“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (ESV) “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus’ words grate against our current culture’s gospel of self-empowerment. While society views dependence …
Tag Archives: devotions
Strongholds
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV) When the apostle Paul refers to strongholds, he is not speaking about stone structures but spiritual fortifications that try to exclude God or deny His existence; twisted arguments, warped …
Unfinished Creations
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT) I have several unfinished paintings and needlework projects in my closet. I never seem to find the time or energy to pull them out …
Faithful God
He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9 (NLT) His face was streaked with tears and his bottom lip quivered as he sat behind the customer service desk. Somehow, in my rush to get …
THE KINDNESS OF GOD
There are times when I, like the dog, take a stance, bark my opinion, and feel all-knowing. In those moments of my ignorance, God waits with kindness and patience. When I’m all barked out and ready to listen, ready to be teachable, and ready to repent from my error, God speaks.
Where to Find Peace in Such a Troubled World
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 (ESV) Politics. Wars. Famines. Global Warming. Mass shootings. There is more than enough in our present-day world to cause fear, anxiety, and …
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Tomorrow
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34 (NLT) In his autobiography, Finding Kansas, author Aaron Likens states, “What is the most fearsome word in the English language? There is nothing worse than tomorrow. Tomorrow is uncontrollable. What could happen? Sure, I may …
The Great Exchange
I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing. Jeremiah 31:13b (NLT) This passage of Scripture is part of a beautiful promise of restoration. Though God’s chosen people had turned away from Him and ended up in captivity, His love for them never wavered. In verse 3, …
Power in Praise
At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. 2 Chronicles 20:22 (NLT) Praise is not my first response in the face of difficulties. My first instinct is to sigh rather than sing. When trials come, I’m …
Loneliness
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. Psalm 25:16-17 (NIV) I’m not too sure at what point I realized I was lonely. With a husband, a houseful of kids, family, and several wonderful friends who regularly …