Chapter 2 of Proverbs reminds us that wisdom and knowledge come from the Lord. We may think we know a thing or two, but that sense of pride and reliance on self sometimes gets us into trouble. The Message translates verses 12 through 15, “They (wisdom, knowledge, and good sense) will keep you from making wrong turns or following the bad directions of those who are lost themselves . . . traveling paths that go nowhere, wandering in a maze of detours and dead ends.”
Category Archives: Devotion
Don’t Run Away—Draw Near!
By Lauri Lemke Thompson “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (RSV). Whether churchgoers or not, many rarely crack a Bible. I have heard different people say all of the following. Maybe you can relate to …
Fully Known Yet Fully Loved
Jacob’s story gives me hope. Why would He choose me with all my faults and flaws? But that is not how grace works. Grace is undeserved favor. And that grace has spilled over me, rendering me lovable and worthy in His sight. My imperfections are covered by His blood. Fully known yet fully loved. This is the gospel of grace.
Vessels of Mercy – Hagar
But God … That’s the game-changer
When God steps in, He brings promises and hope
He will not leave us to wallow in our sorrow because He loves us too much to leave us there
Prayers from the Pit
Joseph’s soul was in anguish while he lingered in the pit (Genesis 42:21). He pleaded for rescue, but his calls went unanswered – by his brothers, that is. But not by God. Ultimately, Joseph was rescued from the pit.
Because the pit was not his destiny.
Neither is yours.
Your pit may be of your own doing.
Seeds
You and I cannot allow those seeds of envy to take root. The moment we realize we are entertaining thoughts of “I wish…” or “If only I had…” is the moment we need to fall on our knees and ask God to dig out those seedlings of envy and plant gratitude in their place. Then we worship, give praise, and start counting our blessings. We may discover, in the process, just how much the Lord has done.
Of Weeds and Roses
I’ll be the first to admit that I have a few ‘weeds’ that keep cropping back up. The thing is, I know they’re there. God knows they’re there. It’s no secret to either one of us. So, in an effort to eradicate them, I have had to alter certain behaviors. I have asked the Holy Spirit to ‘prick me’ whenever I am about to turn away from the way God wants me to act. The process is slow and often painful, but it is necessary if I want to be Christlike.
Living on the Peaceful Side of the Storm
Distractions sometimes divert my focus. At times, waves threaten to submerge me. Yet it is precisely in those moments that I need to trust my Father all the more.
With His arms underneath me, I am held.
I am secure.
I am sustained.
I am free to live life on the peaceful side of the storm.
Are You Listening?
My voice uncovers the million little ways I prove my unfailing love to you, from that first breath every morning to the brilliant sunset I created for your pleasure.
When I Need Peace
Guest post by author C.A. Simonson Philippians 4:7 -“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” “In the last days, men’s hearts will fail them for fear.” (Luke 21:26). Wars, earthquakes, famine, and viruses will happen as promised. (Luke 21:10, 11) Not knowing what’s …