Recent Devotions
For most of my life, I have despised journaling. This may not be the best statement to make when writing an article to encourage you to consider the practice of prayer journaling. For me, there’s something so final and real about staring at your thoughts, vulnerabilities, and often unanswered requests on paper. However, I’ve learned to appreciate it and see its benefits. In this season of my life, it’s proven to be one of the most beneficial, healing, and revealing spiritual disciplines. Since I adopted the practice of using a prayer journal, I’ve encountered God and myself more intimately. I’ve learned so much about myself,…
Peace. Reels and posts galore telling you to “protect your peace”. But here’s the thing. Selfish ambition always leads to disorder. Not peace (James 3:16). When my world is consumed by me as I pursue the futile endeavor of protecting my peace, I am perpetuating the disorder in my life.…
Psalm 112:9 “He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.” This week we have looked at the many blessings that the Lord has bestowed on those who fear Him and keep His commandments. Today we are looking…
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“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.” (Proverbs 11:11, NKJV) While having lunch with a group of friends from my church, the subject drifted to a recent prayer gathering held in a metro neighborhood that has the reputation of being crime-ridden and unsafe. The area definitely needs prayer, but then what community doesn’t? It reminded me that it is my responsibility as a Christian to cover my neighborhood and my city with consistent prayer. The Bible encourages Christians to become involved in making not just our city…
“Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” Psalm 91:3 KJV First, let’s focus on a few key words. DELIVERS / natsal / to snatch away, rescue, save Webster’s 1828: “To free, release, as from restraint, to set at liberty.” SNARE / pach / a bird trap Webster’s 1828: “An instrument for catching animals, particularly fowls, by the leg. It consists of a cord or string with slip knots in which the leg is entangled.” FOWLER / yaqush / to ensnare, lay a trap, to catch DEADLY / havvah / mischief, calamity,…
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27, ESV) This week we have followed the apostle Paul from his conversion, through a time of revelation and preparation, and then to his missionary travels. Paul had a remarkable ministry and dedicated his life to taking the gospel to the then-known world. But he did not work alone.…
“Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake came by; unto whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.” Ruth 4:1 This fourth chapter of Ruth gives us an interesting picture of how they settled legal matters in those times. The elders would gather at the City Gate and cases discussed, and a decision reached. The decisions made were binding. Elimelech’s property was up for sale and there were only two who were eligible to purchase it,…
