But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them . . . Judges 3:9 (ESV) This phrase is a recurring theme throughout the book of Judges. When life was good, the Israelites fell away from God. When life was …
Category Archives: Devotion
Be the Blessing
“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you – that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:11-12 ESV There are those who spread joy wherever they go. These are the people I want to hang …
Therefore
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear even though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though the mountains tremble at its swelling . . . Psalm 46:1 There are times when our lives are completely disrupted. …
Waste or Worship?
“She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Mark 14:8-9 ESV Mary of Bethany came to Jesus with an alabaster flask of ointment …
I Am Here
“Don’t be afraid, I am here!” John 6:20 (NLT) The disciples were terrified. Night had set in like a veil of darkness overshadowing their vessel and everything around them. The wind howled and rain lashed at their faces like a stinging whip brandished by some evil force. As the fishermen clutched the sides of their …
You can’t rush the seasons
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness . . . Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him . . .” Psalm 37:3,7 ESV Have you ever seen a farmer plant his beans in December? Have you ever witnessed him reaping his harvest in May? I’m …
I Don’t Measure Up
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 (NIV) When our boys were young, I often took them swimming. Our local pool has three slides; one for toddlers, one for young children, and a red tube slide for those at least forty-eight inches tall. Each time we went to …
But My Work Seems So Useless
“Isaiah replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the LORD’s hand, I will trust God for my reward.” Isaiah 49:4 (NLT) Discouragement: such a bane in our spiritual walk. Our efforts in furthering the Kingdom of God can …
Platitudes
Your platitudes are as valuable as ashes. Your defense is as fragile as a clay pot. Job 13:12 (NLT) You’ve heard them; phrases such as “It was mean to be,” “Such is life,” “Everything happens for a reason,” or “God never gives us more than we can handle.” By the way, that’s not in the …
God’s Ways
“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 “Why?” At some point, we all feel confused or forsaken, and our heart’s cry is, …