Recent Devotions
In one of the small towns in which we resided, the city ordinances still allow for the burning of leaves, as long as the forecast calls for low or light wind conditions. I was burning some leaves one fall day at about dusk when I had to go in the house for something. When I returned to my chore, dark was rapidly approaching, so I sped up my efforts to get it done. As I stirred the embers and added leaves, the wind suddenly picked up. Before I knew it, my small fire had become a huge flaming pile, the…
When I was a young girl, my grandfather began showing the early signs of dementia. Although the family helped wherever they could, my grandmother bore the bulk of responsibility for his care. Through all the stages of his decline, I watched as she lovingly endured his confusion, mild hostility toward…
When considering the aspect of love that dictates we “bear all things,” it is important to remember another definition of the word. “Bear” means to endure an ordeal or difficulty. And, to clarify, endure means tolerating or putting up with something, especially something unpleasant. So let’s replay a few typical…
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Matthew 4:19-20 “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” This has always been a fascinating portion of scripture to me. I am often drawn back to it, and my imagination runs wild with possibilities. We live in 2022, and the world can be a scary place. So if someone approached you and said “leave everything you know behind and follow me” you probably would say no, and maybe even call the police. But that’s exactly what happened to Peter and Andrew. They didn’t…
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:27-28, English Standard Version). If you are like me, you probably have several “routine” things you include during your personal prayer time—family, friends, missionaries, the local church, the pastor, the lost, and those who are ill. I try to be detailed, including names and specific situations as they come to mind. I must confess, I seldom think to pray for those who may hate me or have caused me grief.…
“Forget what happened long ago! Don’t think about the past. I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, streams in thirsty lands.” Isaiah 43:18-19 CEV I feel like more than ever we need to stand firm on this scripture and remind ourselves of it daily. The world appears to be in chaos. Rioting and protests fill our streets. Violence is escalating, morals are disappearing and humanity is broken. The planet we have been given to live on and enjoy, is fighting to survive as we deplete it of it’s resources.…
“And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.” Genesis 21:1-3 What great rejoicing there must have been when Isaac was born. Sarah was now ninety years old, but I am sure she felt blessed beyond measure when she held that little boy in her arms. We can…
