Devotionals
Nothing Wasted: Trusting God’s Purpose
It’s a bold statement when Jesus says, “The Lord needs it.” Just before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He asks His disciples to bring Him a colt. No lengthy explanations, no assurances for the colt’s owner — simply, “The Lord needs it.” To the owner, this colt may have been valuable or essential for work,... Read More →
The Rock and the Stumbling Block: Lessons from Peter’s Journey
In Matthew 16:13-23, we see one of the most remarkable shifts in a disciple’s relationship with Jesus. It begins with Simon Peter’s stunning confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus blesses Peter and renames him: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates... Read More →
Looking Isn’t Seeing, and Hearing Isn’t Listening
The disciples’ experience on the stormy sea teaches us a profound truth: we can look right at something and not truly see it. In Matthew 13, Jesus tells parables, and while the crowds hear Him, few really listen. Similarly, on the boat in Luke 8, the disciples see Jesus perform miracles but don’t fully understand what they’re witnessing.... Read More →
Rules to Live By… Literally!
The Law of Moses was not only spiritual but eminently practical, designed to lead to human flourishing. When Nehemiah reflects on the people’s disobedience, he emphasizes that following God’s regulations brought life. This isn’t just because of obedience in the abstract, but because the Law itself was crafted to promote well-being. For Israel, it established... Read More →
Unstoppable: Turning Opposition into Victory
In Ezra 5-6, we witness an incredible story of persistence, faith, and divine intervention. The Israelites, in the midst of rebuilding the temple, are confronted by local authorities who question their right to continue the work. These officials demand proof of authorization, but instead of ceasing their efforts, the Israelites keep building. They work through... Read More →
God’s Not Done With You Yet
Even in the darkest moments, when it feels like everything is lost or you’ve strayed too far from God, He still has a plan for you. This truth is powerfully illustrated in the lives of the exiles in Daniel 1 and the prophecy given in Jeremiah 19-20. In Daniel 1, we see young men from... Read More →
It Doesn’t Matter What Your Name Is!
Ruth is such a wonderful book. Especially coming off the disaster piece that is the end of Judges. This is a beautiful story and a much-needed palette-cleanser. Choosing what to focus on was challenging because I love so much of this story (ask me about the feet thing sometime). What I’ve settled on is the... Read More →