Daily Devotionals

Devotional - Be Self Controlled

2025-07-18T04:58:00Z

“But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:8

In his book “Memory Rescue”, Daniel G. Amen writes: “The prefrontal cortex is responsible for the success of the human species. It enables us to learn from our mistakes and make plans. When the PFC is healthy, we behave consistently in ways that enable us to reach our goals. When it works as intended, we are organized, goal directed, thoughtful, empathetic, and able to express feelings appropriately. The PFC is often called the executive part of the brain and is closely associated with judgment, impulse control, attention span, self-monitoring, problem solving, and critical thinking.

The prefrontal cortex is the brain’s brake. It stops us from saying or doing stupid things. I was once at a conference with a 42-year-old friend I’ll call Joelle. She had been in a car accident that damaged her PFC a few years earlier. As we sat waiting for the next presentation, we overheard two women in the row in front of us talking about why they were heavy. One said to the other, “I don’t know why I’m overweight; I just eat like a bird.” In a voice loud enough for everyone around us to hear, my friend said, “Yeah, like a condor.” Horrified, I gave Joelle a look that asked, Why would you say that out loud? Meanwhile the embarrassed and angry women moved away from us. Joelle put her hand over her mouth and said, ‘Oh no, did that get out?’”

We need to be self-controlled in all areas of our Christian walk. Today in prayer, as you face choices and challenges this day, ask the Lord to give you the strength to be self-controlled.

“Control your appetites before they control you.” – John Climacus

God’s Word: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:13

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

Devotional - Our Hope Beyond This Life

2025-07-17T04:55:00Z

“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Peter Greave was a British national who endured a challenging and tumultuous life, which took a severe turn in 1939 when he contracted leprosy while stationed in India. He returned to England, half-blind and partially paralyzed, and took up residence in a compound managed by a group of Anglican sisters. Unable to work and feeling ostracized by society, he became embittered and even contemplated suicide.

He meticulously planned to escape the compound several times, but each time he hesitated, realizing he had nowhere else to go. One morning, in an unusual moment for him, he rose early and wandered the grounds. Drawn by a buzzing noise, he found himself at the chapel, where the sisters were praying for the patients.

On the chapel walls, they had written the names of those they were praying for, and among them, he found his own name. This unexpected moment of connection and recognition profoundly altered the trajectory of his life. He began to feel wanted and experienced a sense of grace. He would go on to marry one of the nurses, became a writer, publishing both novels and an autobiography entitled “The Second Miracle”.

Only in Jesus Christ can we find true hope. Today in prayer, praise Christ that when we place our trust in Him, we receive eternal life.

“Do not look to your hope, but to Christ, the source of your hope.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

God’s Word: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS

Devotional - Live A Quiet Life

2025-07-16T04:51:00Z

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

In her book “Liturgy of the Ordinary”, Tish Harrison Warren writes: “While my husband, Jonathan, was getting his PhD, he got to know a former Jesuit priest turned married professor—a holy man, a provocateur, and a favorite among his students. Once a student met with him to complain about having to read Augustine's Confessions. “It’s boring,” the student whined. “No, it’s not boring,” the professor responded. “You’re boring.”

What Jonathan’s professor meant is that when we gaze at the richness of the gospel and the church and find them dull and uninteresting, it’s actually we who have been hollowed out. We have lost our capacity to see wonders where true wonders lie. We must be formed as people who are capable of appreciating goodness, truth, and beauty.

The kind of spiritual life and disciplines needed to sustain the Christian life are quiet, repetitive, and ordinary. I often want to skip the boring, daily stuff to get to the thrill of an edgy faith. But it’s in the dailiness of the Christian faith—the making the bed, the doing the dishes, the praying for our enemies, the reading the Bible, the quiet, the small—that God’s transformation takes root and grows.”

The Lord is honored when we quietly serve Him. Today in prayer, give thanks to Jesus for the quiet moments of each day.

