Recent Devotions
“And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” (Luke 1:6, ESV) Sometimes life disappoints us. We have hopes and dreams that remain unfulfilled, even after fervent prayers. That may have been the story of Zechariah, a priest from the tribe of Levi, and Elizabeth, his wife. For many years the couple had desired a child and prayed earnestly about it, but their prayers remained unanswered. As time passed and they were no longer in their childbearing years, their dreams became disappointed memories of what might have been. Then, one day…
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14, ESV) Four hundred years is a long time for God to remain silent. Yet, in the time leading up to the birth of the…
“But we are citizens of heaven where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior.” Philippians 3:20 Have you ever had one of those days where you think to yourself “I cannot wait for heaven!” Everything seems to fall to pieces…
Readers Loved
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:8, ESV) I recently read a statement that said, “As you move about this world, be more than just another passing face — be a source of grace” (author unknown). It reminded me that each of us can make a difference in our world just by showing kindness to those we encounter throughout our day. Kindness costs no money, but it has the power to brighten someone’s day in ways we may never realize. Today is Valentine’s Day, a day that brings thoughts of…
“Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?” Ruth 3:1 God blessed us with a beautiful daughter, who has been faithful to the Lord from the time she was a little girl. When she left home to go to Bible College, one of the prayers we prayed for her was that she would find the right young man to spend her life with and God answered that prayer. This month she and her husband celebrated their thirty-sixth anniversary. I am so thankful for…
“And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.” I Samuel 1:24 There are few memories as precious as the first time we held our babies in our arms, marveling over the perfect fingers, toes, and other parts of their bodies. We checked them over carefully and our hearts were filled with joy and thankfulness for the way the Lord had blessed us. So, Hannah must have felt…
“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.” Genesis 41:14 Just another day in the prison in Egypt. Joseph went about his duties as usual. If we could have listened in on his daily prayer we might have heard: “God, thank you for another day. Guide my thoughts and deeds today and make me a blessing to you. Lord, if it is your will, hear my prayer and deliver me from this place.” Meanwhile, Pharaoh had experienced some disturbing dreams…
