Recent Devotions
“He (Elkanah) had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.” 1 Samuel 1:2 Hannah was set apart, but not in a way anyone would desire. Being barren during this era was a disgrace upon women and considered a divine judgment from God. Her society viewed her as an unfit wife and misunderstood her predicament as God’s disapproval rather than seeing the panoramic view of God’s master plan. “In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only…
Some friendships can shake our world because we realize their motives were not pure. Even King David encountered false friendships like this in the Old Testament. He writes, “It is not an enemy who taunts me, I could bear that… Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What…
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Psalm 51:10-12 Renew – Restore…
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Minimalism and a minimalist lifestyle have become the new catchphrase in recent years. The idea is when you remove the unnecessary stuff, you free up time and space to focus on the things that matter in life. The famous organizer and author Marie Kondo took that idea to a new level. Rule 6 of the KonMari Method says, “Keep only those things that speak to the heart and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service-then let them go.” A few years ago, my husband and I became empty nesters. As our youngest son married…
“The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Habakkuk 3:19 “I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back, no turning back.” A question on Google gave me this answer: “The deer, or hind, referenced here can also be called a gazelle, a graceful, swift, and sure-footed animal that can climb sheer rocky cliffs and never stumble or fall. In climbing, the deer can place her back feet exactly where…
“I believe in you” are four powerful words. I am who I am because someone believed in me. When I attended Bible College, I realized I was different when I compared myself to others. I was different—I had no apparent giftings because I was too nervous to sing, play piano, teach, preach, or even read a scripture in front of people. Fear paralyzed me from pressing beyond my insecurities. In the midst of the incredible talent of others, their beauty, and charmed heritages I felt like I had nothing to offer God—other than my love. The Power of Believing One…
WISDOM FROM PROVERBS “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3, ESV) Success can be defined in so many different ways—wealth, fame, power, social prominence. We are told if we work hard, we can become anything we want. The world measures success by our accomplishments, but those things can easily slip away. Lasting success is that which comes from the Lord. THE STORY OF MOSES Exodus 2 tells us the unusual (but God-ordained) story of Moses, who was born in Egypt to parents from the tribe of Levi. By the time of Moses’ birth,…
