Identity Buster - Devotional

From the time of Abraham, about 2000 years earlier, the Jewish people enjoyed the title of being God's chosen people. Those blessings came with responsibilities and laws to atone for their sins and keep their hearts directed to their Lord. These 613 commandments became the center of their physical, spiritual and social lives.

For one Jewish sect, the Pharisees, this “chosen” title and their zealous adherence to the laws evolved into considerable political and social power. They wore clothing people would recognize right away, clung to their own sect, and judged everyone else for not being as godly. Their laws and identity became an idol.

Then Jesus showed up.

Devotional Guest UserJuly 13, 2022Comment

Perfect Love - Devotional

One definition of fear is, “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, and likely to cause pain, or a threat.” The key word here is “belief.” In order to believe something, one must accept that it is true. Where you put your belief has everything to do with how you will handle fear when and if it finds its way to you.

Devotional Guest UserJuly 6, 2022Comment

Your Heart and Your Eyes

“My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.” - Proverbs 23:26

There is a connection to capture here: Your heart and your eyes. When we give the Lord our heart, our eyes will follow. The things of this world will lose their desire. The more we surrender our heart, the more we can be transformed into His image.

Devotional Guest UserJune 22, 2022Comment

Counterfeit Thoughts - Devotional

From the beginning of humanity, the enemy has been trying to pull us away from the will of God by deceiving us. When he spoke to Eve in the Garden, he didn't flat out say, “Hey, you shouldn't trust God”. That would be like using a wooden nickel. Instead, the serpent deviously said, “Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?”

Devotional Guest UserJune 15, 2022Comment

Confess and Believe - Devotional

It is His strength we need to believe beyond our understanding. It is the very reason we only need “faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains.” -Matthew 17:20

So, no matter what you may be facing today; no matter the size of your pain, problem, or panic; no matter the discouragement or doubt that wants to defeat you, your help is only a whisper away.

Devotional Guest UserJune 8, 2022Comment

God Knows Better - Devotional

“Many are the plans in the mind of man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” -Proverbs 19:21

My friend Heather just lost her husband Ray after a three-year battle with brain cancer. Knowing she was a “cave dweller”- one who would rather lick wounds privately, I wanted her and the kids to be able to avoid the crowds. I wanted to protect them from the hard emotions they would come across throughout the services.

With the complications of Covid, Heather had a little more leeway about planning the burial.

I happened to be with her when she was making the decision about when to have the wake and burial. My vote was from 11am to 1pm. My reasoning? It was too late in the morning for people to go to work late and too early in the afternoon for people to leave work early. Genius. People won't be able to make it to the visiting hours. It will be quiet and the suffering will be minimal.

Devotional Guest UserJune 1, 2022Comment