Recent Devotions
“A dispute also arose among them [the disciples], as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.” (Luke 22:24, ESV) Ambition. Egos. Competition. Power. Pride. It happens. We’ve seen it, but we would hardly expect to find it among the Lord’s disciples, those closest to Him. Yet, more than once they disputed among themselves about who was the greatest. Even the night of their Passover meal, just hours before Jesus’ arrest, the argument began again. Did they even grasp the meaning of Jesus’ words when He told them: “For who is the greater, one who reclines at…
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17, NKJV) Who doesn’t like to receive gifts? I sure do. It’s fun to be remembered on special occasions—or no…
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18, ESV) “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16:24, ESV) The two proverbs above give a sharp contrast in how our…
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“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” (Jeremiah 31:25, ESV) Worn out. Exhausted. Dead tired. Spent. Beat. Drained. Burnt-out. There are so many ways to express that feeling of utter weariness that just overwhelms us. We’ve all been there. Exhausted and sleep-deprived with a new baby. Pressing deadlines at work. The mental exhaustion of trying to juggle too many things. Doctors note two main types of fatigue: physical and mental. Causes can range from medical conditions to boredom, eating disorders, major life changes, and more. If we are physically or mentally exhausted (or…
“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life.” (Proverbs 22:4) During your school years, you could probably name the student in your class considered most likely to succeed in life. They may have attained a high grade-point average, shown leadership ability, or been popular. It would be interesting to meet that person today to see how they measure up to those early expectations. Success. Do an online search, and you will find numerous pointers on how to find the path to achievement in life. Identify your passions. Set goals. Stay focused. Develop knowledge and…
“Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.” Ruth 3:18 God had a plan for Ruth, and he had chosen Boaz to be the one who would bring that plan to fruition. He was a wealthy man but loved the Lord. Today we will consider the characteristics that he possessed. Humility – Notice how he treated his employees greeting them kindly at the beginning of the workday. Kind and considerate – provided food and water and rest…
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6, NKJV) I have been blessed throughout my life to have sufficient food and to enjoy the food I have. I especially enjoy sharing a good meal with a group of friends gathered around the table. The food refreshes my body while the fellowship refreshes my spirit. Eating would not be nearly as enjoyable if we did not experience hunger. Hunger is the body’s alarm system, built in by God, to warn us that it’s time to eat. Without hunger we could literally starve to…
