Recent Devotions
“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 difficult to be selfish and grateful. Or angry, rude, or thoughtless and grateful. You get the idea. A thankful spirit is the perfect antidote for a lot of our everyday irritations and attitudes. Someone once compared gratitude to a muscle that grows stronger the more we exercise it. If we…
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, ESV) The tormented Man “As soon as he got out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came out of the tombs and met him. He lived in the tombs, and no one was able…
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8, NKJV) Recently four of us met for lunch. We do it fairly often, and it has become a great time to relax and catch up on what’s happening. We have our own special corner of a nearby…
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“For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalms 91:3-4 Have you ever felt vulnerable? I am the type of person who hates to be seen as weak, struggling, or vulnerable. But at the end of the day, I am still human. Being a Christian doesn’t elevate me beyond my human flaws. I will still make mistakes, and I will always need a Savior. I will be faced with the many curveballs…
“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.” 2 Timothy 4:17 I have a quote on my letter board in my home that says “we won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose” (Bob Goff) When my young daughter asked me what “purpose” was I explained to her that it meant that every single person has something that they are meant to do with their lives. Something good. Something important. She…
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7, ESV) An old saying asserts, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I’m not sure I agree. It may depend more on the dog’s attitude than its age. At least that’s how it works with people. The ones who are most teachable are eager to learn and willing to listen when instructed. I once showed a friend the best way to perform a certain household task. Eager to learn the correct way, she assured me, “Show me one time and I can do…
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” II Peter 1:10-11 A few months ago, my daughter and her husband gave me a book, “Putting Things in Order.” Life is uncertain, we do not know what tomorrow holds. We must have our financial records organized, our wills up to date, and computer passwords, and other information all in one place, so that if something…
