Month: September 2023

September 20th – Psalm 104:31

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Psalm 104:31

“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in His works”

I love to cook. From the selecting of the recipe to the finished product, each step along the way brings joy to my heart. And I’m always filled with a sense of pride when a dish brings praise from family and friends. God is the great Creator. And David sings praises to Him, His greatness, and His control of and power over all He has created. Our work here on earth is meant to fulfill God’s creative intent. To bring each person into relationship with other people, with God, and to glorify Him. Out of His great love, God uses His power to provide for all of our needs. But it’s our job to use what He gives us to build further. All of God’s creatures look to Him for food, and while He responds by opening His hand to supply it, we still have to work hard to process and use God’s good gifts. He gives us the plants, but it’s up to us to gather and use the plants. God has done his work perfectly.  By His grace He has placed us in this beautiful world which He created.  If we work humbly in the strength He supplies, our work of cultivating the earth will be perfected.

September 19th – Romans 1:18

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Romans 1:18

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness.”

In today’s world, there often seems to be an “anything goes” attitude. Moral and ethical boundaries are increasingly blurred or ignored. However, no matter how wicked this world gets, God’s perspective remains unchanged. And with Him there are no grey areas. Because God doesn’t compromise between right and wrong. And the Lord sees and knows our actions, and whether they align with His will or not. That’s why Paul warns of the consequences of disobeying and rejecting God’s truth. And reminds us of the importance of acknowledging the moral and spiritual consequences of our actions. Because nothing gets by God. And living a life opposite of His truth and embracing ungodliness always leads to destruction. Worse yet, it leads to moral decay and separation from His grace. So lovingly, Paul encourages us to seek truth, righteousness, and a relationship with God. To recognize the significance of aligning our lives with His divine principles.

September 18th – Job 36:14-16

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Job 37:14-16

“Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders. Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge?”

Between satellites, super powered telescopes, and exploratory spacecraft, science has gathered much information about our universe. Yet as Job’s friends pointed out, only God has perfect knowledge. So how could the awe inspiring nature of the universe and our limited understanding not humbles us? For there are aspects of God’s creation and His ways that are far beyond our comprehension. This humility in turn leads to a deeper appreciation of the Lord’s mysteries. And a recognition of our dependence on the wisdom and protection of God. It also inspires a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around us. Just as Job was encouraged to consider God’s wonders, we also should marvel at the awesomeness of creation. From the complexity of the natural world to the marvels of science and technology. Because by doing so, we can cultivate a deeper reverence for God. And a greater appreciation for the beauty and order that surrounds us.

September 17th- Psalm 19:1

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Psalm 19:1

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Whether it’s the delicateness of a flower’s petal or the beauty of a setting sun, everywhere we look there is the evidence of God’s majesty. Leaving no room for excuses to not recognize His handiwork, and seek a deeper understanding of Him. David himself gives tells of how nature serves as a testament to the divine. The expanse of the heavens, the changing seasons, and the beautiful tapestry of the skies, all bear witness to God’s infinite creativity and power. And as we reflect on the wonders of the natural world, we are invited to also reflect on the greatness of the Creator Himself. To recognize God’s glory in every sunrise, starry night, and whispering breeze. David’s song calls us to embrace a sense of awe and gratitude for the beauty and order that surrounds us. To give thanks to our great Creator, Father, and Savior. And it reminds us that even in the complexity of life, God’s glory shines through, offering us a glimpse of His boundless love and wisdom.

September 16th – Genesis 1:16

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Genesis 1:16

“God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.”

I’m a star gazer. I love looking up at the night sky full of light. To see the stars twinkle, a meteor shooting across the sky, and the fullness of the moon, fill me with awe for our great Creator. And remind with of the intricacy in which God so loving and purposefully made our universe and everything in it. The sky and all it contains, serves as God’s reminder for us today. Just as these celestial bodies have distinct roles in governing our day and night, we can apply this concept to our own lives. It encourages us to recognize the importance of balance and order. We should strive to find equilibrium between the different aspects of our lives. Between work and rest, responsibilities and play, and light and darkness. Why? Because balance between our spiritual, personal, and worldly responsibilities helps us to better reflect God’s love. It equips us to serve others with compassion, and maintain the strength needed to face life’s challenges while also nurturing our relationship with God.

