“Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” Psalm 10:1 ESV If you have ever asked this question, then welcome to the club. As human beings with limited vision and understanding, it is all too common to wonder why God is seemingly silent in the face …
Category Archives: Devotion
His Continual presence
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Psalm 73:23-24 (ESV) Some days loom larger than life. The choices we are forced to make are more challenging than hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro. Those are the days, the moments, …
The Plus Factor
Guest post by author C.A. Simonson Luke 9:13 – “YOU give them something…” [ When 5+2 = 5000 ] Five thousand men, plus women and children, were gathered to hear Jesus. Jesus told his disciples, “YOU give them something to eat.” They said, “But we only have five loaves of bread and two fish.” He …
When Weakness is Gain
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV Scholars have long debated over Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’ as he called it. Perhaps it was poor …
Set Apart
(I have posted this before, but I believe it bears reminding). You can be sure of this: The LORD set apart the godly for himself. The LORD will answer when I call to him. Psalm 4:3 (NLT) Set apart – my status the godly – my identity for himself – my purpose I am …
Divine Joy
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound. Psalm 4:7 ESV Psalm 4 was written by David during his flight from his son Absalom. These were not happy times. Yet, despite having lost everything, David was able to state, “You have put more joy in …
Anger Management
Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds and be silent. Psalm 4:4 ESV I have discovered that life offers me three ways of dealing with my anger. The first option just leaves me frustrated and tied up in knots. It’s a bit like denying a sliver in my …
But the Lord . . .
“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison . . . the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed.” Genesis 39:21-23 ESV I love those ‘But God’ moments. Throughout the Bible, we see …
God is Still God
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling . . . Be still, and know that I …
The Problem with Pride
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14 In her book, Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close, Lysa Terkeurst states, “I believe the opposite of pride is trust in God. Pride begs us to believe it all depends on us. …