Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would …
Category Archives: Devotion
To Speak Or Not To Speak
“Must I not take care to speak what the Lord puts in my mouth?” Numbers 23:12 ESV King Balak had summoned Balaam to pronounce a curse against the approaching armies of Israel. Though hired to speak defeat and evil against them, God foiled Balak’s plan. As the Spirit of God came upon him (24:2), the …
Is Your Light Increasing?
Guest post by Author Lauri Lemke Thompson “The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.” Prov. 4:18 MSG Sunrises fascinate me, probably because, as a night owl, I have experienced so few of them. When I was 14, I set my alarm just to see one. Lovely, …
Who Is Fighting Your Battle?
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 When King Jehosaphat heard that the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and Menuites had declared war on him and were already on the march, he was terrified. Who wouldn’t be, right? It’s worth …
Peacemakers
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 ESV Peacemakers are individuals who strive to find common ground between entities, persons, or nations, guiding them toward reconciliation. They have vision and understanding. Typically, they are merciful, compassionate, and pure in heart. Their primary focus is reestablishing communication and interaction …
Who Is Jesus to You?
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” Luke 9:20 NIV Jesus’ question was pivotal for the disciples, and Peter in particular. Not only did it change the whole trajectory of their ministry, but it also transformed Peter’s vision of the person with whom he kept company …
Time for a Heart Check
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 ESV Can I ask you a personal question? How’s your heart? Not physically but spiritually. Because your heart is where it all begins. It is the core of your being – your primal identity – and the source of your thoughts and …
Where is Your Center?
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 ESV Anxiety is one trait we all share. But anxious thoughts skew our outlook on life. Our problems appear to be far greater than God’s promises. Nothing is further from the truth. God is …
Standing in the Gap
So Aaron took it (censer) as Moses said and ran into the midst of the assembly. And behold, the plague had already begun among the people. And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped. Numbers 16:47-48 ESV Jealousy was at the core of the insurrection against Moses and Aaron …
Vessels of Mercy
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 ESV Mercy is most often defined as withholding punishment from one who deserves it. Yet mercy is so much more than that. Mercy flows out of God’s lovingkindness, His compassion, patience, and unconditional love. Mercy involves a desire to help those who are suffering. …