Recent Devotions
“And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” (Acts 17:2, ESV) Some people are so predictable. You know what they will do because that’s what they always do. When one friend visits, I can predict that shortly after she wakes up, she will be in the kitchen pouring Diet Coke in her glass. Another friend always takes her shoes off at the door, even though it’s not really a custom at my house. And then there’s the friend who is predictably late—and has a very predictable excuse ready…
“When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, act decisively, for then the LORD will have gone out ahead of you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” (II Samuel 5:24, CSB) For two mornings now, a strange noise has filled my home.…
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” (Ephesians 6:14, ESV) Spam. Scam. Fake. Fraud. If you are like me, you are irritated by those who prey on the unsuspecting and vulnerable, scheming to dupe or cheat them. I became so…
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“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14 We have been looking at the attributes that Jesus manifested while here on earth, and how we can express those same qualities so that others will see Jesus in us. As we read the stories of Jesus while He was on earth, His compassion is so evident. He healed the sick, raised the dead, restored sight to the blind, and even met the needs of a crowd of hungry people. He In one place, it says He…
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, Christian Standard Bible). One of the strangest conversations I’ve had was with a lady I’ll call Kathy, who seemed rather aloof and difficult to get to know. In trying to come up with a topic to break the ice and hopefully engage her, I inquired, “Have you gone on vacation yet this year?” This seemed a simple question, but her response startled…
“I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.” Psalm 31:12 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17 I came across a story about a Japanese emperor who had broken his favourite tea bowl. He sent it to China for repairs but when it came back it was just stapled together and was very ugly looking. He was disappointed, but local craftsmen found a solution. They filled the cracks with a golden lacquer, making it more unique and…
ul>“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?” (Matthew 18:12 Holy Bible, New Living Translation). If anyone has ever gone missing from your community, especially a child, you remember the dedicated efforts to locate that person. Panic turned to organization, involvement and support. Volunteers forgot daily routine and plunged into the search, often leaving other family at home. Jesus told the story of the missing sheep as a reminder where the shepherd cares so much for a missing sheep, he leaves the flock safely behind to rescue one lost sheep. If you’ve gone missing, or wandered away, hang on. Rescue is on the way.
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Prayer : Thanks for bringing me home, Lord. Amen.
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Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
