Devotions

Scripture: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Key Thought: Thankfulness is more than a feeling; it’s a response to God’s goodness and grace. A thankful heart acknowledges God’s hand in every part of life, trusting Him in both blessings and…

Scripture: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” — 1 Peter 3:15 Key Thought: God calls us to be witnesses for Christ, sharing the message of salvation…

Scripture: Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Devotion: In our journey of faith, the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 3:14 serve as a powerful reminder of our ultimate purpose. Paul encourages us to press on, to strive forward with determination and focus,…

As a child, I would often push the boundaries and see what I could get away with. I can still recall my mom telling me to move my glass away from the edge of the table. I would take a sip and purposefully keep my glass right on the edge of the table. Soon enough, I forgot my cup was there and knocked it off the table, spilling my drink and breaking the glass. The discipline I received will not soon be forgotten. Such is the life of someone who wants to “live on the edge.”

Someone once said, “Life is the sum of your choices. So, what are you doing today?” That is a good thought on which to meditate. Every day you make hundreds of decisions. You made the choice to read this devotional and the Bible today; that’s an excellent choice! Most of the decisions we make are small, seemingly inconsequential. It’s to these small choices to which Jesus is referring. 

The battle between Israel and Ai is interesting. The first time God’s children battle this little city, they are defeated because God is not with them (Joshua 7). Once they get that taken care of, Joshua leads Israel to battle a second time. This time, Israel wins because God is with them. Joshua also develops a strategy of distraction. 

During the first century, Christians were persecuted very severely for their faith in Jesus. Some were tortured, others were burned alive, still others lost their home, family, and friends. It is to these people, and to us today, that God’s gives this passage. He says to “count it all joy…” God’s perspective on our trials is not a punishment, but a blessing. God is working in us something far greater. God knows that this trial is needed to produce the fruit He has in store. Having the right perspective is critical to how we view everything that happens to us.

The Church at Corinth was one of the worldliest churches that we know of during the first century. They had allowed things to creep into their lives that stifled their Christian growth. Because of this, they were known as babies and carnal Christians. As you read this passage, look at what can stifle your Christian growth.

Did you catch that wonderful thought in verse 4 of our passage today? “…ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ…” Through Jesus Christ you have been redeemed from the slave block of sin, bought back from the very master that was killing you. Jesus, through His blood, purchased you and has given you life. Once, because of sin, you had a death sentence upon you (Rom 6:23). Now, you have been given life. What a blessed thought. Stop and let that sink in for a moment.

ny Crosby was used mightily by God in the writing of poetry and hymns for God’s glory. Yet, Fanny Crosby was blinded by a man who was pretending to be a doctor. She was only six weeks old at the time. A well-meaning preacher once said to her, “I think it is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when He showered so many other gifts upon you.” Fanny Crosby imm