Devotionals
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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…
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Missions Moment: Interview with Beth
Hey friends! I am so very excited about today’s post. Beth, a family friend and missionary to Zambia from our church, kindly agreed to do this interview. Her example of following Jesus is such an encouragement to me! I was so blessed by what she shared and I know you will be as well. If you’d like to learn more about Zambia, support Beth, or sign up to receive her newsletters, you can visit her ministry website here at LightinZambia.com. I know she would so appreciate your prayers! Naomi: Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview! To start with, would you please share your testimony…
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Faith, Hope, and Love
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father (1 Thessalonians 1:3). This verse caught my eye during my personal Bible study recently. I found encouragement and a challenge in it that I’d like to share with you today. The Lord presents here such a beautiful picture of the Christian life—a life where faith results in good works, where love motivates us to labor long, and where hope produces patience as we believe the promises of God and eagerly await the return of our Lord Jesus! Work of Faith We know…
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He Knows
I’m a planner. I like to plan my day, my week, my year, my life… you get the idea! However, as some of you are probably thinking already, I have learned that life is not something you can neatly plan. And as time goes on, there are three words I say more and more often in my mind, “I don’t know.” That can be a scary, overwhelming place to be. But it is also a sweet place to be when you draw closer to the One Who knows all things. Today, I want to offer you comfort and encouragement in your life. I want to share with you what the…
