Recent Devotions
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 There’s a song by Pat Barrett called “Canvas and Clay” and the ending of the songs says “you’re not finished with me, you’re not finished with me yet” This has become my mantra. God began his work in my life the moment I was conceived. He continued to work in my life while I ran from him, turning a deaf ear to his quiet whispers. He was working in…
“Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.” Joshua 21:45 NLT The journey from their deliverance in Egypt to the Promised Land, was turbulent and often treacherous for the Israelites. Not…
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20 The parable of the prodigal son is one of my absolute favorites.…
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“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15, New King James Version) Embarrassing moments. Ever have one? Let me tell you a story about one of mine. A few years ago, a group of us met twice a month for prayer and Bible study. This particular evening, I would host the group. You can imagine my dismay when shortly before my friends would arrive, I found an uninvited visitor in my…
“And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,” Luke 20:1 (I used this scripture in our Ladies’ Meeting recently, so decided to condense it a bit and share it on here.) Have you ever asked someone how they were, and they replied, “Oh, this has just been one of those days?” Perhaps you have felt that way a few times during the last few months. Consider a couple of phrases from Luke 20:1…
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him. (Genesis 37:3-4, NKJV) Joseph’s brothers didn’t like that Joseph was so special in his father’s eyes. They didn’t encourage him, rather, they hated him for how he was treated by his father. They mocked him and ridiculed him for his dreams. Even so, Joseph carried on and didn’t…
In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. (Proverbs 15:6, English Standard Version) Sometimes while reading the Bible a particular word or phrase will catch my attention and cause me to pause and reflect. Many times, it’s just what I need for that day’s encouragement. While reading Proverbs 15, I stopped abruptly at verse 6, which says, “In the house of the righteous there is much treasure.” Treasure. The word brought to mind items of great value—silver, gold, jewels—things that we can touch and hold. Looking around my rather modest…
