Recent Devotions
“Altared” – the devotional title is not a typo. Research data shows the percentage of regular church-goers is diminishing weekly, so congregations have upped their marketing game to get the unchurched masses through their doors. First-time visitors get bags of gifts, while church services are designed to offer comfort and convenience—“no purchase necessary.” Happy faces, beaming from church billboard ads, extend an unreserved welcome with almost giddy enthusiasm: “Everyone is someone special! Come as you are!” Some folks take that to mean, “Come in your pajamas if you want!” And some do, as they stream through the doors singing “Just…
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8 “If it is important to you,…
“For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.” Micah 6:4 Once again, a Scripture that I have read many times through the years jumped out at me as I…
Readers Loved
The timing of our words, it really is all in motive… “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11, KJV). “The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, And a wise friend’s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger” (The Message). Through my own shortcomings I am learning that our words need to not only be kind and true but also need to be the right word at the right time. Sometimes we can choke out the tender plant if we try…
I guess I could be considered a morning person. There’s just something about the freshness of a new dawn that energizes me. Morning time is when I prefer to tackle projects that need my attention (just don’t talk to me for the first hour – I also love the stillness of the morning). My energy is at peak, and my mind is fresh from sleep. Morning also brings about a fresh perspective on things that may have been bothering me the night prior – situations over which I am fretting or answers that I am seeking. The light of a…
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). No matter what we face, dear sisters, keep your unswerving hope in Jesus. Are your circumstances insurmountable? Anything is possible for our God! My husband, Darrell, and I are going through an experience we’ve never had before. On March 21st, we sold our beautiful home on an acre in a wonderful neighborhood built around a serene lake in central Florida. We were moving away for ministry. The problem is we haven’t found a place to live. We are literally trusting God and holding…
Reading through the Old Testament each year makes me grateful I was born in the dispensation of grace. I often feel sorry for the prophets whose lives were directed by God as analogies of His impending judgment upon Israel. Lately, I have wondered if God may also be directing my life as an analogy. Recently, at a ladies’ retreat, I was doing water aerobics, trying to be healthy and take care of my body. I didn’t realize how close to the pool’s edge I had drifted until the cement steps and my right foot connected. I knew by the excruciating…
