Recent Devotions
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” (John 15:16, NKJV) Just to be clear, I am not an arborist, a horticulturist, or a farmer. Truthfully, I cannot successfully grow things. Only the hardiest plants will survive under my care. While I may not have a green thumb, I do enjoy the beauty of growing things. That’s why I enjoy my lone apple tree. THE TREE Each spring I look forward to…
“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (I Corinthians 4:2, NKJV). Many of us feel pride in the things we own—our homes, our vehicles, our numerous electronic gadgets, the clothing that fills our closets, our bank accounts. We may not flaunt what we have, but we…
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17, ESV) Have you ever gone on an organizing spree at…
Readers Loved
Isaiah 40:31 NIV “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” I’ve always loved the idea of being a runner. I often wondered what it must be like to wake before the rest of the world and step out into a cool, foggy morning with the sole purpose of running. I’ve never experienced what that cool air must feel like as it floods into your lungs. How your muscles must grow weak, yet you push on.…
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15 Oxford Dictionary defines compassion as: sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. During the last few weeks, many parts of the world have been devastated by hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, and other life-threatening events. People have lost everything that they owned. There is a scarcity of food, shelter, and medical supplies. Charitable organizations have made a plea for compassion, and donations have been pouring in. People have seen the need and given of their finances to…
And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. (Mark 6:31, NKJV) A friend is going through a stressful time right now. While dealing with her own health issues, she is also the primary caregiver for another family member. She is stressed and struggling. Sometimes there is no easy solution. Since we don’t live close and I can only offer encouragement from afar, I keep reminding her that self-care is important. A couple I know is…
In the second year of King Saul’s reign, 1 Samuel 13:5 states, “the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel.” The Philistines outnumbered Israel; they had 30000 chariots, 6000 horsemen, and a multitude gathered together on the shoreline. Israel had 3,000 men—in the beginning. However, the Israelites were so scared, they hid behind rocks, thickets, and some fled to Jordan. Their numbers almost vanished, in a moment, because of fear. The 600 men who remained with King Saul and Jonathan were trembling; definitely not the mighty men one would hope for to fight for your freedom. God’s posture for…