September 15th – Matthew 11:30

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Matthew 11:30

“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

In today’s fast-paced world, the relentless demands of life often leave us feeling weak and weary. The constant hustle and bustle, the pressure to meet expectations, and the pursuit of success can take a toll on our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is in these moments of exhaustion that the words of Jesus in Matthew offer solace and guidance. “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” In these simple yet profound words, Jesus invites us to turn to Him. To find rest in His presence, and to cast our heavy burdens upon Him. He wants us to lay everything at His feet and yoke ourselves to His side. Because in the midst of life’s frantic pace, Jesus offers us a refuge. He’s our source of strength and renewal. And reminds us that true rest and rejuvenation are found in a deep and abiding relationship with Him. In the embrace of His love and grace, we discover the strength to navigate the challenges of this world. And a peace that transcends the relentless demands of our busy lives.

September 14th – Psalm 25:20

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Psalm 25:20

“Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.”

We live in an era where online accusations and public shaming have become the norm. Social media and the internet have made it easy for people to make allegations against others, often without any proof. And the weight of defending yourself against baseless accusations can be overwhelming. It can cause a fear of being misunderstood or unfairly judged. And become mentally and emotionally draining. But as Christians, we not only have a great Protector, but also a great Defender in God. As we place our trust in Him, He takes it upon Himself to safeguard our reputation. And with His power, shields us from shame or unjust accusations. In a world where our character and honor can be tested and challenged, God’s love, grace, and mercy offers peace and reassurance. This encourages us to live with integrity. And to rely on God’s divine intervention to uphold our honor. For He is our ultimate Advocate. This ensures that our good name remains untarnished, even in the face of adversity or false accusations.

September 13th – Isaiah 25:4

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Isaiah 25:4

“For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.”

The storms of life are the unavoidable challenges, hardships, and trials that come our way. And just as storms in nature can be fierce and unpredictable, life’s storms can be equally devastating. That’s why at the very first rumble of thunder, we need to run to God in search of shelter. For He is our dependable refuge. A safe haven shielding us from the raging elements. Turning to God in times of trouble, shows a belief in His unwavering love, sovereignty, and wisdom. And faith in His promise to never leave or forsake us. His presence offers refuge from the turbulence around us. And when we rest in His strength, we find comfort, guidance, and a source of inner peace. The kind of peace that empowers us to weather the storms with resilience and hope. And one that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, we are never alone. God is there welcoming us into His rest. He is our mighty Fortress of peace, light, and security in the midst of life’s storms.

September 12th – Psalm 46:2

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Psalm 46:2

“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,”

Natural disasters have been dominating the news. Between the recent fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes, people around the world have taken new interest in the climate. Scientists are searching for the reason why the increased frequency and strength of the disasters. But Christians already know the answer. Because in Luke 21:10-11 Jesus tells us that all of these things show that His glorious return is close. So while we may still experience fear, loss, and hardship during these “birth pangs,” we put our faith in God’s promises. Promises that give us with the inner strength and resilience needed to navigate any and all challenges. And an unshakable hope that providers resilience in the face of adversity. The days will only grow darker before Christ returns. But no matter the storm raging around us, we can find comfort. Through prayer, support from others, and the belief that, ultimately, God is in control, we can stand firm even as the world crumbles around us.

September 11th – Psalm 27:4

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional / By

Psalm 27:4

“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple,”

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the distractions and demands of daily life. Yet there is great importance in setting aside time for reflection, prayer, and worship. Importance in nourishing our souls and finding meaning in our daily existence. That’s why it’s vital to be constantly seeking the Lord. To deeply desire dwelling in the house of the Lord. The house of the Lord represents not just a physical place of worship, but a spiritual space. It’s where believers can draw near to the Lord, seek guidance, find solace, and experience God’s presence in our lives. The Lord’s house is a beautiful sanctuary. One where we can offer prayers, engage in worship, and grow in our faith. By dedicating ourselves to seeking the presence of God, we can a sense of purpose amid the chaos of this world. And dwelling in God’s house gives us a sense of belonging, fosters a deeper relationship with the Lord, and gives us a constant source of strength and comfort.