Recent Devotions
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2, NKJV) In yesterday’s devotion we talked about the pattern of prayer and the necessity of consistent prayer. Today let’s think more about why we should pray. What Is Prayer? What is prayer and when did people begin to pray? According to thefreedictionary.com, prayer is “personal communication or petition addressed to a deity, esp in the form of supplication, adoration, praise, contrition, or thanksgiving.” To put it into simpler terms, prayer is holding a conversation with God, just like we would converse with any friend. Only two people are…
Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1, NKJV) There are some things you just know as a child. I knew…
The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and deliver Israel from the grasp of Midian. I am sending you!” (Judges 6:14, CSB) I recently read again the story of Gideon and the battle he led against Israel’s enemies (Judges 6). Although we see Gideon as…
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“I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.” Psalm 55:8 It is cold outside. Snow is falling and the wind is blowing. But here in my apartment there is peace because the presence of the Lord is here. There is food in my cupboard, I have warm clothes to wear, and there is no need to go out in the storm. Our world is in turmoil. There are many things that could bring us fear. There are stories of mass shootings, viruses that are causing sickness and death, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and large forest fires. In some…
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 As I went to prayer this morning, some thoughts began swirling around in my mind about something that happened many years ago. For just a moment, I felt the pain and frustration that I had experienced at that time. Then I realized that mulling over the past could not change anything,…
“The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts” (Psalm 10:4, New King James Version). All of us probably have some sort of to-do list for our day, even if it’s only in our mind and not written down. There’s work, errands to run, calls to make, and chores at home. Life is hectic and our thoughts are scattered as we run from here to there, trying to get everything accomplished. But what do we really think about during our day? Do we make time for “God Thoughts” as we dash from…
“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus.” John 1:40 I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, I am truly fascinated with the story of the disciples first encounter with Jesus. To read that Andrew merely heard what Jesus said and left everything and followed him, is truly remarkable. I think of our generation, with so many false teachers, and those claiming to be someone their not. How do you discern what is true and what is false? I believe these men had to be men of prayer…
