Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Devotions”
Read Exodus 1:1 through 4:31 Elaine and Patrick, in their late twenties, have three children, named Madison, Morgan, and Parker. When asked why she and her husband selected names once used as surnames for their child’s first names, Elaine explains they prefer “strong names,” names denoting strength and character. When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter …
Read Genesis 39:1 through 41:45 Finally, the time had come. Joseph had been faithfully enduring an unjust prison sentence—and release seemed imminent. There was one who could help secure his freedom. The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him (Genesis 40:23). Like the cupbearer’s memory, Joseph’s hope of release vanished. However, he did not allow all the …
Read Matthew 6:19-34 “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27) What can we do when life washes over us with worries that seep into our minds and become a whirlpool of troubles, robbing us of daytime joy and nighttime rest? We can: We can respond to stress by filling our hearts with …
Read Genesis 1:1 through 4:26 The young family—Mom, Dad, and two girls, had a surprise for visiting grandparents. They presented them with a small scroll, tied with a ribbon. Inside, the seniors found the ultrasound photograph of a new life that would be born. The seniors decided to bathe this new life in prayer. He would be loved before he …
Read Haggai 1:1 through 2:23 Have you ever felt like you were running hard but getting nowhere? Zerubbabel probably felt that way. He was governor in Jerusalem over the first wave of returnees from the Babylonian captivity. A rush of excitement had initiated the rebuilding of the temple, but opposition, economics, and fatigue had caused a halt to the construction. …
Read 2 Chronicles 36:1–8; Daniel 1:1 through 4:37 King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that his sorcerers and astrologers tell him what he had dreamt, then interpret it. How quickly their pride in their supposed superhuman abilities was humbled. These “wise men” said only the gods could tell dreams, not man! Though they had pagan “gods” in mind, the magicians were right—only a …
Read Revelation 2:1 through 3:22 The best gifts received this Christmas cannot compare to the gifts reserved for those who overcome. Four times Jesus says, “To him who overcomes, I will give” (Revelation 2:7,17,26; 3:21), or similar words. The gifts given are beyond our imaginations. Gifts, such as a crown of life (Revelation 2:10), authority over nations (2:26), the morning star …
Read Revelation 1:1–20 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). The Scriptures declare that God is “the Almighty.” If we break this word up into two words, we discover the words “all” and “mighty.” This more than just merely implies that we …
Read 1 John 1:1–2:29 Patrick claimed to live in Christ. He said he was a Christian who walked in the light. But Patrick was hiding some secret sins. He walked in darkness. He claimed to know Jesus, but did not live like Jesus or obey God’s commands. He would not even admit his own sin. In order to really have …
Read Lamentations 1:1 through 5:22 A news program that aired an episode entirely of good news would shock its viewers, and probably be unrealistic. From life experience, we know that people daily suffer loss, distrust, and discord. Human need is like soil that cannot be fully hydrated. There is always more parched ground. Since everyday struggles are ongoing and universal, …