Recent Devotions
And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mark 2:15-16, ESV) One of my favorite ways of socializing is over food. It can be something as simple as a fast-food lunch or more upscale dining for special occasions. Entertaining at home can mean snacks on the counter, a complete meal, or…
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the…
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” (Acts 4:29, KJV) The church was born in the valley of the shadow of death. Besides oppression, persecution, false teachings, and disloyal brothers, they faced the constant threat of the same…
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Matthew 11:28-30 NLT “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately, mostly about psychology and how our brains and minds work. One book mentioned that us as parents, can be a buffer for our children. To be a buffer for…
Isaiah 42:20 MSG “You’ve seen a lot, but looked at nothing. You’ve heard everything, but listened to nothing.” My oldest daughter is at that age where she talks a lot, and I mean a lot. She has slowly morphed from a shy, timid little girl into a social, chatty butterfly. Don’t get me wrong, I love having lengthy discussions about everything possible with her, but I do catch my thoughts drifting off sometimes mid conversation. We as humans have become quite adept at hearing but not listening, and seeing but not genuinely soaking in what we are witnessing. I believe…
There is one particular area on a route that I used to take regularly that is breathtaking on certain mornings. As the fog is lifting from the river valley, the cattle are grazing in the fields covered in dew. The bluffs above the river are barely visible, with wisps of fog covering them. And the river itself looks serene, as though waking peacefully from its foggy covering. BUT…that same pastoral setting is an entirely different view as you enter the valley at night. When the fog settles over it all, visibility is severely limited. It’s dark, and appears eerily quiet.…
“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalms 1:3. Trees are very interesting. They come in all sizes, shapes and colours. Is it any wonder that the Psalmist compared us to a tree? In recent months in our church at least, we have had many messages preached about how we needed to be close to the Lord so that we could stand strong when storms came. I remember our Pastor saying several times that…
