Recent Devotions
“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…
“The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months. And the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household.” (II Samuel 6:11, NKJV) While reading II Samuel 6, I became caught up in the story of Obed-Edom and his family who unexpectedly found themselves as keepers of…
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have in tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV) We do not live in a peaceful world—far from it. At this very moment, numerous places are…
Readers Loved
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me;he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:1-4. Praising the Lord at all times is sometimes difficult. Have you ever felt cheated? I have. There are several times in my life that I felt like I deserved better, or deserved a life without pain. When my heart has been overwhelmed, I have asked God, Why? Why is this happening? What is Your purpose in this…
“You spread out our sins before you—our secret sins—and you see them all.” (Psalm 90:8, NLT). A friend of mine was never very good at following doctor’s orders. When appointment time came, his guilty conscience kicked in. On that day, he would sleep a little longer and eat a lot less. In fact, he only drank black coffee until the deed was done. He only fooled himself. His body suffered from the disobedience, not the doctor’s. Another friend, a dedicated shopper, hid new clothing in the back of her closet. That way, if her husband inquired about a new outfit…
Jesus would have been a great Bible quizzer. He often repeated the words of Scripture. In fact, three of the gospel writers recorded Jesus referencing the same Old Testament passage, “Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” In the past, I’ve read and even spoken these words of Isaiah without realizing the significance of their original context. Prior to their declaration, the Lord disclosed His intention to do something that had previously been forbidden. He would allow eunuchs (“blemished” people) and strangers (non-Jews) the opportunity to worship among His people. With beautiful language, the prophet…
And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mark 2:15-16, ESV) One of my favorite ways of socializing is over food. It can be something as simple as a fast-food lunch or more upscale dining for special occasions. Entertaining at home can mean snacks on the counter, a complete meal, or…
