Recent Devotions
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 One of the greatest examples of this scripture can be found in the story of Joseph. When we look at everything that he went through, we see more unpleasant events than good ones. No doubt, when he was going through them, he did not see them as being good. But God had a plan and a purpose for his life and allowed each event to shape him and make him ready for the…
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6. A few years ago in prayer God spoke to my spirit and said, “It’s time…
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth, Acts 1:8. Most Christians love to quote Acts 1:8, and for good reason, it’s…
Readers Loved
Have you ever been told to use the side door, back door, or any entry that is not the normal way? Perhaps there was a surprise party or an event that needed a measure of secrecy. I’ve found that the “side door,” or surprise door as I call it, is one of the Lord’s favorite ways of answering prayers. When we pray, we usually have an idea of how the Lord should answer. We mentally lay out our strategy for a good ending. It could be a dramatic healing or a big fat check that lands in our mailbox. And…
Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36–40, NIV. Isn’t it ironic that the two greatest commandments are not found in Exodus 20? However, these two great commandments that Jesus declares encapsulate the 10 Commandments. The first four laws given in Exodus 20 are to strengthen our relationship with God and…
The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him . . . So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” (Genesis 18:10, 12 ESV) Sarah laughed. There was no sound—only an inner response to the improbable words she heard. She stood just inside her tent, hidden from the view of the visitor talking with her husband Abraham. Have a baby? At ninety years of age? Yes,…
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 Remember when spring cleaning was a big event of the year. After the snow was gone and the weather was getting warmer, a homemaker would practically tear the house apart. All the curtains were removed from the windows, washed, and hung out to dry in the spring breeze. Blinds were taken down and dusted or washed, depending on what kind they were. Then the windows were thoroughly cleaned inside and out to get rid of the winter’s grime. Carpets were removed, hung over the…
