Recent Devotions
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven . . . a time to keep, and a time to cast away” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 6). It’s so easy to procrastinate when I know I need to clear out old papers, clothing items I never wear, and things I no longer need or use. Tomorrow always sounds like a better day to clear out the clutter than to do it right now. I made some progress a few days ago, but truthfully—it’s just not fun! I still have clutter to clear. Clutter is…
“Who does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number.” (Job 5:9, NKJV) When I read the Bible, I am always amazed—although I shouldn’t be—with the perfection of God’s creation. Everything, from the way He tilted the earth to give us seasons and designed gravity to keep things in the…
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, ESV) The longer I live, the more I’m convinced that gratitude is a key element in living a happy life. It’s difficult to be grumpy and grateful at the same time. It’s also…
Readers Loved
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, ESV) When I graduated college and began to live on my own, my job paid monthly. As a new grad, I had no real savings and lived in a new city alone. Oh, I also had no credit cards. I quickly learned that I must make my money last the whole month. It was a challenge. One positive thing was I had no debts, just basic living expenses. Have you ever wondered if God cares about how we spend our money? Would it surprise you that over…
But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” (I Samuel 15:22, NLT) Saul, the first king of Israel, began well. His ending, however, was sad. But let’s look at some background to better understand what happened to a promising life. It was never God’s plan for Israel to be ruled by a king, but the people insisted. They wanted — or perhaps demanded is a better word — a ruler like…
“And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.” Exodus 25:40 When God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle in the wilderness, specific instructions were given for every part of it. He told them what kind of wood and what materials should be used in the coverings. He gave him dimensions for each piece of furniture and specified the type of metal they were to be made from. Craftsmen were provided who were able to create the different articles. And he told Moses to follow the pattern exactly. Why was the Lord…
Many of you probably celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday. Some may have gone all out baking homemade bread and baked goods, along with several delectable sides to accompany a turkey. I saw some tablescapes on Instagram with beautiful china, tall-stemmed glasses, and fresh autumn flowers. We usually use the best-of-the-best for holiday dinners; it makes them more special and meaningful somehow. We savor it. We eat a second plate. We eat too much. Regardless of all of the time and effort, we put into Thanksgiving dinner, all of that food that took days to prepare ends up in Tupperware containers. These leftovers await their…
