Devotionals
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Life’s Limitations and God’s Grace
I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). What a beautiful promise! And the best thing about this promise is that it’s for now. For here. On this earth, every day as we live our lives. Yet there’s also these things called limitations, and life sure has a way of throwing them at us. And when the two meet, it can feel like the limitations win out, while abundant life shrivels in defeat. So, may I share what God has been teaching me? I’m not here to complain or compare. Complaining isn’t helpful to anyone; and comparison would surely reveal…
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Three Simple Truths to Set You Free
Psalm 138 and 139 are two of my favorite Scripture passages. Time and again, they bring comfort and hope to my heart. Today I just want to remind you of some simple truths. And yes, they are simple. Many of you have probably known them for years. But I find that often, my complex struggles have basic, fundamental answers. These truths are the answer to my insecurities, my discouragement at my own sins or failures, and the empty pursuit of people-pleasing. The gospel was not just for us before we came to Christ. It’s for every believer, all the time. And it is something we must preach to ourselves over…
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Lead Me to My Rock
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:1-3 When my heart is overwhelmed with weakness, lead me to the Rock of my Strength. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God (Psalm 62:7). When my heart is overwhelmed with fear, lead me to the Rock Who is my Fortress and Deliverer. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust;…
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A Hope That Will Never Disappoint
Romans 8 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. Each time I read, it’s like the Lord unpeels another layer of truth that is eternal in its implications and nitty-gritty practical in its application. The most recent time, I was desperate for some help from God. “Lord, I need something today. I’m not just reading to feel good as a Christian. I need to hear from You.” And, because He is so good to hear our heart-cries and meet our needs, He answered. The answer was in verse 25. But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. We think…
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Let My Life Be A Song of Thanksgiving
“What will be the first thing you say to God when you get to heaven?” I remember my pastor asking this thought-provoking question during one of his sermons. My inward response was quick. “Thank You.” Such inadequate words, but what else could there be to say? “Thank You for creating me. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for laying down Your life for me. Thank You for tasting death for me. Thank You for being with me every step of the way. Thank You for giving me a life more wonderful than I could ever deserve. Thank You for answered prayer. Thank You for the privilege of knowing You.”…
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Dear Graduate
I’ve been thinking about you this time of the year, and remembering how it felt to be just on the edge of adulthood and anticipating a new season of life. (It’s been five years, so I’m entitled to a sentimental sigh or two, right?) The excitement, the uncertainty, the unique mixture of sadness over leaving the past and the thrill of finally being done with school and ready to conquer the world! I also think about the struggles you’re going to face over the next few years, and I want to try and make the way just a little smoother for you by sharing some things I’ve learned. In fact,…
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Yes, Jesus Loves Me
Ah, the favorite children’s song! At our church, we have a tradition that if your birthday falls on a service day, you get to pick your favorite hymn as part of the congregational singing. And this is the most chosen song by the little ones! As a child, you don’t doubt that Jesus loves you—it’s just a simple truth that you accept and rest in. But sometimes, as you get older, life hits. You realize what a big and broken world you live in. It’s easy to begin to wonder, With all the wars and the crime and the big things going on, how can such a great God take…
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Emmanuel
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark, the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King." Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Matt. 1:23). God, manifest in the flesh, with us in a sin-sick world. Almighty Lord and Creator of heaven and earth, left His glory and took on human flesh. God, inside a human body. He did not stop being God; rather, He became fully God and fully man. One night in Bethlehem, the…
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When Direction Doesn’t Come Easy
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).” Though often quoted tritely, this verse is a precious promise from the Lord and one that you and I may claim. Today, I’d like to share some things that the Lord has been teaching me personally this summer. I’m speaking from where I am in life right now; but since all of us will find ourselves here at one time or another, I hope that this can be an encouragement to you wherever you are at. I don’t really have answers,…
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Set Up a Stone
“Father, why is this pile of stones here by the river?” the little boy lifted up a questioning face to his father. The man glanced down at his son and smiled. “To remind us of how the Lord Jehovah brought us into the land. He made the waters of Jordan to part, so that we passed over on dry ground.” The little boy clutched his father’s hand more tightly. “Like He did at the Red Sea?” “Yes, like that. The priests carried the ark into the river first. As long they held the ark in the middle of Jordan, the Lord kept the water back. He has done many great…
