Recent Devotions
“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” Romans 15:1-2 MSG Have you ever heard of the “microwave generation?” I’m sad to admit it, but that is the culture that many of us are a part of. We are a generation that loves convenience, quick results, and direct…
Ephesians 5:15 KJV “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,” 2 Chronicles 2:12 KJV “Huram said moreover, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build…
Psalms 100:4 ESV “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” My husband spoke a message this past Sunday titled “He has made me glad” referencing the above scripture. He of course spoke of the importance of engaging in praise and…
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“Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.” Acts 9:25 This story in Acts 9 almost sounds like something we would read in a suspense novel. Saul has made some enemies in the city, and they are planning to take his life. Fortunately, he has some friends, who live near the edge of the city and in the night, they put him in a basket and let him down from the window so he can flee the city. Recently our pastor was teaching on this chapter in Acts, and he made…
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised. (Song of Solomon 8:7, ESV) Some of the most valuable things in life cannot be bought with money: respect, loyalty, trust, wisdom, happiness, true friendship. And love. We can’t write a check, whip out our Visa card, or even exchange cash for love. Some have tried, but it just doesn’t work that way. Love is not for sale. Much has been written about love—songs, poems, books, love letters—but I’m not sure we will ever…
“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32, NKJV) Self-control. Discipline. Willpower. The King James Version of the Bible calls it temperance. Whatever word we use, self-indulgence is easier than self-control. Ask anyone who abandoned their New Year’s resolutions sometime mid-January. Self-control is something we develop in our lives, not something we are born with. It isn’t an “either you have it or you don’t” characteristic. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines self-control as “restraint exercised over one’s impulses, emotions, or desires.” It is our ability…
He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15, CSB) One of my favorite summertime treats is a Slurpee, that flavored slushy drink so cold it gives brain freeze. When the temperature sizzles, it’s a great way to cool down. They are usually found in the fountain drink area of convenience stores and gas stations. You probably know the routine—select your cup size, snap on a domed lid, and fill your cup. And that’s where my greed takes over—the game of how much…
