body consumed my prayers and I went on extended fasts and memorized every scripture I could find that said the word ‘heal.’ I had dreams of God miraculously healing her spine, eradicating every cell of cancer in her body, leading me to believe they were prophetic. However, on January…
Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing.” Genesis 27:19 Jacob’s Are Everywhere If you look around, you will discover that there are Jacob’s everywhere. He was a normal, average young person—and—a momma’s boy. His ambitious quality is soon outranked by his deceptive nature. When he first started to pursue God, it was out of necessity and not out of faithfulness. He was running for his life and needed God to move on his behalf. When he…
Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” David wrote from his experience, giving us insight into the way a shepherd looked after his sheep. He cared for their every need. In this verse, he is talking about the yearly trip to higher ground to find new pasture for the flock. They would pass through rough places, face dangers, but the shepherd was watching over them every step of the way. His rod and staff would…
“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10, ESV) Do you ever have trouble deciding what to wear some mornings? I have a few favorite outfits that I tend to choose frequently. More and more my style has evolved into something called comfortable, not elegant or trendy. I have no need to…
