Daily Devotions
February 22
We often try to change ourselves from the outside in. We adjust habits, modify behavior, and manage our appearance. We set goals and make resolutions. God is concerned with something deeper. He is waiting for us to choose a relationship with him–one where sin is cut away to enable us to love him more.
February 21
On the eve of his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus prepares his disciples for the change ahead. He tells them to not let their hearts be troubled even though he knows that the events to come will be difficult, shake them to their foundation.
February 20
Human expectations and standards are not the same as God’s. When God sent Samuel to anoint a new king for Israel– to follow Saul’s reign– Samuel was reminded that a man’s stature and physical attributes say nothing of his heart. God alone knew what was written on the heart of Jesse’s sons that passed before Samuel and God alone knew who Israel needed to lead them–a shepherd named David.
December 3
Here we see an opportunity for humanity to begin again in union with God. The first thing Noah did after his family and the animals left the ark was build an altar to the LORD God and make a burnt offering from every clean animal. “And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of man…”
December 2
Here is the darkest moment in history. The serpent tempts and the people listen, then act. Their eyes are opened to good and evil, but instead of being wise like God, they only know the shame of disobedience. And for the first time, when the LORD God is heard walking in the garden, they hide.
December 1
As Advent unfolds—a season of wonder and hope—we need to turn back to the beginning of the story. God’s story of love for his creation begins in that first week with the way he shaped every living thing under heaven with intention. He breathed life into humanity. Each person, including you and the one in your care, bears the image of our Father.
November 30
This prophecy from Isaiah is coming on the heels of destruction—its a sign of hope breaking through despair. A stump amid a forest razed in judgment sits lifeless and forgotten. But God promises new growth and life, the shoot from the stump of Jesse, that will bring forth the Messiah.
November 29
I first memorized this scripture in my early twenties. Let me tell you, up to that point in my life, my trials were shallow and few. I listened to this scripture (I had the KJV Bible of CD for my car) as I drove to work every day and wondered at why I would “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” Although I believed in the truth of the scripture, I somewhat foolishly thought what is good for thee does not apply to me.
November 28
Raise your hand if you still remember the song “The Wise Man Built His House upon the Rock?” I admit it has been a minute since I have had little kids underfoot. But I still remember all of the wonderful songs (and hand motions) that I would sing when my kiddos were little. This song was always a favorite—probably because of the ‘crash’ the kids got to act out at the end.
November 27
My family has had some good laughs this week as we have discussed what our ideal Thanksgiving meal would be. Turns out that we like a lot of the traditional side dishes, but not turkey. We have made it all kinds of ways—different brines, roasting, smoking—but no one except my mom wants it.
November 26
As I prepare for our Thanksgiving meal, it occurs to me that I should add my home to my list of things for which I am grateful. Recognizing the blessings in my life has been a simple task this week, but profound. How often we take the mundane for granted and we miss some of our greatest blessings.
November 25
I am thankful for the privilege of serving family caregivers. Not everyone understands what it is like to be responsible for another person through countless doctor’s appointments, turning their home into a small hospital, and committing themselves to round-the-clock care. I have been there, but I didn’t always know what I was supposed to with that information.
November 24
Gathered around my Thanksgiving table this year will be my teenaged kids, my husband, and my mom. Each unique and special in their own way, but today I want to talk about being thankful as a mother.
November 23
As Thanksgiving approaches, my heart is full of the blessings God has woven into my life. I already shared about my thanks for the word of God and for salvation through Jesus Christ. Today, I am thankful for my spouse.
November 21
Have you ever wondered where your instruction manual is for caregiving? Maybe the one for raising children or for your marriage? You already have it at your fingertips. The Word of God is able to tell you the things that you need to do as an individual so that you will know how to act in all circumstances.
November 17
My mind has turned to the upcoming holidays. I have been working on some special Advent lessons to share, and every time I go through these teachings I am struck anew at how God has worked through each generation.