Archive — Devotionals
10 Mar
Passing the Time
One afternoon, when our youngest son Seth was two, he loudly declared, in broken toddler English, “I God.” Seth does have a strong sense of self - and for that, we are thankful. However, if he makes a life-habit of such pronouncements, he will, of course, be living the grandest delusion.
5 Mar
What Are You Looking For?
Like the people of Jesus’ day, our hearts have grown callous, our ears are hard of hearing, and we have shut our eyes because to feel, to hear, and to see means we have to respond. We need Jesus to open our eyes to those around us who need Him just as badly as we do. “Open your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ready for harvest.” Really … what are you looking for?
27 Feb
In the Pits?
How many times have I told Jesus I will follow Him anywhere and then failed to obey in even the simplest ways? Yes, Lord, I will even go to Africa for you … What? You want me to walk across the room and share my story with that scary looking guy in the corner? Well … what about that Africa thing, Lord?
20 Feb
Perfect Plastic People
Always looking for a way to lighten uncomfortable moments, I quickly joked, “They accept me, don’t they?” and chuckled nervously. Frowning a little, the woman looked straight in my eyes and challenged, “Yes, but you’re perfect.” I was stunned and shamed by her statement. I knew I wasn’t perfect; but apparently, I had become very good at putting on my perfect Sunday school face and appeared to have it all together.
13 Feb
Enough for This Day
God wanted the Israelites to walk in daily dependence on Him, and He wants that same kind of dependence from His children today. No, God is not a control freak who wants to manipulate us for the fun of it; but, He knows that when we become self-sufficient we forget to rely on Him. We trust instead in bank accounts and human relationships while all the time it is His provision that truly sustains us.
6 Feb
He Did It His Way
The story of Cain and Abel has always been a little disturbing to me. Guess that’s because I can relate to Cain’s desire to do things his own way. Why was Abel’s offering accepted, but Cain’s rejected? What made Abel’s gift better than Cain’s? Was God playing favorites?
30 Jan
On the Way
The walking is what makes the trail. Skinny, snaking cow trails in the pasture, the great winding Appalachian Trail, even the concrete roar of Interstate 40—all exist because of the repetition of passing travelers. The same can be said of the influence we have as believers. We are all on a journey between birth and death; but, the choice is ours as to which path will be worn and sustained by our passing steps.
23 Jan
Courageous Surrender
What? Surrender to Babylon? Never! There was no way that could be God’s plan; yet, there was Jeremiah, God’s prophet, saying that was exactly what God had in mind for King Zedekiah and the city of Jerusalem. Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place.
15 Jan
Come Closer
This morning I awoke with a song playing over and over in my head, “Come closer, closer than ever,” and immediately I was reminded of the admonition in James to draw near to God. It was such a vivid and personal call to my heart that I wanted to jump out of bed and run to where He was, to throw my arms around Him, and to hold on for dear life.
2 Jan
In the Beginning
It’s that time of year again. The calendar is fresh and uncluttered. The blank pages are as crisp as the winter temperatures, and the possibilities that lie ahead are endless. It is also the time when many of us decide to make some changes in our lives. May I suggest that as you are looking at the latest self-help manuals that you also take the time to begin the New Year with God and His Word?