“O God, make us children of quietness, and heirs of peace.” – Clement of Rome

God’s Word: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS

Devotional - Be Holy

2025-07-15T04:47:00Z

“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:7

William Law was a Church of England priest who lost his position at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, when his conscience would not allow him to take the required oath of allegiance to King George I. He became a simple pastor and author.

In his book “A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life”, Law writes: “It was this…intention that made the primitive Christians such eminent instances of piety, that made the goodly fellowship of the Saints and all the glorious army of martyrs and confessors. And if you will here stop and ask yourself why you are not as pious as the primitive Christians were, your own heart will tell you that it is neither through ignorance nor inability, but purely because you never thoroughly intended it.”

The Lord calls us to be like Him and to be Holy. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that we are called to be holy and listen to Jesus to live a pure and holy life.

“Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervours, or uncommanded austerities; it consists in thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills.” – John Brown

God’s Word: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” – 1 Peter 1:15-16

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

Devotional - Avoid Sexual Immorality

2025-07-14T04:58:00Z

“It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3

In his book “Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit”, author Christopher J.H. Wright says: “Joy must be morally clean. God warned Israel not to be tempted by the kind of debauched “joy” of the Canaanite festivals, which included sexual immorality, drunkenness, gluttony, and idolatry. They had two terrible object lessons about where that kind of sinful “joy” could lead.

First, there was the wild orgy that happened at the foot of Mount Sinai while Moses was on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments. And the second was in Moab, when they were tempted into immorality at Baal Peor on the advice of the pagan seer Balaam.

By contrast with such sinful excess, Israel’s feasts were to be full of fun and food, but not full of drunken immorality. They were to be occasions that the whole family could enjoy together without embarrassment.”

Sexual immorality ruins lives and it is sin. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for His warning on sexual immorality, confess any sin of sexual immorality in your life and pray that you will not fall into any temptation.

“Within marriage, sex is beautiful, fulfilling, creative. Outside of marriage, it is ugly, destructive, and damning.” – John MacArthur

God’s Word: “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:18

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

Devotional - May Your Love Increase

2025-07-11T04:58:00Z

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:12

Not long before his death, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to the congregation at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church:

“If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don’t want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long. Every now and then I wonder what I want them to say. Tell them not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize; that isn’t important. Tell them not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards; that’s not important. Tell them not to mention where I went to school. I’d like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody.”

We need to bring the love of Christ to the world. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that you can share the good news of the Gospel with those who He has placed in your life.

“Our Lord does not care so much for the importance of our works as for the love with which they are done.” – Teresa of Avila

God’s Word: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

Devotional - Resist Temptation

2025-07-10T04:33:00Z

“For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:5

In his book “An Unhurried Life”, Alan Fadling admits “I am a recovering speed addict.” Beginning with this confession, Pastor Fadling goes on to describe his journey out of the fast lane and into the rhythms of Jesus.

He defines one of our greatest temptations in the modern age—hurry:

“Hurry is a great temptation. Hurry looks like impulsive, knee-jerk reactions: “I’ll act now because I may never have another chance!” The temptation to hurry is fueled by the lie that the only good to be had must be grabbed now or never.

Jesus’ encounter with the devil in the wilderness right after his baptism at the Jordan illustrates the hurried nature of temptation and a holy response to it. Jesus is a master of the unhurried response to tempting suggestions.”

We are all tempted in different areas of our lives. But the Lord is faithful and we can resist temptation through the power of Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, confess any weaknesses to temptation and ask the Lord to deliver you from sinning.

“Believe that as sure you are in the way of God you must meet with temptations.” – John Bunyan

God’s Word: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” – Matthew 6:13

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

Devotional - Be An Encourager

2025-07-09T04:29:00Z

“So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith” – 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2

In his book “Be A People Person”, Dr. John C. Maxwell writes: “Dr. Maxwell Maltz was a plastic surgeon who often took disfigured faces and made them more attractive. He observed that in every case, the patient’s self-image rose with his and her physical improvement. In addition to being a successful surgeon, Dr. Maltz was a great psychologist who understood human nature.

