We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. There are many things that cause us to be thankful for those who are sharing life with us. Kindness. Equity. Generosity. Sincerity. … Continue reading The Measure for Gratitude – 2 Thessalonians 1:3
Category: Devotionals
Just some quick, short thoughts I have had throughout the years.
God’s Leader – 1 Thessalonians 5:12
Now we ask you, brothers, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. This is the noble, yet daunting task of any spiritual laborer or leader. Leaders are … Continue reading God’s Leader – 1 Thessalonians 5:12
It Takes One not to Know One – Psalms 14:1
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." This is an illogical, foolish claim since to deny an omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent Being would require one to be that Being. In order to know that such a Person did not exist, one would have to have all of the characteristics of that non-existent Person. … Continue reading It Takes One not to Know One – Psalms 14:1
The Work of the Word of God – 1 Thessalonians 2:13
For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. We live in a time of … Continue reading The Work of the Word of God – 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Approved by God – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but rather God, who examines our hearts. Why is there so much fear in us in conjunction with talking to others about the gospel? Could it be an indication that we fear man … Continue reading Approved by God – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Takers and Givers – Proverbs 21:25-26
The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work; All day long he is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back. This world is filled with two types of folks in general - Takers and Givers. The working out of the desires of our heart can … Continue reading Takers and Givers – Proverbs 21:25-26
Just Do It – Proverbs 21:3
Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Doing what is right and just requires forethought and intention. It forces one to make good, godly decisions in advance in order to live in accordance with what God has called us to. It indicates a deep motivation to please our … Continue reading Just Do It – Proverbs 21:3
Self Indulgence – Colossians 2:23
Although these have a reputation of wisdom by promoting ascetic practices, humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence. It is by dying with Christ that the Holy Spirit can live within us and among us by faith and grant us the power to overcome the temptation … Continue reading Self Indulgence – Colossians 2:23
Catharsis? – Psalms 4:4
Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Author’s note: Reflecting back on this article I wrote years ago, I do acknowledge that there are times when we need to discuss out loud things within us with others who love us and can help us have discernment. … Continue reading Catharsis? – Psalms 4:4
The Joy of the Lord – Psalms 4:7
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound. For the Materialist, despair is central and joy is peripheral. His 'joy' is found in things. His answers apply only to peripheral matters he believes he has proven by material processes. It is tied to this earth … Continue reading The Joy of the Lord – Psalms 4:7
Inside Out – Proverbs 21:2
All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives. (HCSB) Every decision we make is based on the motivation of our heart. Well, maybe there are some quick decisions that flow more out of panic than motive but for the most part our motives inform the decisions we make. It’s … Continue reading Inside Out – Proverbs 21:2
Overindulgence – Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler, and whoever staggers because of them is not wise. (HCSB) In this one verse, Father God clearly delineates the true problem with alcohol - overindulgence and abuse. Staggering begins when self control has ended. It is indicative of drunkenness and leads only to personal destruction. God gave … Continue reading Overindulgence – Proverbs 20:1
All the Treasures – Colossians 2:2-3
I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery — Christ. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him. Once again we see understanding, wisdom and knowledge as key in a … Continue reading All the Treasures – Colossians 2:2-3
Defeating Anger – Proverbs 19:11
Proverbs 19:11 (ESV) Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11 (HCSB) A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11 (NASB) A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a … Continue reading Defeating Anger – Proverbs 19:11
The Name – John 20:31
But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name. John ends his book with the clear emphasis on life through faith. It is by believing in Jesus Christ THE Son of God that we have life in … Continue reading The Name – John 20:31
Foolish Decisions – Proverbs 19:3
A man’s own foolishness leads him astray, yet his heart rages against the Lord. It is the utterly selfish one who messes up His life and then seeks for a way to blame God. It is the approach of a rebellious soul. It is the picture of a total lack of personal responsibility. 'Anything bad … Continue reading Foolish Decisions – Proverbs 19:3
Loss – Philippians 3:7
But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. How??? How does one do this? How does a sinful creature look at his own personal gains and then count them as loss for Christ? Don't gloss over what Paul is saying here. After 30 years of … Continue reading Loss – Philippians 3:7
Christ in You – Colossians 1:27
God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. This must be one of the most wonderful; yet, deeply mysterious truths. Christ is in me and by His presence He brings supernaturally the hope of glory. Not the glory of this … Continue reading Christ in You – Colossians 1:27
Chicken Hearted – John 19:8
When Pilate heard this statement, he was more afraid than ever. Pilate is really a chicken at heart like most all of Jesus detractors and many of His disciples. It is our earthbound fear that controls so many of the stupid decisions we make. Our fearful, finite, earthbound perspective rules our hearts and determines our … Continue reading Chicken Hearted – John 19:8
The Tongue – Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Words matter. Sticks and stones may sometimes break bones but words always have the power to injure or heal. Words do often bring hurt causing long-lasting, deep-seated wounds. Life and death are in our words. How … Continue reading The Tongue – Proverbs 18:21
Ventanas 