The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. Luke 1:28-30, NIV The…
Tag: Christian devotions
The Perfect Ten
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV As I settled myself onto the cold, hard, gray bleachers, I chose to ignore the prevalent smell of perspiration. Once again, I was at the gym. I watched the gymnasts of varying abilities. The…
Spiritual Promises in Romans: There’s More Than This Life
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18 Many years ago, a friend of mine was told, “You’re in high school, these are the best years of your life, enjoy them!” After the conversation, she turned to me and said, “If…
Spiritual Promises of Romans: It’s Not Just a Feeling!
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Romans 8: 16 You awake before your alarm. You get ready for the day, pleasantly surprised to see you have an extra ten minutes over your regular schedule. You enjoy a perfect cup of coffee and a leisurely commute to work. Your boss…
Spiritual Promises of Romans: We Don’t Need to be Afraid
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba,’ Father.” Romans 8:15 Romans 8:15 declares we do not need to be afraid. That’s easy to read, difficult to practice. A few weeks after our first daughter was…
Father’s Day: A Thank You to Men of Integrity
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” I Corinthians 16:13 Today in the United States, we celebrate Father’s Day. While much of the time it’s the mother who receives accolades for raising the children, I know I could not do it without my husband. I know many,…
Respectfully Uncompromising
” For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline.” II Timothy 1:7, NIV “It’s not fair,” she declared as she climbed into the warm car, beside me. She flicked her hair from her face with the back of her hand, the movement adding weight to her words…
Wonderful Wisdom
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9 Often, our children grudgingly learn the above verse in Sunday school. By mid-elementary, they almost personally connect to the meaning of this…
Mopping Up My Mess
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 Our six-year-old daughter recently spilled juice all over a hardwood floor. She instantly realized: 1) she’d made a mess and, 2) it might be in her best…
Lean On Me
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm…