Recent Devotions
Gratitude is the gateway to the miraculous. We can learn to give thanks before our miracle by applying the lessons in thanksgiving modeled by Jesus. Thank God for Providing “He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds” (Matthew 15:36, ESV). Jesus and the disciples were confronted with an overwhelming need. Both Matthew and Mark describe two different feedings of the multitude who had followed them for an extended length of time with no access to food. Jesus was conscious of…
Conflict, fighting, division, harsh words—reveal something deeper than personality differences or circumstances. Scripture reminds us that unrest is evidence of a heart out of step with God. A broken world is watching closely, longing to see a different way of living. God calls His people to be that witness to…
“Be the light,” a young mother said as she sent her children off to school. “Be what you are! You are light—now walk that way!” It’s a simple charge, yet it reaches into every corner of life. In an age where relative truth and moral confusion pull the world deeper…
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“Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:1-2 You are probably wondering about the title of this devotion, but as I was seeking the Lord for inspiration this morning, those words came to my mind as I thought of the disciples that Jesus chose to proclaim the message of His Kingdom. The definition of motley is “incongruously varied in appearance or character.” Look at some of the men that Jesus chose…
“Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.” (Proverbs 12:3, NLT) Several homes in my neighborhood, including mine, have very tall and very old trees. When the area was developed, the builder saved these beautiful old trees, and I’m glad. Someone had also planted a small, decorative tree in my front yard. It produced lovely blooms in the spring, but it had shallow roots. A storm damaged that small tree, and I had to remove it. It was too weak to survive. However, the large old tree with deep roots still stands. Oh, it may lose a dead…
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” Luke 7:39-40 ESV In this story, we find that a Pharisee has invited Jesus to his home to share a meal. I’m unsure of the motive behind this, as Pharisees often attempted to trick and trip up Jesus; however, an invitation was extended, and Jesus accepted. While there, a local woman learned this gathering was…
“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” (Proverbs 14:30, ESV) Having a tranquil heart is a good way to live. It sounds peaceful, calm, serene. But often life is not as tranquil as we would like because other things creep in—things that tear down rather than build up. Throughout the Bible, along with many uplifting passages we find stories of conflict, dissatisfaction, resentment, envy, and jealousy. Cain killed Able because of jealousy and resentment that Able offered the better sacrifice. Joseph’s brothers grew jealous because their father favored him most. King Saul became…
