Recent Devotions
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. When we read the words of Apostle Paul, we may think that he is in a state of bliss as he writes, “Be anxious for nothing.” He was not on a peaceful vacation while writing, “but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,” he was in prison. Paul understands the lows of life’s trials and in the midst…
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:1-10 Job, as he declares, “I shall come forth as gold,” is going through the trial of his life. It seemed like the blessings and favor of God were stolen away…
What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him. 1 Samuel 17:31, NIV. A few days ago I was talking with one of my best friends about the power of God creating an opportunity for us, rather than creating an opportunity for ourselves. We live…
Readers Loved
Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him . . . And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” (I Samuel 3:7 and 10, ESV) I have several acquaintances who have hearing problems, not all of whom are older. Some use hearing aids and two or three have cochlear implants. Still others, with severe or total hearing loss, use sign language to communicate. Whatever the cause, when our hearing is impaired, it affects how we live.…
“From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety” Psalms 61:2 NLT Is there anyone else out there who is afraid of heights? Surely I can’t be the only one whose knees go weak even looking at a picture like the one above. Sure, the view is spectacular, but also breathtakingly terrifying. I have the hardest time to try and wrap my mind around the idea of climbing a rock like that, for fun. My feet do much better planted securely on the ground.…
“Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8, ESV) Matthew 8 tells the story of a Roman centurion with a big request for Jesus. The man’s beloved servant was extremely ill. Having heard about Jesus, he believed the Teacher could heal his servant. In the eyes of society, the centurion was “higher up” than Jesus. After all, he…
God does not prepare His people in one day. God prepares His people over time. He uses waiting, hardship, prayer, obedience, loss, and testing. Sometimes the preparation feels gentle. Sometimes it feels painful. But through every season, God is working. In Genesis 21-25, the lives of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau show us that God is faithful to His promises. God also shows us that the waiting season is never wasted. While we wait, God forms our faith. While we walk through trials, God teaches us to trust Him. While we obey, God reveals His purpose. God…
