Things Aren’t Always What They Seem
Read: Philippians 1:12-20 Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. (v. 19) Twenty years ago, I spent countless hours (and money I could ill afford) applying to graduate schools, only to be rejected. I wondered […]
You Are a Work in Progress
Read: Philippians 1:3-11 I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (v. 6) Sometimes you may be tempted to abandon the Christian life because it feels unrewarding. Growth seems painfully slow: the same sins tempt you, character flaws depress […]
Habits of Highly Thankful People
Read: Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (v. 4 NIV) It’s Thanksgiving this month in the United States. Today’s verse gives us a good way to start the holiday season—by cultivating thankfulness before we celebrate. For some, the holidays are a favorite time of year. But for others who […]
A Turning Point
Read: 1 Samuel 31:1-13 Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together. (v. 6) I can’t help it: I love to read a story with a good happy ending. I like smiles and growth, maybe a big sigh of relief, or the recognition that wisdom […]
Saying Yes to Jesus
Rev. Nancy Boote penned the words, “Here I am,” in her journal early one morning during her devotional time. “I journaled those words in a prayer,” she says, “expressing my availability to the Lord and my desire to be used by him.” She was not expecting God to take her up on her offer quite […]
God’s Generosity
Read: 1 Samuel 30:16-26 For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike. (v. 24) Children like all things to be fair. My son feels he should only have to practice violin if his sister also practices. Likewise, he does […]
A Heap of Hardship
Read: 1 Samuel 30:1-10 David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. (v. 6) For spring break one year, my family had a three-day window to travel. Immediately, our 5:00 a.m. flight was delayed for several hours by mechanical problems, and then problem after problem followed. Ultimately, we did not arrive at our final destination until […]
Wise in War
Read: 1 Samuel 29:1-11 The commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” (v. 3) I’ve learned that in any and all of life’s squabbles, having the right person on my side makes all the difference. In a battle of wits I would choose my brother; in a verbal altercation I would pick […]
God’s Word Stands
Read: 1 Samuel 28:3-18 The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. (v. 17) Who do you go to when you need some wisdom or direction? Moms and dads naturally fit the bill—especially after the teenage years. Grandparents, of course, provide this. Many of us have a […]