“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’ve read a quote by Bob Goff that said, “We won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose.” When my young daughter asked me what “purpose” was, I explained that it means every single person has something that they are intended to do with their lives. Something good. Something important. She quickly responded, in her matter-of-fact way, “Daddy has a…
“Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word.” Psalms 119:161 NLT When I read the above verse, I questioned myself, “When was the last time I trembled at the Word of God? We live in scary times, and our world seems to be getting worse by the day. The news is filled with tragedy, hate, and evil. It’s easy to become frightened during times of uncertainty. Still, David confidently proclaims that even though he is harassed, he isn’t afraid, and does not tremble at their threats. David only trembles at the Word of God. How powerful is that? He faced dangerous situations without fear. Instead, he turns to the Word, finds his strength there and trusts his God. I desire for the Word to change me and stir me up as it did for David. Do you desire for the Word to consume you? To drive you farther into the supernatural? If yes, then dive in! The bible is a book of love, mercy and hope. God is waiting for you to jump in today and start a new journey of discovery, and a time of drawing nearer to Him. Devotion by Caitlin Walker
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 Anchors are particularly important equipment on any ship, and the crew probably inspects them daily to make sure that they are always ready when they need them. Are they rigidly attached to the ship, and is the cable strong? I live alone, and I recently obtained a Lifeline. No matter where I am, if I need assistance, pushing a button connects me to someone who can get me the help I need. If I should fall, someone is alerted. But it is of no value to me if I do not charge it daily and wear it all the time. We have a strong and reliable anchor in the Lord Jesus Christ. But it is important that we daily check to make sure that the connection is secure. Prayer: I Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.” Thanksgiving: I Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Word of God: Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine…
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17 The anchor can also be an indication of a new beginning or a starting point for a life journey. In the early days of Christianity, when the Romans persecuted followers of Jesus, the anchor became a secret symbol to represent Christ. It showed that their lives had changed direction. and they were committed to their faith. We can all think of ourselves as ships, sailing on the sea of life. At some point in…
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” Psalm 46:1-3 Earlier this week, we looked at the story of Paul on his journey to Rome. After battling the stormy seas for days, the ship finally found a place where they could use the anchors to hold the ship steady through the night. As we anchor in the Lord Jesus Christ, we receive the strength and resistance that we need to face life’s challenges. In Luke 21:25-38, Jesus shares with His disciples some signs of the future. “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great…
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 A physical anchor prevents a ship from drifting. It provides a sense of security when in troubled waters. So, spiritually, the anchor represents emotional security, inner stability, and calm in uncertain times. I have been reading the book of Job in my morning devotions. He probably faced more storms in a brief period than any other person who has ever lived. His wife taunted him for his faith, and his friends accused him of all sorts of wrongdoing. Sitting in the ash heap, using a piece of broken pottery to scrape the boils that covered his body, he questioned everything that he had ever believed. He bewailed the fact that he had ever been born, and at one point, he asked the Lord to just take his life. But he had an anchor that held secure. And he maintained his trust in God. Job 13:15-16 “Though he slay me, yet will I…