Tag: DEVOTIONALS

  • WISDOM FROM A CACTUS

    Reflections on Titus When my husband and I were newly married, we were given a cactus, which we named Maurice. I had never owned a plant, but the cactus-giver assured me that it would be easy. I carefully avoided novice mistakes, like forgetting to water it, not giving it enough sunlight or allowing the neighborhood…

  • THE FORGOTTEN CHRISTIAN VIRTUE

    Connect The Testaments2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34; Titus 3:8-11; Psalm 99:1-100:5 An unfortunate effect of our emphasis on God’s grace is our dwindling focus on the connection between obeying God’s will and receiving His blessings. If we’re not living in the primary will God designed for us, then we will not be in the right place at…

  • THE FAITH OF AN ATHLETE: PAUL’S TAKE ON SUFFERING

    Reflections on 2 Timothy Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy while in prison, just as he was when he wrote to the church at Philippi. Philippians and 2 Timothy are genuinely encouraging letters, meant to build the faith of the church by urging sincerity, humility, and sound teaching. Even from prision, Paul exhibits confidence:…

  • BEING MADE NEW

    Connect The Testaments2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14; Titus 3:1-7; Psalm 97:1-98:9 We often fall into old habits that reflect the way we once were. Although we’ve been made new, we haven’t been made perfect, and sometimes it shows. People within our church communities might have one perception of us, but others may have experienced another side—one that…

  • RECOVERING PHARISEE

    Reflections on 1 Timothy I asked Jesus to come into my heart when I was four years old. Growing up in a Christian home, I heard Bible stories, attended Sunday school, and learned to pray before meals and bedtime. I should have become more convinced of my need for a savior as I read more…

  • WHEN WORDS ARE ENOUGH

    Connect The Testaments2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22; Titus 2:9-2:15; Psalm 96:1-13 It’s not often that words change the course of history. But Shemaiah, a little-known prophet, was given such an opportunity. We can easily pass over these life-altering moments if we’re not looking for them. Rehoboam had assembled 180,000 chosen “makers of war” to fight against Israel…

  • FAITHFUL EXAMPLES

    Connect The Testaments2 Chronicles 9:1-10:19; Titus 2:1-8; Psalm 95:1-11 We cringe when we see other Christians exploiting the gospel, using it to advance their own personal or political agenda. Today, it doesn’t take much effort to do so—it’s as easy as posting a video or link online. In these situations, it’s tempting to respond with…

  • INSTANT DISCIPLESHIP

    Reflections on 1 Thessalonians This past year, my husband has been praying and studying the Bible with Robert, a new Christian. Robert is a former addict, and his life reflected sins from that lifestyle. While he is now committed to Christ, he continues to walk in some of those sins. Many Christian men who have…

  • OUR (IN)SIGNIFICANCE

    Our (In)Significance Reflections on Philippians For most of my childhood, I didn’t know I was weird. I grew up homeschooled, and most of my friends came from conservative Christian households similar to my own. When I finally figured it out, I embarked on a series of attempts to fit in. Often that meant repeating jokes…

  • TAUNTING DEATH

    Connect The TestamentsNumbers 33:50-34:29; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58; Psalm 29:1-11 My best friend’s mother, a dear family friend, died of Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). Over the span of three years, the disease attacked her nerve cells, starting with her hands and feet and moving inward to her vital organs. Every time I visited her, she would…