A wealthy woman was greatly concerned about her son, and she came to Dr. Maltz for advice. She had hoped that the son would assume the family business following her husband’s death, but when the son came of age, he refused to assume that responsibility and chose to enter an entirely different field. She thought Dr. Maltz could help convince the boy that he was making a grave error. The doctor agreed to see him, and he probed into the reasons for the young man’s decision.

The son explained, “I would have loved to take over the family business, but you don’t understand the relationship I had with my father. He was a driven man who came up the hard way. His objective was to teach me self-reliance, but he made a drastic mistake. He tried to teach me that principle in a negative way. He thought the best way to teach me self-reliance was to never encourage or praise me. He wanted me to be tough and independent. Every day we played catch in the yard.

The object was for me to catch the ball ten straight times. I would catch that ball eight or nine times, but always on that tenth throw he would do everything possible to make me miss it. He would throw it on the ground or over my head but always so I had no chance of catching it.” The young man paused for a moment and then said, “He never let me catch the tenth ball—never! And I guess that’s why I have to get away from his business; I want to catch that tenth ball!” This young man grew up feeling he could never measure up, never be perfect enough to please his father. I would not want to be guilty of causing emotional damage to my wife, my children, or my friends.”

We all need encouragement to grow in the love of Jesus Christ. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the encouragement you have received and seek to encourage others in following the Lord.

“Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement - and we will make the goal.” – Robert Collier

God’s Word: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

Devotional - Our Joy

2025-07-08T04:57:00Z

“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

In a commencement speech at Rice University, author Kurt Vonnegut shared some of the wisdom of his life. He went on to share a story about his uncle:

“One thing which Uncle Alex found objectionable about human beings was that they seldom took time out to notice when they were happy. He himself did his best to acknowledge it when times were sweet. We could be drinking lemonade in the shade of an apple tree in the summertime, and he would interrupt the conversation to say, "If this isn't nice, what is?"

So, I hope that you Adams and Eves in front of me will do the same for the rest of your lives. When things are going sweetly and peacefully, please pause a moment, and then say out loud: ‘If this isn't nice, what is?’”

There is a joy living with Jesus and leading others to Him. Today in prayer, pause a moment and thank the Lord for all the people who have helped you in your Christian life and seek to help others in their walk with the Lord.

“A great part of heaven’s bliss for the redeemed will be the joyful presence of those whom they have been used to reach.” – John MacArthur, Jr.

God’s Word: “Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!” – Philippians 4:1

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

Devotional - Living Lives Worthy Of God

2025-07-07T04:57:00Z

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Pastor Steve Brandon writes: “A few weeks ago, Darryn and I traveled to India. In order to get there, we were required to bring our passports, which are proofs of our citizenship of the United States. And with our passports came some privileges. We are citizens of the United States of America. You mess with us, and you will have to answer to the administration of our country. But, with our passports comes responsibility as well. We are citizens of the United States of America. We are to conduct ourselves as worthy members of our country.

The parallels with our passage here this morning is clear. We are citizens of heaven. As such, we have privileges of being children of God. Our sins are forgiven. There has been reconciliation through our adoption. But, we also have responsibility. We are to represent Him well. We are to live as citizens, ‘in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.’”

Live your life worthy of Jesus Christ. When you do, the Lord will bless you with greater opportunities. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the wonderful news of the Gospel and be encouraged to let Jesus shine through in all that you do.

“God, the King, wants his royal children to live lives worthy of their paternity and position.” – J.I. Packer

God’s Word: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

Devotional - The Tentmakers

2025-07-04T04:57:00Z

“Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:9

William Carey (1761-1831), is considered to be the father of modern evangelical Christian missions, was a tentmaker in India, working as a factory manager and university professor while fulfilling his mission duties.

At the time, international mission work was a new and controversial idea in the Church, and tentmaking was the only way for Carey to support his ministry.

He began to learn the Bengali language to communicate with others. A friend owned two indigo factories and needed managers, so Carey moved with his family west to Midnapore. During the six years that Carey managed the indigo plant, he completed the first revision of his Bengali New Testament and began formulating the principles upon which his missionary community would be formed, including communal living, financial self-reliance, and the training of indigenous ministers.

