Life can be truly dizzying if we lose our perspective. Kati Metro, 74, was hiking near Phoenix, Arizona, when she fell, injuring her face, wrist, and hip. A rescue helicopter flew in, and workers strapped her to a stretcher. Unfortunately, the winds were fierce, and a line failed that was supposed to prevent the stretcher from spinning as they pulled it up to the helicopter. … [Read more...] about Biblical Guidelines for Christian Meditation
Draw closer to God through a collection of devotional studies designed to deepen intimacy with God through the Bible and Jesus Christ.
Devotional
Bible Reading Plan for 2021
On February 28, 2016, Aleix Segura Vendrell claimed a Guinness World Record by holding his breath for 24 minutes and 3 seconds. Survivalists and scientists have determined that most humans can survive a few days without water and perhaps a month or more without food. While we know it’s possible, most would agree that testing these limits is not advisable. Our body needs regular … [Read more...] about Bible Reading Plan for 2021
8 Reasons Why I Journal—and Why You Should Too
If you’ve ever put on a pair of jeans that you haven’t worn for months, you may have been surprised by a difference in the way they fit—or maybe they didn’t fit at all! Gradual changes can escape your notice, which is why it’s important to track your spiritual journey. Sure, there are life-changing moments that produce immediate transformation, but more often change occurs … [Read more...] about 8 Reasons Why I Journal—and Why You Should Too
Plan to Read the Bible in 2020
The reality of outward trials and inward temptations calls for something more than an initial experience with God. His wisdom is needed every day. Colossians 1:9 records Paul’s prayer for the church of Colossae, a prayer that makes an important distinction. He prays that the Colossians will be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” As … [Read more...] about Plan to Read the Bible in 2020
What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple?
The Lord wants you to study Him. Is the word study a scary concept in your life? You’re not alone. I hear it often: “I did enough studying when I was in school,” or “I hated school, and I still have nightmares about taking tests,” or “Well, that counts me out. I never could concentrate on anything.” The Soul of Discipleship To all these concerns and more, my answer … [Read more...] about What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple?
Don’t Be Afraid: Getting Rid of Crippling Fear
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 In her book The New Spirit-Controlled Woman, Beverly LaHaye wrote about a friend of hers who was very fearful and introverted. The woman’s friends didn’t realize her inner turmoil, for she hid it and rarely spoke of it. But one day this woman simply fell apart and … [Read more...] about Don’t Be Afraid: Getting Rid of Crippling Fear
Favor and Power: Why It’s Important to Be Filled With the Spirit
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed [David] in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. 1 Samuel 16:13a Since 1789, presidents of the United States have been inaugurated. In monarchies like Great Britain, the monarch is crowned and also anointed with oil. The tradition of anointing with oil has its roots in … [Read more...] about Favor and Power: Why It’s Important to Be Filled With the Spirit
Defining Moments: Have You Allowed God to Free You From Your Shame?
He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19 If you were asked to share your life story, which events and moments would you include? The experiences we remember with the greatest clarity are those with the strongest emotions attached to them: the overcoming of obstacles, the losses … [Read more...] about Defining Moments: Have You Allowed God to Free You From Your Shame?
Desired: God Has Not Forgotten You
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 David was forgotten. Instead of being summoned to join his father and brothers when they met with Samuel, he was left in the field tending sheep. David was only sent for after God had confirmed, one by one, that none of his brothers would … [Read more...] about Desired: God Has Not Forgotten You
Daily Doxology: Why It’s Important to Praise God in Hard Times
For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 One of the hardest, but most important, lessons for children and young people to learn is to view hardships in light of their purpose and outcome. Most children don’t like to practice scales on the piano, but they love a superior rating at the recital. Most young athletes don’t … [Read more...] about Daily Doxology: Why It’s Important to Praise God in Hard Times
Bountiful Feast: What to Do With the Abundance God Gives
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 The widow saw a handful of flour and a little oil. Peter saw the crashing waves. Moses and the Israelites saw the sea before them and the Egyptian army rushing toward them. The disciples saw five loaves and two … [Read more...] about Bountiful Feast: What to Do With the Abundance God Gives