We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them. – Numbers 13:33 Moses sent men into Canaan to see what it was like before all the Israelites entered the land. After spying out the land, these […]
Devotional: Father
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:15 Before I became a Christian, I didn’t have a clear view of God. I knew He had created the universe, but God seemed […]
Devotional: Rising from Ashes
And provide for those who grieve in Zion– to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. […]
Devotional: Expect Delays
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. – James 5:11 As my brother and I drove home from a Christian coffee house, we had a discussion about the need […]
Devotional: Heavenly Minded
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. – Colossians 3:2 Where does my heart lie? What do I feel passionate about? What occupies my thoughts? How do I spend my free time? How do I spend my money? Â photo credit: James Jordan I believe these are questions we need to ask ourselves […]
Devotional: Just Passing Through
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. – Hebrews 11:13 As Christians, we sometimes forget that this earth is not our home. Our […]
Devotional: Pearl of Great Price
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. – Matthew 13:45-46 People are seekers. They always seem to be looking for find something to fill a void in their lives. Some seek […]
Devotional: It’s All His
But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. – 1 Chronicles 29:14 King David had made many preparations so his son Solomon could build the temple. This included […]
Devotional: Are You Limiting God?
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26 Israel was losing the war against the Syrians. God’s prophet Elisha was dying. All seemed bleak.  photo credit: juandao King Joash visits the dying Elisha. Joash begins to weep. He knows Elisha’s death will […]
Devotional: What’s Important
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be […]
Devotional: The Value of a Person
This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and […]
Devotional: Giving as Worship
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops. – Proverbs 3:9 In the Old Testament, believers did not come to the temple to worship without an offering to give God. Indeed, their offerings were integral, or essential, to their worship of God. While we do not worship in the temple […]
Devotional: The Road Ahead
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. – Hebrews 11:8 The photo on the front cover of my first book shows a man walking down a road. We don’t know what his […]
Devotional: The Great Supplier
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19 I don’t go to the grocery store very often, but I’m always amazed when I do. I live in a large city so our grocery stores are well-stocked. I can find almost anything I want to […]