Recent Devotions
“Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.” (Matthew 27:26, NKJV) One of the things I enjoy in studying the Bible is doing character studies. Some, like Abraham and David, have chapters dedicated to their stories. Others are lesser known and may only have a sentence or two—Jabez, Shamgar, Jethro, Dorcas, Anna. I always want to know more about who they were, what they did, and why they did it. But there’s usually little information to satisfy my curiosity. A man is mentioned in each of the Gospels whose name is…
“A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus. He came and stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And that very moment I could see him!” (Acts 22:12-13, NLT) …
“A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families.” (Psalm 68:5-6, NKJV). More than once I’ve heard an acquaintance declare he would be happy to live as a hermit. He enjoys spending time alone out in the country—a great…
Readers Loved
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” I struggle with having patience, and waiting to see the full picture revealed. My husband doesn’t understand that when I’m reading a book, I sometimes skip to the last chapter to make sure everything turns out okay. I then resume reading with peace of mind knowing that every conflict is resolved. This verse tells us very plainly that the Lord isn’t up in…
Romans 2:7 “He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.” I have two young children, and as a parent I carry a huge responsibility and burden for raising them in this day and age. It seems like anything that is moral is being torn apart and reduced to ashes by people who want to live their own life, their own way. People are fuelled by hate and anger. Sin is running rampant. I am so thankful though for the hope of eternity. I absolutely cannot…
The one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and the one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. (Luke 16:10, New English Translation) Some people I just know I can count on at any time—day, night, holidays, in the middle of a storm. They will drop whatever they are doing to come to my rescue if I have a need. (I have and they did.) I remember the friend who spent part of Christmas Eve unstopping my kitchen sink so I could prepare Christmas dinner. And the friend who…
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” Hebrews 11:17-19 What joy there was when Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah. The long years of waiting had been worth it all and now God had kept His promise. They watched him grow into a toddler and eventually a teenager.…
