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Category: Devotionals

Individual standing on fence by mountains raising arms
Devotionals

God is Incomparable

Read: Isaiah 40:18-31

To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. (v. 25)

“That’s apples to oranges!” we say when two things that are essentially different are being compared. It’s an interesting idiom; actually, apples and oranges have lots of things in common. They are both fruit, they both grow on trees, and they are both delicious and nutritious. It’s not like comparing apples to Rottweilers—or Sherman tanks!

Laura Sweet March 17, 2021
Individual standing on fence by mountains raising arms
Devotionals

God is Unique

Read: Isaiah 40:6-17

Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel? (v. 13)

It is human nature to try and “humanize” God; we seek to understand him by bringing him down to our level. Sometimes we refer to God as “the man upstairs,” or make jokes at his expense. Sometimes we accuse him of being unfair or unkind and demand an explanation for his actions. Our minds may picture him as a kindly old grandfather or an uncaring bureaucrat. In other words, we seek to make God in our own image.

Laura Sweet March 16, 2021
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Devotionals

When the Cares of Your Heart Are Many

Read: 1 Peter 5:6-13 He cares for you. (v. 7) One feature of my Apple Watch is a sensor that can somehow tell when my heart is beating in ways

Jon Opgenorth March 15, 2021
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Devotionals

The Best Pastor

Read: 1 Peter 5:1-5 Shepherd the flock of God that is among you. (v. 2) When preaching professor Fred Craddock was asked to name the best preacher in North America,

Jon Opgenorth March 14, 2021
illustration of stones
Devotionals

Joyful Suffering

Read: 1 Peter 4:12-19 Do not be surprised at the fiery trial. (v. 12) I have yet to suffer for following Jesus, but I have met people who have. One

Jon Opgenorth March 13, 2021
illustration of stones
Devotionals

An Epidemic of Loneliness

Read: 1 Peter 4:7-11 Show hospitality to one another. (v. 9) “You are the first person I have spoken with in two weeks,” a homebound woman said to our youth

Jon Opgenorth March 12, 2021
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Devotionals

Arms like Christ

Read: 1 Peter 4:1-6 They are surprised when you do not join them. (v. 4) Some suffering is common to many. Disease or natural disasters come to mind. Other suffering

Jon Opgenorth March 11, 2021
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Devotionals

Once

Read: 1 Peter 3:18-22 Christ also suffered once for sins. (v. 18) The church I attend places a baptismal font in the lobby. As people enter, believers are reminded of

Jon Opgenorth March 10, 2021
illustration of stones
Devotionals

Be Prepared

Read: 1 Peter 3:8-17 A reason for the hope that is in you . . . (v. 15) “Be Prepared” is the Boy Scout motto etched into me and everyone

Jon Opgenorth March 9, 2021