Recent Devotions
“Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23, NKJV) For the past few days, we have examined some key words of wisdom from the Book of Proverbs. According to I Kings 4:32, Solomon wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. Although we have only touched on a few of his wise sayings, we have discovered some truths that when applied will help us successfully navigate life. We’ve also seen how these proverbs align with other Bible passages. God’s Word is an instructional manual for life. That’s why it is so vital that we not…
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1, NKJV) A quiet dinner out with a friend ended suddenly as a family of four was seated in an adjoining booth. No, it wasn’t the children who disturbed our peace. They were quiet and seemed…
These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.…
Readers Loved
“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” (Psalm 107:9, ESV). This week I have seen numerous postings on social media about a spirit of revival sweeping across a university campus in Kentucky. At the time I write this, a non-stop prayer meeting has been going on for over a week, with people arriving from across the country to become part of this experience. Many others are watching and participating online. Reports now say this revival spirit is spreading to other campuses. People are hungry for God, and God is responding to that…
Remember “the Uncola?” In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s marketers for 7-Up came up with a scheme to distance their drink from the more popular dark carbonated beverages. They sold it as the “Uncola.” Meaning to cash in on the spirit of rebellion that characterized much of the hip culture of the day, they tried to make 7-up look like a rebel, too. By adding an “un”, they sought to describe what 7-up WAS by what it wasn’t—it was definitely NOT a cola. Jesus often used different kinds of figurative speech to make a point or teach a lesson.…
“My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19, CSB) A friend and I were having a phone conversation one day recently. Or, more accurately, we were “almost” holding a conversation. While chatting, I was also scanning the internet and she was working on something as well. In the background at her end, a little voice kept insisting, “I want your phone” so he could play games. Neither of us was giving full attention to our conversation. We were distracted by other things. But if you had…
Sarah was identified by God as the “mother of nations.” But for so many years, she had been childless. The promise of God was spoken to Abraham, but as time passed, she felt forgotten and forsaken. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12, NIV.) She was heartsick, questioning, and longing for something that seemed so out of reach as the years slipped by. She had waited eleven long years for the promise to be fulfilled. Finally, in her impatience and desperation, Sarah sent her servant to conceive in her place—Hagar,.her…
