“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 Glancing out the frosty window, I inwardly groaned. Gray skies, bare trees, and, what-on-earth? Snowflakes! Not already! Not after a cooler than usual summer. Not so close to last…
Tag: Christian devotionals
Bless By My Mess
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to…
Starting Success With Failure
““For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “Lord, why did I ever think I should attempt this?” Sara desperately prayed as she stared at the computer screen before her. Why on…
Garden of ‘Even,’ Part I
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8 Have you ever been furious with your circumstances, or maybe your consequences of a not-so-stellar decision? Maybe you vowed to get even. And maybe you vindictively vowed to strike against what…
Distracting Silence
“Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” Isaiah 55:3 NIV Closing the door with a bang, her feet flew down the path, fleeing frustration, fear, and soon-to-be folly. As she rounded the bend, the beautiful…
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: Soul Security
“But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.” Romans 8:10 What do you think about when you think of your best friend? What pops into your mind? Do you see her face, her hair, her eyes in your…
Spiritual Promises in Romans: Spirit Controlled= Life & Peace
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 Did you know that cancer patients who claim a belief in God have higher survival statistics? There is a documented positive correlation between a positive attitude and longevity and also the ability to offer forgiveness with living longer. When…
Venting with a Vengeance
“I call upon the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.” Psalm 120:1 Fuming, stomping, spitting mad, the emotions coursed through her as she threw a mental tantrum. We’re back to this again. That repetitive problem. The issue which is never resolved. That which makes life complicated. She stomped her foot and collapsed into a…
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…