Recent Devotions
“Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God” (Job 37:14). Does it feel like you are in a perpetual rush, never finding time to “stop and smell the roses”? Our society expects everything instantly. We have microwaves, instant coffee, fast food, and fast lanes. We become impatient when things don’t move quickly. Yet the faster we pace ourselves, the less time we seem to have. As has been humorously stated, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” All of us have observed this phenomenon and, if we are honest, are probably just as guilty as the next person.…
“Lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Hebrews 12:15). I may be one of those rare people who actually enjoys grocery shopping. You will find me wandering the aisles, reading labels, and looking for new items. I also enjoy the array of fresh…
“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, ESV) One summer a few years ago, I was forced to change my route to work. The city planned to replace a small bridge over a creek. I was not happy; that street was the most…
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“But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 (KJV) Job’s words, “I shall come forth as gold,” were spoken from the depths of unimaginable pain. He was enduring the trial of his life. It felt as though the blessings and favor of God had been stripped away forever. Job was in anguish. His heart grieved the loss of his children. His body ached with sickness and sores. And, in the very moment when he needed comfort most, his wife and friends betrayed him with their words. He…
God invites us to participate in the process of discovering and developing the dreams He has placed within our hearts. If you sense God stirring holy desires in you, consider walking through these four phases on the path to possibility. Seek “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV). God gave you His capacity to dream. When He created you in His image, He placed within you a reflection of His own ability to imagine, create, and bring life from possibility. The inspiration,…
Staring at him in awe, he said, “What is it, Lord?” The angel told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have ascended as a memorial offering before God.” (Acts 10:4, CSB) Several years ago, I became a surrogate grandmother to the daughter of friends. We spent a lot of time together as her parents worked many long hours. Although they were not a religious family, they didn’t mind her going to church with me. She loved it. Fast forward a few years to when she was seven years old. As I babysat her one evening, she suddenly stopped…
“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (I John 2:17, ESV) A man I knew often used the phrase “in the light of eternity.” He was a wise and godly man who chose to view the things of this present world as just temporary. He understood that the things many consider as success—social status, wealth, popularity, accomplishments—will not carry over beyond the grave. This life and its successes are fleeting. However, the things we do for God hold eternal value. Colossians 3:1-2 tells us, “If then you have been…