His example has led thousands of Christian missionaries to support themselves while ministering overseas.

Ministry is not just for the full-time pastor. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for tent-maker pastors and seek to be more involved in ministering to others.

“The man who has had the greatest impact on my life as a Christian and mentor was my father, who was a bi-vocational pastor. When he passed away a few years ago, the words he used to define his ministry were carved on his gravestone: ‘I work to live, but I live to preach.’” - Seaborn Dell

God’s Word: “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

Devotional - Not Trying To Please Men

2025-07-03T04:58:00Z

“On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed--God is our witness.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:4-5

While working as a lab technician at a nuclear facility operated by General Electric in 1984, Vera English was alarmed by the frequency of radioactive spillages. English contacted both her supervisor and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission about her concerns, but nothing was done and English was fired shortly after. After a 10 year long legal battle, her Supreme Court case, English v. General Electric Company, set a precedent that allowed whistleblowers to pursue cases under state law. English’s landmark victory also set precedent for the use of whistleblower protection laws in other nuclear energy cases, and demonstrated how existing whistleblower laws can be used to protect against corporate retaliation. Ms. English told her story in the video “How to Blow the Whistle and Win,” a 1994 documentary produced by the National Whistleblower Center.

The Lord desires that we please Him, not the desires of men. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that we should live our lives so that we speak as men and women approved by God.

“Whether men be pleased or displeased, or how they judge you, or what they call you, will seem a small matter to you as their own interest, in comparison to God’s judgment. You live not on them. You can bear their displeasure, censures, and reproaches, if God be but pleased.” – Richard Baxter

God’s Word: “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

Devotional - Let Your Faith Be Known

2025-07-02T04:58:00Z

“The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia--your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it” – 1 Thessalonians 1:8

Mike Shildt became manager of the San Diego Padres. He is outspoken about his faith in Christ and shared his testimony years ago:

“I took some wrong turns before surrendering myself to the Lord. I grew up in an Episcopal Church and always had a belief in God. I just didn’t accept/live the teachings. As I got into my college and young adult years I strayed from God and was more dedicated to earthly pleasures.”

Shildt soon learned something was missing, and began turning his life over to the Lord. “It was only after trying to do it myself that I realized the emptiness I was feeling couldn’t be filled by me alone. So, I turned to God and anchored to His teachings. It created a peace within me and opened up my world in how I should live. I now have clarity as to my purpose in life and serving others with God’s spiritual gifts He has bestowed upon me.”

Trust in the Lord in all you do, and let others know where your trust lies. Today in prayer, place your faith in Jesus knowing that you are in the best of hands.

“Everyone knows how to have faith. We do it all the time in countless ways. When I get in a car and turn the ignition key I have faith that my car will start. When I pick up a ballpoint pen and press it down on a sheet of paper, I'm exercising faith in the ability of that pen to write. When I sit down to eat and put my wife's cooking into my mouth I am exercising faith that my wife hasn't poisoned the food. Day by day, in countless ways we exercise faith in the people or things around us. Likewise, when Jesus asks us to have faith in him he is only asking us to do what is natural for us to do.” – Bill Gordon

God’s Word: “See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright-- but the righteous will live by his faith” – Habakkuk 2:4

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

Devotional - Imitating Others

2025-06-30T16:55:00Z

“You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Ariana Grande-Butera is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Her accolades include two Grammy Awards, a Brit Award, two Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards, and ten MTV Video Music Awards. The 31-year-old singer is known for her four-octave vocal range, which extends into the whistle register.

Because of this wide vocal range, she is able to sing songs in a wide variety of keys.

Ariana has been a hit on the talk show circuit for her impressions of many female singers and actresses.

Some of her best imitations are Whitney Houston singing “I Will Always Love You”, as well as singing in the styles of Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Rihanna, and Shakira. She also spoofs actresses Jennifer Coolidge, Elizabeth Gillies, and Jennifer Lawrence with hilarious impressions of them.

