Strength

August 21st – Colossians 2:7

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Colossians 2:7

“rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

One of my favorite trees is the mighty oak. Beautiful and strong, it outlasts almost every living thing on the earth. And no matter the strength of the storm, because it’s roots grow wide and deep, it’s branches can withstand the blowing winds. When we have roots that run wide and deep in Christ, we too can withstand anything Satan and his evil world can throw at us. To be rooted in Christ means to anchor our lives in His teachings, character, and love. It involves cultivating a strong and enduring relationship with Him by spending time in His presence, through prayer, and by studying  His Word. Just as a healthy tree bears fruit, being rooted in Christ leads to spiritual growth and transformation. And as we draw from His wisdom and grace, we become more resilient against the challenges of life and more fruitful in our actions and relationships. Our great encourager, Paul urges us to strive for a faith that is not superficial, but deeply grounded in the truths of Christ. Thereby allowing us to stand firm, and to flourish amidst the changing tides of the world.

August 21st – Colossians 2:7 Read More »

August 10th- Colossians 4:2

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Colossians 4:2

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

Paul tells us to dedicate ourselves to prayer. Why? Because prayer is our direct line of communication with God. Through prayer we talk with God, give Him the desires and sorrows of our hearts, lift up others and their needs, confess our sins, and thank Him for our blessings. By dedicating ourselves to prayer, we open the door to a deeper relationship with the Lord through intimacy and trust. And when we pray we invite God into every aspect of our lives, seeking guidance, strength, and comfort in times of need. It aligns our hearts with the Father’s will and reminds us of our dependency on Him. Regular and devoted prayer transforms our perspective. It enables us to see life’s challenges through a spiritual lens. Prayer keeps us aware of God’s presence and encourages a spirit of humility. God is always ready and anxious to hear from His children. So pray. Tell God what is in your heart and mind. He’s always listening!

August 10th- Colossians 4:2 Read More »

July 26th – Proverbs 31:10

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Proverbs 31:10

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

The Proverbs 31 woman is everything admirable in both a woman and a wife. And as someone once said, she isn’t the yardstick by which all woman are measured. Rather she’s the beautiful goal we as women should be moving toward. When asked to describe beauty author Mandy Hale wrote, “There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” That’s who the Proverbs 31 woman is. Clothed in strength and dignity, her heart is surrendered in thankfulness to God. And out of that thankfulness, comes a character worthy of her family’s praise. A character exampling humility, caring, wisdom, and goodness. Her beauty radiates from the glory of the Lord, sparkling brighter than the largest diamond. Her is love spread to those who cares for with every touch. And with hearts overflowing her family looks upon her with praise, treasuring her greater than the most precious jewel.

July 26th – Proverbs 31:10 Read More »

May 2nd – Isaiah 40:31

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Isaiah 40:31

I love this quote by Emily Dickinson. “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words. And never stops at all.” Do you ever get frustrated when you hope for best, but don’t see your resolutions come to fruition? If so, you’re not alone. When it comes to making changes, for those who go it on their own, the outcome is almost always certain failure. Because no matter how good are our intentions, the human spirit is weak, and change is hard. But when we team up with God, and walk in His strength, the impossible becomes possible. And the unattainable, attainable. For not only does the Lord promise victory, but through Him, we will reach the finish line renewed, refreshed, and soaring like an eagle! That’s why when we put our trust and hope in God, we will never be disappointed. Because He will sustain, encourage, and give victory every time to those who call on Him as Lord!

May 2nd – Isaiah 40:31 Read More »

April 10th – Hebrews 13:8

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Hebrews 13:8

In a constantly changing world, it’s good to know that there is one we can always rely on. One whose character and teachings are consistent across time. And whose message and actions remain relevant and important for all generations. That One is Jesus Christ. The same yesterday, today, and forever, the Lord is our reliable and constant source of hope, guidance, and strength. And as such, we can rely on His teachings, sacrifice, and love, both in this life and in the next. Most wonderful of all, because Jesus never changes, His work on the Cross remains available to all who seek redemption and forgiveness. This means that anyone who calls on Jesus as their Savior can be assured of eternal life. And we can trust that no matter what challenges or difficulties we face in life, Jesus will always be there for us. Because His love and grace will never diminish.

