He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. At the heart of why we work to earn money is the calling to use what we have earned for the good … Continue reading Work To Share – Ephesians 4:28
Category: Devotionals
Just some quick, short thoughts I have had throughout the years.
Turning Fruit – Ezekiel 33:14-16
But when I say to the wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ and he turns from his sin and practices justice and righteousness, if a wicked man restores a pledge, pays back what he has taken by robbery, walks by the statutes which ensure life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die. … Continue reading Turning Fruit – Ezekiel 33:14-16
Divided Allegiance – 1 Kings 3:3
Solomon loved the Lord by walking in the statutes of his father David, but he also sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. This verse always troubles me about Solomon; however, it just hit me today - is this what I do? I love the Lord and seek His pleasure and protection by following … Continue reading Divided Allegiance – 1 Kings 3:3
Rejoice Not in Others’ Demise – Ezekiel 25
"For thus says the Lord God: “Because you clapped your hands, stamped your feet, and rejoiced in heart with all your disdain for the land of Israel, indeed, therefore, I will stretch out My hand against you, and give you as plunder to the nations; I will cut you off from the peoples, and I … Continue reading Rejoice Not in Others’ Demise – Ezekiel 25
Wise Seekers – Psalms 53:2
God looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God. God watches His creation faithfully looking for those who are obedient and submissive. He looks to find goodness. He watches for faithfulness among His people. He is constantly looking for the wise one … Continue reading Wise Seekers – Psalms 53:2
Grieving and Groaning – Ezekiel 8:17-18
Then he said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it too light a thing for the house of Judah to commit the abominations that they commit here, that they should fill the land with violence and provoke me still further to anger? Behold, they put the branch to their nose. … Continue reading Grieving and Groaning – Ezekiel 8:17-18
Worthless Men – 1 Samuel 25:17
“Now therefore, know and consider what you should do, for evil is plotted against our master and against all his household; and he is such a worthless man that no one can speak to him.” Authors note: Trust me when I say that I am not a man basher like so many in our culture … Continue reading Worthless Men – 1 Samuel 25:17
Soli Deo Gloria – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. There is a fundamental, foundational motivation that must undergird all that a follower of Christ is and does. “All for the glory of God.” Every single thing we do must be guided by this perspective. Our thoughts, words … Continue reading Soli Deo Gloria – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Losing Focus – Ezekiel 7:20
They transformed the beauty of His ornaments into pride, and they made the images of their abominations and their detestable things with it; therefore I will make it an abhorrent thing to them. There is more significance to this verse than initially meets the eye. God’s people have taken the things He has given and … Continue reading Losing Focus – Ezekiel 7:20
Intentional Obstinate Sin – Ezekiel 4:17
So they will lack bread and water; everyone will be devastated and waste away because of their iniquity. It is a terrifying possibility - to be held accountable by the God who has saved us for irreverent, ongoing, high handed, rebellious disobedience. These have purposefully, intentionally and pridefully turned their back on Father God. He … Continue reading Intentional Obstinate Sin – Ezekiel 4:17
He is Hope – Psalms 39:7
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.” Colossians 1:23, "...if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel..." There is a Hope that transcends time. One which rises above the short-lived promises of this existence. A … Continue reading He is Hope – Psalms 39:7
Truthtelling – 1 Samuel 21:2-3
David answered Ahimelech the priest, “The king gave me a mission, but he told me, ‘Don’t let anyone know anything about the mission I’m sending you on or what I have ordered you to do.’ I have stationed my young men at a certain place. Now what do you have on hand? Give me five … Continue reading Truthtelling – 1 Samuel 21:2-3
Among the People with God – 1 Samuel 18:13-16
Therefore, Saul reassigned David and made him commander over 1,000 men. David led the troops and continued to be successful in all his activities because the Lord was with him. When Saul observed that David was very successful, he dreaded him. But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was leading their troops. To … Continue reading Among the People with God – 1 Samuel 18:13-16
Old Testament Truth – Romans 15:4
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. As usual, the written revelation of God, the Bible, finds itself under attack not only by the skeptics of the world but also by the church. These empty attacks … Continue reading Old Testament Truth – Romans 15:4
Opinion and Personal Choice – Romans 14:1
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. It is important to note and remember that Paul is referring to matters of opinion. The context relates to practices in a believer's life that are not driven by scriptural command. We are never to pass judgement on … Continue reading Opinion and Personal Choice – Romans 14:1
Self-serving Pride – 1 Samuel 15:35
Even to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the Lord regretted He had made Saul king over Israel. The end of many good, God-ordained leaders has come through self-serving pride. Power and pride are a dangerous combo. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Pride convinces … Continue reading Self-serving Pride – 1 Samuel 15:35
Ignorant Arrogance – Jeremiah 44:15-19, 28
Then all the men who were aware that their wives were burning sacrifices to other gods, along with all the women who were standing by, as a large assembly, including all the people who were living in Pathros in the land of Egypt, responded to Jeremiah, saying, “As for the message that you have spoken … Continue reading Ignorant Arrogance – Jeremiah 44:15-19, 28
Ask, Listen, Obey -Jeremiah 42:1-6
Then all the commanders of the forces, Johanan the son of Kareah, Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people both small and great approached and said to Jeremiah the prophet, “Please let our petition come before you, and pray for us to the Lord your God, that is for all this remnant; because … Continue reading Ask, Listen, Obey -Jeremiah 42:1-6
Delight – Psalms 18:19
He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.One WordSometimes one word can turn a phrase in a significant and impactful way. Love covers a multitude of sins. Grace initiates an amazing transformation. Hope realigns our vision. Delight confounds us.‘He rescued me, because He delighted in me.’Huh? … Continue reading Delight – Psalms 18:19
Speaking Truth – Jeremiah 37:17
King Zedekiah later sent for him and received him, and in his house privately asked him, “Is there a word from the Lord?” “There is,” Jeremiah responded, and he continued, “You will be handed over to the king of Babylon.” Then Jeremiah said to King Zedekiah, “How have I sinned against you or your servants … Continue reading Speaking Truth – Jeremiah 37:17
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