How much better it is to imitate Jesus Christ and godly believers. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the example mature Christians have shown you and seek to be more like Jesus Christ in all that you do.

“Imitate Christ, who is supremely perfect and supremely holy, and you will never ere.” – John of the Cross

God’s Word: “Therefore I urge you to imitate me.” – 1 Corinthians 4:16

DEVOTIONS IN 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS †

Devotional - Choose Life

2025-06-30T04:24:00Z

“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” – Deuteronomy 30:19

Pastor Andy Barnard tells the stories of two paraplegics. “One was Kenneth Wright, a high school football star and later an avid wrestler, boxer, hunter and skin diver. A broken neck sustained in a wrestling match in 1979 left him paralyzed from the chest down. He underwent therapy, and his doctors were hopeful that one day he would be able to walk with the help of braces and crutches.

But apparently, the former athlete could not reconcile himself to his physical disability. He prevailed upon two of his best friends to take him in his wheelchair to a wooded area, where they left him alone with a twelve-gauge shotgun. After they left, he held the shotgun to his abdomen and pulled the trigger. Kenneth Wright, twenty-four, committed suicide.

The second paraplegic in the news was Jim McGowan. Thirty years ago, at the age of nineteen, Jim was stabbed and left paralyzed from the middle of his chest down. He is now confined to a wheelchair. But he made the news recently when he made a successful parachute jump, landing on his target in the middle of Lake Wallenpaupack in the Poconos.

Newspeople learned a number of things about Jim. He lives alone, cooks his meals, washes his clothes and cleans his house. He drives himself in his specially equipped automobile. He has written three books, and he did the photography for our country’s first book on the history of wheelchair sports.

Two men with handicaps: one chose life and the other one didn’t.”

Every day we are confronted with choices. The most important choice you have is who is Jesus Christ? Today in prayer, thank the Lord for His sacrifice and choose life and follow Him in all that you do.

“Nature gives man corn but he must grind it. God gives man a will but he must make the right choices.” – Fulton J. Sheen

God’s Word: “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:15

DEVOTIONS IN EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, AND DEUTERONOMY †

Devotional - The Secret Things Of God

2025-06-27T04:58:00Z

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” – Deuteronomy 29:29

In his book “The Reason for God: Conversations on Faith and Life” Tim Keller writes:

“If you put three swimmers on the coast of California and ask them to swim to Hawaii, the Olympic swimmer might swim 500 miles before she dies. The second swimmer might be a good swimmer and swim 25 miles before he dies. The last swimmer does not know how to swim very well and swims only one mile before he dies. So you might say that the Olympic swimmer is 500 times better as a swimmer than the third one. Who is more dead? Nobody can get to Hawaii on the basis of their own swimming ability. The Bible says we are supposed to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbour as ourselves.

Nobody gets there. The unique message of Christianity is that you “get there” not because of your own effort, or your own good works, but because you put your trust in what Jesus did for you on the cross.”

The Bible isn’t always easy to understand, but thanks be to God that which we can understand describes our loving God. Today in prayer, give thanks to Jesus for being the Word of God made flesh.

“No matter what problems we have in understanding the Bible, we can thank Him that He has revealed sufficient truth to win our hearts, guide our steps, and bring us to heaven.” —D. J. De Haan

God’s Word: “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.” – Psalm 25:14

DEVOTIONS IN EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, AND DEUTERONOMY †

Devotional - Reckless Living

2025-06-26T04:57:00Z

“They shall say to the elders, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a profligate and a drunkard.’ Then all the men of his town shall stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid.” – Deuteronomy 21:20-21

Famous Abstract Artist Jackson Pollock had a fatal love affair with alcohol. He tried to get help: doctors prescribed him tranquilizers, his family made him “vegetable juices (Brussels sprouts and dandelion juice), healthy smoothies and fruit drinks” - but ultimately, nothing could get him to kick the habit.

