Looks Can Be Deceiving

DAILY VERSE

Say to those who are afraid, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

Isaiah 35:4

DEVOTION

Israel was looking for someone to come and free them from the evils of the Roman Empire. They weren’t looking for a carpenter’s son. They didn’t realize He was so much more than He appeared to be.

Looks can be deceiving. Jesus not only took upon Himself the weight of sin for the people alive during that time in history but for all time!

As we enter into the Christmas season, let us be grateful for the gift of God’s Son.

The Depths in which You’ve Been Redeemed

DAILY VERSE

Then I said, “My destruction is sealed, for I am a sinful man and a member of a sinful race. Yet I have seen the King, the LORD Almighty!”

Isaiah 6:5

DEVOTION

Lest we get too complacent in our faith, we are all worthy of destruction. “The wages of sin is death.” Just one sin. If it weren’t for God and His mercy, we would all have a bleak future, eternally separated from Him.

But God has bigger plans. Plans for our redemption and for our prosperity. He wants to be in a relationship with us and He wants us to be able to spend eternity with Him. By sending His Son to die in our place, we’ve been fully forgiven.

Live in a way that reflects the depth in which you’ve been redeemed?

Define Success

DAILY VERSE

But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless. It was like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.

Ecclesiastes 2:11

DEVOTION

Have you ever noticed how wealthy people usually end up in the news? It seems for all the material things they accumulate and all the success they seem to have, in the end, they’re miserable.

God’s gift of salvation is free. He doesn’t offer us riches or a life of ease. No, He promises a life that’s fulfilled, serving others, and a place in eternity with Him. Chasing earthly pleasures does not compare!

What is your definition of success?

A Sense of Direction

DAILY VERSE

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:6

DEVOTION

We’ve all come to rely on Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze to get from point A to point B. All this navigational expertise is at our fingertips.

With our faith, it’s the same way. We can rely on our own sense of direction or rely on God, whose direction lies far beyond our understanding. He will always choose the best route, whether it’s the fastest or simply right.

Relying on our Maker for all of our decision-making will ensure our path is solidly within His will.

Check Yourself…

DAILY VERSE

You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.

Job 42:3

DEVOTION

When we’re experiencing difficult circumstances, it’s natural to call out to God. Unfortunately, sometimes we can approach God with complaints as if we know better than He does, our needs.

Sometimes what we need is a difficult circumstance to realign our faith and dependence on Him. Sometimes we need to be diverted off a destructive path.

As they used to say in the 80s, “Check yourself before you wreck yourself.”

God is the ultimate authority, and He knows exactly what it will take to keep us on the narrow path.

For Those Who’ve Been Willing

DAILY VERSE

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

John 15:13

DEVOTION

Every service member takes an oath to protect this country with their lives if need be. They are willing to die so that others can enjoy the freedom this country offers.

Many have been maimed physically. Many have come home with mental scars that they may carry for a lifetime.

We owe a debt of gratitude to these men and women who love this country enough to have served honorably.

Happy Veteran’s Day!

Don’t Be a Know-it-All

DAILY VERSE

So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you.

But correct the wise, and they will love you.

Proverbs 9:8

DEVOTION

There are people, know-it-alls they call them, who are not swayed by anyone’s opinion. They think one way and refuse to see anyone else’s side. These types of people get angry and take offense at the thought that they may be wrong.

A wise person realizes that life is all about learning and experiencing things. Constructive criticism is welcome.

God allows trials to shape and grow us. We must embrace these as times of learning and experiencing God’s nature. With that comes wisdom.

Turning Over Some Tables

DAILY VERSE

Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants.

Matt 21:12

DEVOTION

The best approach when dealing with others is to do it with respect. We are called to see each other through the lens of the Holy Spirit, as one of God’s children.

But as we see here, sometimes kicking over a few tables is required. God never expected us to be used as doormats. There are times when correction is warranted and that requires focused emotions, constraint, and firmness.

There’s a time to be meek and mild, and there are times when you may have to turn over a few tables.

Press On!

DAILY VERSE

“Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!”

Nehemiah 4:14

DEVOTION

How many projects never get started? How many projects are abandoned because people lose their enthusiasm, and simply stop pursuing something the Lord has put on their hearts because the going got tough?

God doesn’t call us to be weak. He calls us to be courageous. When we face difficulties or obstacles, we need to ask God for the strength to move forward. No matter how bleak it may seem, God can make a way.

The enemy would love nothing more than for you to give up. Press on!

Pour Into Your Kids

DAILY VERSE

My children, listen when your father corrects you.

Pay attention and learn good judgment.

Proverbs 4:1

DEVOTION

My dad gave me tons of advice as I was growing up. Unfortunately, like most kids, I didn’t listen to most of it and paid the price. He’s no longer here to give it but most of it has come full circle and I’m thankful for that.

When we’re pulled into the fold, we get spiritual ears to hear and eyes to see. As we mature, God pours His wisdom into us a little at a time. As we become spiritually mature, we can put this into practice, pouring into our own children what we’ve learned.

Take the time to pour into your children. As God has done unto you.