“As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.” (Proverbs 27:19, ESV) If you have ever gone on a job interview, you probably did your best to make a good first impression. Hopefully, you dressed neatly, combed your hair, and had good hygiene. (And turned…
[do_widget id=polylang-2] We all have them. Some more than others. James tells us to count them all joy (1:2), but it’s easier said than done. The book of Job offers wisdom for trusting God in times of distress. When Job emerged from his test of faith, he told God, “I…
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. I Corinthians 9:25, NIV “Of all the battles a SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) must fight, none…
Whether a story or a novel, a publication has at least one main character, usually a good guy, facing an obstacle. The story has three parts—a beginning, middle, and end. It is a journey to solve a problem that ends with a satisfactory conclusion. The biblical journey begins with the…
Gravity is not influenced by popular opinion. It just exists. Our preference has no effect on its properties. Many other principles in life hold true whether we like them or not. If we plant watermelon seeds we will not harvest corn or tomatoes. How we live our lives today determines to a great extent the quality of life we experience tomorrow. The Bible declares, “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Often that statement has ominous connotations, but the opposite is true too. If we sow love, peace, kindness, and gentleness into those around us, we will receive a beautiful crop in return.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help is to be aware of what we are planting each day. Give us the grace and strength we need to consistently sow the right things.
Devotion by Bonnie Peacock
“He that diligently seeketh good procureth favor” (Proverbs 11:27)
Most people want to be good people who live good lives. But being good doesn’t just happen, you have to make it happen. It is a daily choice to make good decisions that will reap good results in your life.
To be diligent is characterized by steadfast, heartfelt and energetic effort. Day in and day out you are making right decisions, keeping a right spirit, and doing what is pleasing in the sight of the Lord. Your diligence in doing good will bring God’s favor upon your life. Hebrews 11:6 reiterates this fact, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Prayer: Lord, help me to diligently seek for good in all that I do and say. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. I want to procure your favor upon my life. I want to gain the reward that comes from diligently seeking you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Devotion by Beth Dillon
-
Today I tended to my house plants. They looked healthy. But after examining them closely under a bright light it was obvious they needed pruning. They were full of debris. I cleaned them up. Then I gave them a gentle shower in the kitchen sink. This no doubt refreshed them.
-
Often, we are just like house plants. We need tending. We need to be examined closely under the bright light of Jesus’ presence. We need Jesus, the Master Gardener to remove the debris in our lives. To shower us gently in the Holy Spirit! We need Him to refresh us.
-
Prayer: Psalm 42:1-2 from the Amplified Bible, “…..my soul pants and longs for You, O God. My inner self thirsts for God, the living God….” O God, remove anything in me that hinders my spiritual growth. My inner self wants to be close to You. Refresh me today.
-
Devotion by Debbie Simler-Goff
-
“You are what you eat from your head down to your feet.” This popular slogan taught that a person’s physical health was determined by what they ate.
-
“You are what you say, so guard your mouth today” could have been Jesus’ slogan. READ: Matthew 15:11 from the Amplified Bible, “It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean and defiled. It’s what comes out of his mouth; this makes him unclean and defiles him.” Jesus was teaching that a person’s spiritual health was determined by what they said.
-
Do you gossip or criticize others? Take the “Mouth Check Challenge!” See if you can go an entire day with only speaking words of kindness and encouragement. The easier it is for you to speak positive, uplifting words the healthier your spirit is.
-
Prayer: Jesus, forgive me for using negative words. Help me be spiritually healthy by talking positive. Amen.
-
Devotion by Debbie Simler-Goff