Art critic Lee Siegel says except for “intermittent dry spells,” Pollock “was drunk almost every day and night” of his adult life. Some argue that his drinking inspired his distinctive style, but one thing’s for sure: the end of his short life - he was only 44 - was horrific, and booze was at least partially to blame. As James Hall of the Guardian puts it, his life “ended horrifyingly and murderously when, in an alcohol-fueled rage, he drove his convertible Oldsmobile into a tree at 80 mph, decapitating himself and killing a female passenger – and nearly killing his young mistress – in the process.”

The Lord warns us to refrain from reckless living. Today in prayer, give consideration to how you are living your life and give your life fully to Jesus.

“Do you think it is a vain hope that one day man will find joy in noble deeds of light and mercy, rather than in the coarse pleasures he indulges in today -- gluttony, fornication, ostentation, boasting, and envious vying with his neighbor? I am certain this is not a vain hope and that the day will come soon.” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky

God’s Word: “Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way. Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.” – Proverbs 23:19-21

DEVOTIONS IN EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, AND DEUTERONOMY †

Devotional - Be A Faithful Giver

2025-06-25T04:56:00Z

“Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.” – Deuteronomy 16:17

In her book “The Path of Loneliness” missionary author Elisabeth Elliot writes: “There is an old story of a king who went into the village streets to greet his subjects. A beggar sitting by the roadside eagerly held up his alms bowl, sure that the king would give handsomely. Instead, the king asked the beggar to give him something. Taken aback, the beggar fished three grains of rice from his bowl and dropped them into the king’s outstretched hand. When at the end of the day the beggar poured out what he had received, he found to his astonishment three grains of pure gold in the bottom of his bowl. O, that I had given him all!”

We need to be faithful in giving to the Lord’s work. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for all that He has given you and seek to be a cheerful giver to His work.

“God loves a cheerful giver. He who gives cheerfully, gives better. The best way to show our gratitude to God and to our neighbor is to accept their gifts with joy. Joy is a net of love in which souls can be caught. We impatiently await God's paradise, but we have in our hands the power to be in paradise right here and now. Being happy with God means this: to love as He loves, to help as He helps, to give as He gives, to serve as He serves.” – Mother Teresa

God’s Word: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

DEVOTIONS IN EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, AND DEUTERONOMY †

Devotional - Love The Lord

2025-06-24T04:55:00Z

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:5

In his book “The Challenge of Jesus”, British professor N.T. Wright writes: “A friend of mine, lecturing in a theological college in Kenya, introduced his students to “The Quest for the Historical Jesus.” This, he said, was a movement of thought and scholarship that in its earlier forms was carried on largely in Germany in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. He had not gone far into his lecture explaining this search for Jesus when one of his students interrupted him. “Teacher,” he said (“I knew I was in trouble,” my friend commented, “as soon as he called me ‘teacher’!”), ‘if the Germans have lost Jesus, that is their problem. We have not lost him. We know him. We love him.’”

We are called to love the Lord with all of our heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Today in prayer, praise the Lord and love Him with all of your heart.

“We are called to an everlasting preoccupation with God.” – A.W. Tozer

God’s Word: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” – Matthew 22:37

DEVOTIONS IN EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, AND DEUTERONOMY †

Devotional - Do Not Forget His Words

2025-06-23T04:57:00Z

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” – Deuteronomy 4:9

Pastor Mia Levetan writes: “God remembers Noah. God remembers Abram. God remembers Lot. God remembers the Israelites. The Israelites, in the book of Judges, do not remember God—this was their problem. God remembers Hannah. The Psalmist remembers God over and over again. And, for his part, God remembers God’s people over and over again in the Psalms. God called Israel to remember whose they are. Jonah remembers God. Peter remembers the words of Jesus. And Jesus calls us to remember him when we take communion—and this is really important. Remembering establishes who and whose we are.

Crucifixion is also about memory. It is about who you are and whose you are. You are an imperial subject. You belong to Rome. They crucify people so you remember it. ("Don’t step out of line, or we’ll do it to you, too.") And it is also about erasing the condemned. When they strip you of your clothes, they strip away your individual and cultural identity. You are left a generic, naked, weak, pathetic human being. You are forced out of your city, your community, and exposed on a crossbeam. You just hang there until you die. If you are ever remembered, you’re remembered as that person Rome destroyed. Because what you’re supposed to remember is Rome always wins.

