Devotionals

“Jesus wept.”John 11:35 NIV“Mourn with those who mourn”Romans 12:15 NIV When I’ve attended funeral services and mourned with those weeping over the loss of a loved one, they would sometimes apologize for crying in my …

“Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father”John 14:9 (NIV) I was attending a Communion Service in a local church where anyone was free to rise and read a Scripture, comment on it, ask …

“…the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard…no more.”Isaiah 65:19 (NIV) There are so many things that cause weeping in our world today. News of famine, earthquakes, crime, serious illness and death all …

Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”Matthew 26:49-50 Some people who are badly beaten up by life wonder why they seek to …

“For the Lord knows the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”Psalm 1:6 Cultures are wonderful things to study. How others entertain guests, how they spend leisure time, what their …

“… always giving thanks to God …”Ephesians 5:20 (NIV) She was a young woman with three children ages 6-10. One morning, very early, she woke up to find her husband in great physical distress. He’d …

“Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”James 1:15 (NIV) It’s difficult to explain to the inexperienced how ugly sin is. From the …

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.Luke 23:46 NIV Society has rather odd views about one of the …

“When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.”John 6:12 (KJV) It happened many years ago but I remember it well. The Rumford’s had a …

“[Jesus] made himself nothing”Philippians 2:7 NIV According to Scripture, pride is insidious and often motivates us to selfish, sinful pursuits. It’s a common sin, and one that we’re slow to recognize. It easily deceives us. …

“It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.”John 5:10 (NIV) Some people are turned off by the church (and Christianity) because of so many rules to obey—and things to avoid. Some …

“he often refreshed me…when he was in Rome he searched hard for me until he found me. ”2 Timothy 1:16 (NIV) It’s good to have friends who love us and try to encourage us. Those …

“Barnabas wanted to take John…Mark with them.”Acts 15:37 (NIV) In our text today, Paul and Barnabas are discussing the idea of returning to the towns they’d visited in the past. Barnabas wanted to take John …

“Rise in the presence of the aged; show respect for the elderly…I am the Lord”Leviticus 19:32 When I was growing up, I would never dare address an adult by their given name—I let them speak …

“When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.“Psalm 138:3 NIV Have you prayed to the Lord in times of trouble, asking for relief, but didn’t get an answer? Perhaps you prayed for healing …

“…Eli said, ‘He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.‘”  1 Samuel 3:18 (NIV) Eli had been a judge in Israel for 40 years. He loved the Lord and served …

“I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.“Psalm 119:75 (NIV) At first glance, today’s title doesn’t make sense. The Oxford English Dictionary defines affliction as “a cause …

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…“Joel 2:25 NIV “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are …

”When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”Acts 4:13 (NIV) In the context …

“…you are precious and honored in my sight, and…I love you…“Isaiah 43:4 (NIV) A dear friend of mine had a wonderful marriage that lasted over 60 years. After his beloved wife passed away, we had …

He that covers a transgression seeks love; but he that repeats a matter separates friends.Proverbs 17:9 One of the worst enemies anyone can have is invisible. This enemy lurks in the shadows to attack, and …