Today's Devotional
“Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood.” 1 Peter 1:2 (NIV) When the Lord first called me to His work, I was so excited and ready to go about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. But then things happened to destroy all that. I felt shame. There were people relying on me, but I had come up way short of everyone’s expectations— most of all Jesus, who gave up all things for me. I felt like...
“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” Revelation 3:2 (KJV) In Revelation 3, Jesus gave the church in Sardis a warning to repent and turn back to God. It sounds as if most of the believers in the church...
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV) I was thinking about the different ways we...
“Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.” Numbers 22:31 (NIV) This story of Balaam, the donkey, and the angel (Numbers 22) reminds me that God knows best and prevents many things from happening...
“You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s womb, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this, I have no doubt.” Psalm 139:13-14 (CEV) As a child I had difficulty in seeing value in my life. I looked at other people...
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” Romans 1:20a. (NIV) Do you ever regret the choices you’ve made? Do you wonder if God exists and, if so, why you are in such a mess? Has a self-proclaimed...
“Fear not, for I am with you.” Isaiah 41:10a (NKJV) The phrase “Fear not” appears in the Bible many times, more than any other phrase. It is strange that God has to remind us constantly not to be afraid. The Almighty God of the Universe loves us, and yet we are constantly afraid of a...
“Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling, there shall be no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your tent.” Psalm 91:9-10 (MEV) Because of my early life experiences, I carried fear into my adult life. As a young Christian, I did not realize...
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (NIV) Sending us to Sunday school that first year prompted my mom to celebrate Christmas—something I didn’t remember doing before. As she decorated the small tree, I asked her who God is. Her reply...
“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement.” Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) I’m saying “good-bye” to a gospel musician friend of mine today. We’ll be singing a few songs at his wake, and then the funeral is tomorrow. I’m really going to miss the guy! I’ll remember him as one who...
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV) The bell had just rung at the elementary school. Recess was...
Do you know the Creator's Son?