Category: Devotionals

Psalms 11: 1 - 3 1 In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to me, "Flee like a bird to the mountains; 2 for look, the wicked bend the bow, they have fitted their arrow to the string, to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart. 3If the foundations are … Continue reading Foundations →

"Why is it you don’t understand that when I told you, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees,’ it wasn’t about bread?” The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees is self-righteousness and self-indulgence. Both philosophical perspectives are about self and lead away from truth and Christ. The Pharisees developed their own path to … Continue reading Yeasty Selfish Perspectives – Matthew 16:11 →

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out … Continue reading The Fruit of Our Lips – Matthew 12:33-37 →

“Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops.” Our fear flows from our forgetfulness or tacit denial of … Continue reading Fear Not – Matthew 10:26-27 →

“All the prophets testify about Him that through His name everyone who believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins.” The most clear verse of which I am aware regarding the sin cleansing nature of faith in Jesus name. It is the name of Jesus that forgives sins through faith in Him alone. Faith ushers … Continue reading His Name – Acts 10:43 →

Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests be sad while the groom is with them? The time will come when the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast." Over my 55 years of life I have attended and sung at many weddings and have even had the privilege of … Continue reading Everyone Loves a Wedding- Matthew 9:15 →

In His humiliation justice was denied Him. Who will describe His generation? For His life is taken from the earth. Note: Those of us who are submitting our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ often remember and reflect upon the physical, painful suffering Jesus endured on our behalf. I’m not so sure we take … Continue reading Humiliation and Life – Acts 8:33 →

In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. He sets His children in public places so that as we walk with Him, and in Him, others can clearly see our lives and be convicted to glorify God. … Continue reading Positioned for God’s Glory – Matthew 5:16 →

For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus Christ is our righteousness. He exceeds all others. 1 Cor. 1:30. It is only through Him that all who are trusting and submitting will be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. … Continue reading Exceptional Righteousness – Matthew 5:20 →

Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. Repent - turn 180 degrees and walk. The turning is crucial. The walking is key. To simply turn and stand is only the beginning. True repentance produces fruit that speaks of its authenticity. True repentance will bring good works that clearly display the change that has occurred by the … Continue reading Fruitful Repentance – Matthew 3:8 →

So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. We see the righteousness of Joseph right from the beginning in his desire not to publicly humiliate Mary because of her apparent infidelity. This is no small matter when you consider that Joseph must reasonably … Continue reading Righteousness Displayed – Matthew 1:19 →

He will be like a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. And the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord as in days of old and years gone by. As … Continue reading Our Righteousness – Malachi 3:3-4 →

“If I have spoken wrongly,” Jesus answered him, “give evidence about the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit Me?” Jesus even opens up His direct accusers and eventual murderers with a question. Even as He is being marched to His death He is approaching people in such a way as to open them … Continue reading The Questions of Christ – John 18:23 →

“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus answered him. “I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple complex, where all the Jews congregate, and I haven’t spoken anything in secret. Why do you question Me? Question those who heard what I told them. Look, they know what I said.” The irony … Continue reading Irony – John 18:20-21 →

He passed his sons through the fire in the Valley of Hinnom. He practiced witchcraft, divination, and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did a great deal of evil in the LORD’S sight, provoking Him. Provoking the Sovereign God of the Universe just doesn’t seem like a good idea. The original sin of the … Continue reading Provoking God – 2 Chronicles 33:6 →