April 10th – Hebrews 13:8 Read More »

March 13th – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 Corinthians 10:13

Evangelist Billy Sunday once said, “Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in.” Temptations are everywhere, and not even the strongest Christian is immune to their pull. But thankfully we have the blessing of knowing that God will never let Satan tempt us beyond our ability to resist. And by turning to Him when we are at our weakest, we can resist any enticement. Through prayer we can ask God for strength and wisdom. By studying His Word we can gain God’s insight to help us overcome. And through the mighty power of His Spirit living inside of us, we can discern right from wrong. We serve a God who knows firsthand the temptation of sin. So when when Satan is enchanting us to wickedness, by turning to God and fellow believers we can turn aside from sin. And we can be victorious, living a life that is pleasing to God.

March 13th – 1 Corinthians 10:13 Read More »

December 7th – John 13:35

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

John 13:35

As one of His last acts before His sacrifice on the Cross, the Lord performed a task usually reserved for the lowest slaves in the house. He knelt and began to cleanse the feet of the disciples. Such an expression of self sacrifice, Jesus did as an example of humble love. Throughout His life on earth, everything Jesus did He did in love. And He made it perfectly clear that we are to do the same. But such a calling isn’t easy. For undoubtedly as soon as you make a commitment to love others, along a person will come as a test to your resolve. But the goal of the Christian walk is to become transformed into the image of Christ. And God never calls us to go it alone, nor to do what He asks in our own strength. Our strength comes from the power of the Holy Spirt. And through His power we can walk like Jesus and serve others joyfully and humbly. Our strength comes from the power of the Holy Spirt. And through His power we walk like Jesus and serve others joyfully and humbly.

December 7th – John 13:35 Read More »

December 5th – Habakkuk 3:19

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Habakkuk 3:19

It’s easy to have a deep and obedient faith when God answers our prayers exactly the way we want. But what about when He doesn’t? The prophet Habakkuk cried out to God to deal with the wickedness of Judah. But when God’s answer was the nation’s destruction, Habakkuk couldn’t understand the Lord’s reasoning. Have you ever felt like that? Unable to understand why God’s answer to your prayer would involve suffering? In Isaiah 55:8-9 we are told that the thoughts and ways of God are higher than our human brains can comprehend. So even if we don’t understand His methods, we can trust that God uses all things for our good. (Rom. 8:28) That’s what faith is all about! Trusting that even though this life is filled with trials and suffering, and we don’t have all the answers, we can still praise God. For He is our strength and our joy. And in His perfect love will never let us falter, carrying our feet to high places of safety!

December 5th – Habakkuk 3:19 Read More »

December 1st – Psalm 6:2

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 6:2

One of the things I love most about the Psalms is the way they convey the hurts, joys, hopes, and sorrows of every Christian. And in Psalm 6, the pain David feels resonates deep inside my heart. Because I too know the anguish of sinning against God. The brokenness of realizing what a mess I’ve made, and the despair of the consequences that are sure to follow. Like David, I have felt the wretchedness that comes from disobedience to God. How the shame literally manifests into physical pain, from deep in my heart to deep in my bones. But also like David, I trust in the mercy, promises, and love of God. I know that even though I’m not, God is good all of the time. The Lord knows my heart. And when I come bowed before Him in humility, He sees my sorrow. And in my repentance, He graciously welcomes me back to a place I don’t deserve; into His loving arms. Restoring me with all joy and peace, and abounding me in hope! (Rom. 15:13)

December 1st – Psalm 6:2 Read More »

October 29th – 1 Peter 5:10

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 Peter 5:10

God’s Promise – “I have called you to My eternal glory in Jesus Christ.”

Peter makes it clear that there are no ifs, ands, or buts. As long as we are here on this earth, we will experience suffering. While Christians aren’t immune to trials and pain, we can find peace knowing God is always in control. And from His unending grace, our loving Father never lets us suffer in vain. For there is always a purpose for our pain, with no storm lasting longer than God allows. About suffering pastor Paul Chappell says, “Suffering is painful for us to endure or to see those we love endure. While our instinct is to flee trials, remember that even in the midst of suffering, God’s will is being done.” Although we must suffer a little while, one day soon God will call us home. And never again will we know anything but joy, gladness, and peace. But until that glorious day we can trust that with each trial, God establishes, strengthens, perfects, and matures us. Walking side by side with His children until they dwell with Him in eternity!

 

October 29th – 1 Peter 5:10 Read More »