Recent Devotions
I grew up in Missouri, USA, where our state motto is “Show Me.” Often when people tell us something, we Missourians will joke, “Show me!” In other words, we want proof that it’s true. I like proof; I like having an assurance that things are going to be fine. I’d love for God to give me clear evidence that things are going to be alright, wouldn’t you? It would be much more comfortable. He doesn’t often work that way, though. Even when Jesus lived and walked among us, He spoke to the multitudes in parables “so that ‘seeing they may…
In January of 2018, I was offered a temporary job assignment in another town which would advance my career but take me away from my church, family, and friends. As I prayed and sought God’s direction, God spoke to me. The words he said were from Isaiah 48:17. “I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you…
Jesus would have been a great Bible quizzer. He often repeated the words of Scripture. In fact, three of the gospel writers recorded Jesus referencing the same Old Testament passage, “Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” In the past, I’ve read and even spoken…
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Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11, ESV) Recently, two men did not end up quite where they planned to go that day, and I’m positive neither was happy about his interrupted plans. While I wasn’t there to view their dilemma, I imagine each man blamed the other for his predicament. Here is the short version of what happened that day. Both men boarded an airplane bound for Las Vegas and were seated next to each other. Both fully expected to reach his destination in a short while. Neither…
“Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.” Esther 2:15 As mentioned earlier this week, God requires different things from different people and at various times in their life. Today we will consider the story of Esther. Orphaned early in life, she was raised by her cousin Mordecai. Her Persian…
So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. (Nehemiah 4:6, NKJV). Everyone has certain skills that they enjoy and do well. I can cook, although not gourmet, and I have fun doing craft projects. Certain things I do out of necessity but with no real talent. I can hammer a nail to hang a picture, but I can’t build anything. I am dangerous around a tube of caulk and have average success with a paintbrush. What I have never attempted is to build…
“Our LORD, I will remember the things you have done, your miracles of long ago. I will think about each one of your mighty deeds.” Psalms 77:11-12 CEV There is an old song titled “Count your blessings, name them one by one” and the scripture above brought it back to mind. Sometimes, especially in the midst of chaos, we need to remember past miracles. We are absolutely surrounded by confusion and weariness right now, and it’s so easy to become consumed with all the wrong things. It’s so beneficial for us to take a few minutes each day and remember…
