Devotionals
Defeat as Discipline
In today’s readings, we encounter a challenging truth: not every obstacle or hardship is meant to be overcome. Sometimes, the “bad things” that happen to us are actually God’s way of protecting or disciplining us. Ezekiel 3:20 (NLT) presents a sobering warning: “If righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and ignore the obstacles... Read More →
For Now Isn’t Forever
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves adjusting to our circumstances, whether they be moments of joy or seasons of hardship. This adjustment, while necessary, can sometimes deceive us into believing that our current situation is permanent. Psychologists refer to this tendency as the “status quo bias,” where we assume that the way... Read More →
Tell Me What I Want To Hear
In Jeremiah 26:11, we see the priests and prophets accusing Jeremiah of treason for delivering a prophecy of doom: “This man deserves the sentence of death because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.” Jeremiah’s words were not what the people wanted to hear, and their reaction highlights... Read More →
Invaluable
In today’s reading from 2 Kings 23:1-28 and 2 Chronicles 34:29-35:19, we see King Josiah’s zealous reforms in Judah. His commitment to God is evident as he destroys items associated with idol worship. Despite their material value, these objects were detestable to him because they were dedicated to other gods. Rather than repurpose or sell... Read More →
The Whole Council of God
In 2 Kings 22:8-13 and 2 Chronicles 34:14-21, we read about a significant moment in Judah’s history. During the reign of King Josiah, the high priest Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law in the temple. This discovery had a profound impact on Josiah and the nation. Upon hearing the words of the Book of... Read More →
Furnace of Affection
Isaiah 48:10 speaks of God’s refining process, a crucial aspect of His relationship with Israel and His people today. This verse is part of a larger section (Isaiah 44:6-48:11) where God emphasizes His sovereignty, the futility of idols, and His commitment to redeem and refine His people. In these chapters, God declares His uniqueness and... Read More →
An Inexhaustible God
In Isaiah 40:28-31, we are reminded of the vast difference between human strength and God’s inexhaustible power. The prophet Isaiah writes: Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV): Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his... Read More →
The Power & Purpose of Prayer
The satirical words of Lisa Simpson, “Prayer, the last refuge of a scoundrel,” reflect a common cultural perception: that prayer is a desperate act, a last-ditch effort when all else fails. While this may be true for some, it stands in stark contrast to the biblical understanding of prayer as the believer’s first and most... Read More →
True For You
During today’s reading I was struck by Micah’s unflinching indictment of the people of Israel: “Your inhabitants are liars and their tongues speak deceitfully.” This isn’t just a casual mention of dishonesty; it’s a profound commentary on the state of their hearts. They had become so accustomed to lying that it had woven itself into... Read More →
Embracing Correction
As a Little League coach, I teach kids the fundamentals of baseball. One day, while playing catch with my own son, I noticed that some of the harder thrown balls that came near his head caused him to flinch and close his eyes. I always ask him, “Will the ball still hit you if your... Read More →