Devotionals
Spiritual Gifts & Love
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” — 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1 (NLT)
Have you ever read Scripture and kind of glazed over it because you didn't really know what it was talking about, or it felt too fluffy to understand? The beginning of 1 Corinthians 13 has had that effect on some. Why are we talking about clanging cymbals, and what is the correlation to love? Questions that need answers, Paul!
Follow Closely to Jesus
“Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.” — Luke 24:10
All around the world, people pause today to remember Jesus as He hung on the cross. We call it Good Friday because though it was the worst day in the life of Jesus, it was a good day for humanity. It was the day that Jesus made the last sacrifice for our sins. The work of redemption was done. It was a good Friday.
Priorities: A Lesson from Jesus
“He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.’" —Matthew 15:24 (NRSV)
Most of us have a difficult time keeping our priorities in check. As a result, our attention is divided, our hearts grow weary and what’s most important takes a backseat to the urgent demands. In this devotional, I share a few lessons that Jesus teaches us on priorities and the reason I believe He was able to accomplish the work He did during His earthly life.
Oxygen for the Fire
“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.” — 2 TIMOTHY 1:6 (NLT)
My husband and I always dreamed of having a wood-burning fireplace. In the cooler months, we would swoon at the smell of firewood burning as we drove through neighborhoods.
Last summer, our dream came true. God blessed us with a home that included a beautiful wood-burning fireplace. Not only that, but the previous owner left us stacks of wood to carry us through our first winter in our new home. Score!
Know Your Season to Plow
“Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.” Proverbs 20:4 (NLT)
It’s winter in Maryland, so being outside taking care of my lawn or attempting to garden is not on my to-do list. The cold and I don’t really get along. I stare at the dried-up leaves left from the fall and think, “Eh, they’ll be alright!” I’m sure my HOA will be sending me a notice in the mail about those leaves, but until I have to, or it gets warmer, I’m not going to deal with those leaves.
Doing Hard Things Afraid
“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy …” Colossians 1:11 (NLT)
As I stood with my hands raised and one foot forward, the floor looked so far away. I was nervous. I was paralyzed. I had already done it successfully once that morning, but fear gripped me. Each time I tried again, fear foiled my follow-through.
Whatever It Takes
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” — Psalm 34:7 (ESV)
So, about that time that I went up a mountain in Colorado to retreat with Jesus and almost died…
God Is Right Beside You
“I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” — Psalm 16:8 (NLT)
This summer was a whirlwind. It included my oldest niece’s graduation, my first cousin’s funeral, several business trips and lots of homework. Simultaneously, I was jumping through the never-ending hoops required to buy and move into a home.