Recent Devotions
“And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24, ESV) Once upon a time, in the home of special friends, lived a very determined four-year-old girl. She had definite likes and dislikes, and no one had any difficulty in determining which was which. One noted battle from that time long ago concerned her shoes. Once nice and white with flashing lights in the heels, they were now completely worn out—scuffed to the point where no white remained, both toes battered and torn open, flashing lights forever darkened. Her parents…
“Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver…
So when Jesus looked up and noticed a huge crowd coming toward him, he asked Philip, “Where will we buy bread so that these people can eat? ” . . . Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread wouldn’t be enough for each of them to have a little.” (John…
Readers Loved
“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…
“Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5, New King James Version) Gentleness. It’s listed in Galatians 5:22-23 as one of the nine attributes of the fruit of the Spirit, but I confess it’s not one I’ve thought much about until recently. When I take note of recent events, I find a society filled with harshness rather than gentleness. I hear strident voices, rudeness, disrespect, and criticism. It seems we applaud those who are “tough,” “aren’t afraid to speak up,” and “tell it like it is” even if it hurts another. Gentleness is viewed…
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…
