Recent Devotions
“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.” (II Corinthians 3:5, ESV) At what point in life do we begin our push to handle things ourselves and prove our independence? Soon—very soon. Just listen to any toddler and before long you will hear him declare, “I can do it myself!” Whether it’s fastening their shoes, putting together a puzzle, or other simple tasks an adult could quickly do, that independent spirit exerts itself at a young age. That same do-it-myself attitude shows up in my own life, and…
“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus” (Romans 15:5). All of us have “triggers”—things that easily push us over the edge with our patience. It can be people cutting ahead of us in line, a difficult person, a long…
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24, ESV) Have you ever petitioned God for a need in your life, but it seemed He wasn’t listening or just didn’t care? What about all those “ask and receive”…
Readers Loved
“Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” Proverbs 31:29 We have been looking at the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. I hope that we no longer see her as a paragon on a pedestal far above us and unreachable, but as someone you can be. Let’s look at the final verses in this passage in the NLT: “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her. There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord…
“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the LORD!” (Isaiah 31:1, English Standard Version) I’m a collector. I collect names and have an extensive contact list in my phone. These are not just any names; these are individuals or businesses in various trades and professions I can call when I need help. I’m your person to ask if you need a plumber, a painter, or…
After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. (Luke 10:1, NKJV) When I travel, I always intend to travel light, but I can’t say I succeed. A couple I know packed for a trip of several days in one carryon. Not one each—only one. It wasn’t even heavy. I was so tempted to ask just what they packed in that single bag. It amazed me that they could travel with so little. When I’m struggling with a heavy piece…
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 In the last few weeks, God has allowed our path of life to slow down. We may feel like we are walking in the shadows, uncertain of what lies ahead for us. We often quote this verse from Psalms, and now we are being tested as to whether we really believe it or not. But the Word of God has not changed, and if we take time to read it and meditate upon it, the Lord will enlighten it to us and give…
