Recent Devotions
“On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.” (Genesis 2:2-3, NLT) Today is Sunday, “the day of rest.” For many, however, it has become “the day of rush.” What was once a day dedicated to worship and reflection has now become a day to catch up on chores and do the things we didn’t have time for during our hectic week. God may get a…
“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.” (Proverbs 11:11, NKJV) While having lunch with a group of friends from my church, the subject drifted to a recent prayer gathering held in a metro neighborhood that has the…
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers . . . And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.” (Acts 2:42,46, ESV) I enjoy…
Readers Loved
“Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.” (Colossians 3:23, CSB) (This week we are studying various women of the Bible to see what lessons we can learn from their lives. Today, let’s look at Priscilla, a New Testament believer who along with her husband, Aquila, ministered in various ways.) You may know someone who seems to possess numerous talents and abilities and does them all well. They are good at juggling various tasks while smiling the whole time. Wise and caring, they make those around them feel comfortable. I…
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24, ESV) Have you ever petitioned God for a need in your life, but it seemed He wasn’t listening or just didn’t care? What about all those “ask and receive” verses in the Bible, you may wonder? Are they really true? If so, why isn’t God answering me? Let’s look at some of the passages in Scripture dealing with prayer to see what we can learn. Step 1: Ask In his book Be a Circle Maker, Mark Batterson states, “The…
Lamentations 3:22-24 MSG “God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left.” Have you ever felt utterly hopeless and like you had nothing left? Those moments of absolute devastation and confusion, where nothing in the world seems to make sense? Brokenness surrounds you, and it can feel so isolating and intimidating. I have experienced moments in my own life like that. I think back to when I had suffered my third miscarriage.…
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) What if you challenged yourself to only think and say good things for one entire day. Could you do it? For one 24-hour period could you focus exclusively on things that are true, honest, righteous, pure, acceptable, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy? As I wrote those words, I immediately thought, “There goes most news reports, political talk, and social media.” We might also need to tune out some conversations with coworkers, friends, or family members if they tend toward…
