Whether a studio apartment in the city or a five-bedroom home in the suburbs, our home is our refuge, our safe place from the world. We not only want visitors to feel comfortable, but we want that same level of comfort for ourselves. A lot of physical labor and money…
Recent Devotions
“He called for a famine on the land of Canaan, cutting off its food supply. Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them—Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.” Psalm 105:16-19 NLT We often begin Joseph’s story with him telling his dreams to his brothers and being rejected by them. But the retelling of the story in Psalm 105 reveals a new twist. In an everlasting covenant, God confirmed that He had…
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 I can barely believe how quickly time passes. It feels like one year ends and another begins before we have a chance to catch our breath. Looking back, many of us can probably identify…
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23, KJV. Growing up, my dad taught me how to play chess. I’m still an amateur, but I loved spending time with him, so I would sit across the board for hours…
Readers Loved
“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Daniel 6:10 Daniel had been taken from his home in Jerusalem and carried captive to Babylon. Right from the start, he held fast to the teachings that he had received as a young man. He, along with his friends, refused to eat the rich food that was given but asked for a simple diet. As…
“And when he (Jesus) was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit… But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him.” Mark 5:2, 6. The man introduced in Mark 5:1-20 is possessed by thousands of devils. Many people would probably think, oh no, that poor man, there is no hope for him. Many of us wouldn’t even try to converse with someone so bound by Satan. However, these scriptures tell us that the man didn’t wait for Jesus to come to him. As soon as…
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1 The Titanic was designed by some of the most experienced engineers of its time and built with the most advanced technology available. It was considered unsinkable. So when it sank, the world was stunned. What many don’t realize is that during the design phase, engineers proposed using a newer, larger type of davit—equipment capable of lowering lifeboats over the side of the ship. With these davits, the Titanic could have carried…
“When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” Acts 11:23-24, NIV. The above scriptures describe Barnabas perfectly; he was “the encourager,” and it highlights his gift of building others up. When I think about discipleship, I picture Barnabas and John Mark. Paul and Barnabas invited the young John Mark to travel with them on a missionary…