Except… it doesn’t.

Because, in spite of all appearances, just when Rome thought they had erased him, Jesus was victorious.

When we gather, and especially when we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we remember that God has turned back the power of everyone who would dehumanize, isolate, and make us nothing.

We remember. And it tells us who we are and whose we are.

We are God’s. We are Christ’s. And in Christ, we are each other's.”

The Lord desires us to remember His words and to live them out in our lives. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for His Word and seek to remember and apply all of His Word.

“The tumult and the shouting dies, The captains and the kings depart; Still stands thine ancient sacrifice, A humble and a contrite heart. Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet Lest we forget, --lest we forget.” – Rudyard Kipling

God’s Word: “Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.” – Psalm 78:7

DEVOTIONS IN EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, AND DEUTERONOMY †

Devotional - God Does Not Lie

2025-06-20T04:58:00Z

“God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” – Numbers 23:19

Sabrina Rubin Erdely wrote one of the most infamous feature stories of the last decade when she published “A Rape on Campus” in Rolling Stone in 2014. The story was about an alleged gang rape that took place in a fraternity house at the University of Virginia. And at first, the story blew up and went mega-viral.

It caused people to come up with all sorts of assumptions about the frat in which the alleged atrocity took place and the men supposedly involved. But then, upon closer inspection, critics of the story started to poke holes in it. Small ones, at first, and then larger and larger ones regarding facts about the so-called victim involved, the sources Erdely used for her story, and the alleged assailants.

Other journalists couldn’t confirm Erdely’s sources or find the same level of access to the so-called victim in her piece. Eventually, the heat got so hot that Rolling Stone asked the Columbia University School of Journalism to review the article independently. Their conclusion was damning. They slammed Erdely and Rolling Stone for failing to engage in “basic, even routine journalistic practice.” In other words, it was all a lie.

The University of Virginia administrator, who was at the center of the piece and depicted as hapless at best and uncaring at worst, sued Erdely and Rolling Stone for defamation. In November 2016, a federally impaneled jury found the disgraced journalist to be liable for defamation with actual malice and ordered to personally pay that UVA administrator $2 million in damages.

When we trust that God cannot lie, we can then stand on the Truth. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He does not lie and in Christ, we see all the fullness of truth.

“Lying is the acme of evil.” – Victor Hugo

God’s Word: “in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,” – Titus 1:2

DEVOTIONS IN EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, AND DEUTERONOMY †

Devotional - Do Not Be Afraid

2025-06-19T04:59:00Z

“Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” – Numbers 14:9

During Joseph Stalin’s 30 years as leader of the Soviet Union, he executed more than 3.3 million of his own people. He was followed by Nikita Khrushev in 1953. During his years as premier of the Soviet Union, Khrushchev denounced many of the policies and atrocities of Joseph Stalin. Once, as he censured Stalin in a public meeting, Khrushchev was interrupted by a shout from a heckler in the audience. “You were one of Stalin’s colleagues. Why didn’t you stop him?” “Who said that?” roared Khrushchev. An agonizing silence followed as nobody in the room dared move a muscle. Then Khrushchev replied quietly, “Now you know why.”

The Lord asks us to trust in Him and not to be afraid. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that when we put our trust in Christ, we do not have to be afraid of anything.

“Jesus came treading the waves; and so he puts all the swelling tumults of life under his feet. Christians – why afraid?” – Augustine

God’s Word: “say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.’” – Isaiah 35:4

DEVOTIONS IN EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, AND DEUTERONOMY †

Devotional - Don't Go It Alone

2025-06-18T04:56:00Z

“I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.” – Numbers 11:17

In his 2023 report, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy highlighted the links between loneliness and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. Young people are especially affected, with 79% of adults aged 18-24 reporting feeling lonely, compared to 41% of those 66 and older.

