Recent Devotions
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near, Hebrews 10:24-25. It’s important to not only pray about the call of God on people lives, but to also encourage the call of God on their life. For a moment, think about David in the Bible. We know him as a shepherd boy, a harpist, an armor bearer, a giant killer, a military genius, a King, a sinner…
“But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses.” Exodus 4:13–14, NIV. Can you identify with Moses’ feelings of reluctance and inadequacy? “No God, not me, please choose someone else. Don’t you know my weaknesses and limitations?” Personally, I have been…
Road trips are a summer staple. Sour worms, peach rings, and coolers filled with drinks will only lead to the inevitable … multiple bathroom stops. And is there anything more invigorating than having the music playing with your windows rolled down? This encapsulates the epitome of the perfect summer and…
Readers Loved
God built into Israel’s calendar about thirty days of feasts per year. Add the weekly Sabbaths, and the total celebration time comes to around eighty days of feasting and rest annually. God is serious about celebration! When God mandated celebration among His people in the Old Testament, He used three Hebrew words: hâlal, châgag and shâbath. At the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt wall in Nehemiah 12 (ESV), these three essentials of celebration are included. Celebration Keeps God Central Nehemiah’s celebration plans included instruments and singers filling the air with triumphant praise. The people sang and offered sacrifices to God with…
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Proverbs 11:25, ESV) How many of us set out each day intentionally looking for someone we can bless? Possibly not many of us. We are so rushed and stressed as we navigate our own busy lives that we hardly notice those around us. And what does it really mean “to be a blessing”? simple actions count Being a blessing to someone does not necessarily mean providing financial assistance, although in some circumstances it is needed. There are so many ways to share with others—our time, our…
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.” (Galatians 4:4, NKJV) In just a few days, we will be celebrating Christmas. For some, it is only a secular holiday with an emphasis on decorations, gifts, family time, and parties. For others, the day holds the deeper meaning of celebrating when the long-anticipated Messiah came to earth. A few years ago, I began a personal tradition that in the days leading up to Christmas I would reread the accounts of the nativity from the Gospels. I use this…
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 David was guilty of breaking many of the Ten Commandments. He had coveted, lied, committed fornication, and even murder. When God sent the prophet, Nathan, to confront him with his sin, he no longer tried to cover it but cried out to God in repentance. He acknowledged that he was wrong and pleaded with God for mercy and forgiveness. He realized the need for cleansing and renewal of his spirit. “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy…
