Recent Devotions
“Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.” Ruth 1:1 The books of Judges and I and II Samuel record the history of Israel when they were experiencing trouble and turmoil because they were not obeying the laws of God. Each time their enemies attacked them, they would cry out to the Lord for deliverance, God would hear them and send a judge to lead them…
In Luke 11:9-13, Jesus says, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Throughout the New Testament, Jesus uses natural relationships (i.e. children and parents,…
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26. Several years ago in Bible College, I developed an undeniable burden for a family member…
Readers Loved
“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.” Mark 1:4-5 From all the land of Judea, crowds gathered to hear this strange preacher who had suddenly come on the scene. He was different in so many ways; he didn’t dress like most people; even the food he ate was not what they were used to. And yet, somehow the message he proclaimed convicted…
“And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 Have you ever had company arrive at your door unexpectedly and been overwhelmed? You rush around, trying to tidy up the house and at the same time welcome your guests. So many things go through your mind. Have they had lunch? If not, what can I prepare in a hurry? Imagine how Mary and Martha felt when Jesus and His disciples…
“A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families.” (Psalm 68:5-6, NKJV). More than once I’ve heard an acquaintance declare he would be happy to live as a hermit. He enjoys spending time alone out in the country—a great way to destress—but would he really thrive with long-term isolation? I doubt it. We need people in our lives. That’s just how God designed us. He never intended for us to go through life alone. “And the LORD God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for…
“He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.” (Psalm 112:7, ESV) Recently, a family in my church lost everything in a tragic house fire. Thankfully, all escaped unharmed. I’ve known others who have experienced tornadoes, hurricanes, or other natural disasters. These victims often feel that their lives will never be the same, and to a degree this is true. When such things happen, so much is lost. Although material goods can eventually be replaced or restored, some things are irretrievably lost. When tragedy overwhelms us, it is so easy to ask the age-old…