Murthy believes the solution lies not in focusing on ourselves but in fostering deeper connections with others through relationships, service, and community. He notes that modern society often emphasizes self-centered pursuits like acquiring and achieving more, which fail to address the root causes of loneliness. Instead, he emphasized the joy that comes from connecting to something bigger than ourselves, calling service “one of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness.”

To combat loneliness, Murthy recommends investing time in fewer but deeper relationships, engaging in acts of service, and building community. Small gestures, such as bringing dinner to a busy friend or helping someone overwhelmed, can reduce feelings of isolation and foster connection. Likewise, using personal skills to contribute to a greater cause—like volunteering—can create a sense of purpose and belonging.

The Lord never designed us to live life alone. We need the fellowship of the Lord and the love and comfort of friends and family. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He is closer than a friend, and seek to draw closer to family members or friends you haven’t talked to recently.

“The soul hardly ever realizes it, but whether [we are] a believer or not, [our] loneliness is really a homesickness for God.” – Hubert Van Zeller

God’s Word: “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” – Psalm 25:16

DEVOTIONS IN EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, AND DEUTERONOMY †

Devotional - Making Restitution

2025-06-17T04:58:00Z

“and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution for his wrong, add one fifth to it and give it all to the person he has wronged.” – Numbers 5:7

After F.E. Marsh preached on the subject of restitution, a young man came to him and said, "Pastor, you have put me in a bad fix. I've stolen from my employer, and I'm ashamed to tell him about it. You see, I'm a boat builder, and the man I work for is an unbeliever. I have often talked to him about Christ, but he only laughs at me. In my work, expensive copper nails are used because they won't rust in water. I've been taking some of them home for a boat I am building in my backyard. I'm afraid if I tell my boss what I've done and offer to pay for them, he'll think I'm a hypocrite, and I'll never be able to reach him for Christ. Yet, my conscience is bothered."

Later when the man saw the preacher again, he exclaimed, "Pastor, I've settled that matter and I'm so relieved."

"What happened when you told your boss?" asked the minister. "Oh, he looked at me intently and said, 'George, I've always thought you were a hypocrite, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe there's something to your Christianity after all. Any religion that makes a man admit he's been stealing a few copper nails and offer to settle for them must be worth having.'"

Confession and restitution are acts that help restore a broken relationship. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He gave Himself as restitution for sin and if you have hurt another person, seek to confess the wrong and give restitution to them.

“Many people today think that repentance means shedding a few tears and then going merrily on their way. It is much more than that. It is making things right by making restitution to the individual that has been injured.” – J. Vernon McGee

God’s Word: “or whatever it was he swore falsely about. He must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the owner on the day he presents his guilt offering.” – Leviticus 6:5

DEVOTIONS IN EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, AND DEUTERONOMY †

Devotional - Follow God's Laws

2025-06-16T04:58:00Z

“Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land.” - Leviticus 25:18

In June 2023, an Orlando police officer was arrested in Florida and relieved of duty, after driving 80 in a 45-mph zone in a non-emergency situation.

The pursuing deputy had to drive 90 mph with lights and sirens activated to catch up to Orlando Police Officer Alexander Shaouni.

Once stopped, Shaouni got out of the police vehicle and said to the deputy, “What? I am going into work, my man. Why are you trying to pull me over as I’m going into work?”

“Because you’re going 80 in a 45,” the deputy replied. “My name is Deputy Hilton. May I see your driver’s license?”

“No,” Shaouni replied, before driving away.

The deputy called in Shaouni’s tag number, who was later arrested.

Shaouni faces charges of resisting an officer, reckless driving, and fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer with their lights and sirens activated. The Orlando Police Department stated Shaouni had been “relieved of duty pending the Seminole County Sheriff’s criminal investigation and OPD’s Internal Affairs investigation.”

The Lord gives us laws so that we may live safely and draw closer to Him. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His decrees and laws and seek to follow Him in all that you do.

“The law is the light and the commandment the lantern.” – William Austin

God’s Word: “Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them.” – Psalm 119:129

DEVOTIONS IN EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, AND DEUTERONOMY †