Recent Devotions
But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” (I Samuel 15:22, NLT) Saul, the first king of Israel, began well. His ending, however, was sad. But let’s look at some background to better understand what happened to a promising life. It was never God’s plan for Israel to be ruled by a king, but the people insisted. They wanted — or perhaps demanded is a better word — a ruler like…
“For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.” (Psalm 75:6-7, NKJV) Two men. Two very different motivations. They lived in the same city and crossed paths often. We find their stories in the Book of…
For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me. (Psalm 18:39, ESV) What do we do when the enemy comes at us full force? What kind of battle plan do we make when things look bleak and we are outnumbered?…
Readers Loved
If you have ever been to Canal Street in New York City, you will find a plethora of fake merchandise—anything from a faux Gucci bag, to a fake Rolex to Chanel purses with backward C’s on the pleather exterior. Many people do not care about authenticity anymore, plus it costs so much more to pay for designer prices, right? When a designer puts their own name on a product, it’s a stamp of quality and excellence. Tiffany & Co is named after its founder, Charles Tiffany, and has become the go-to jewelry store for the affluent and famous. Louis Vuitton…
On the day I am writing this, a weather alert has been issued for our area. We have already had hail. Freezing rain is predicted for the next few hours, accompanied by high winds. Schools have been closed for the day, and people have been asked to stay off the highways unless it is necessary. Hydro crews are prepared to deal with power outages, and all emergency crews are on high alert. But here in my apartment, I feel secure. I have battery-operated lights if the power does go out. Extra clothing and blankets are available if the heat fails.…
In him (Jesus) we live, and move, and have our being. Acts 17:28 In every area of life, God needs to be our source—we need Him to survive. A fish has life in the water—the water is its source of life. However, if you take the fish out of water, it will die. Similarly, when we are disconnected from the source of our spiritual life, we will begin to feel weighted down, weak, and discouraged to the point of giving up. If you can relate, take sometime to get reconnected in God’s presence today. When we are connected to the source…
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV) It’s January, the start of a new year. Many consider it an opportunity for a fresh start. We can put last year’s disappointments and failures behind us and begin with a clean slate. We make resolutions, choose a focus word for the year, set goals, and begin our journey toward self-improvement. Also during this month, many churches set times of prayer and fasting to help us focus on the spiritual. checking my priorities…
