Tag: MOMENT WITH GOD A DEVOTIONAL FOR EVERY BIBLICAL BOOK

  • 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 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:…

  • 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…

  • FAITH DOESN’T SIT STILL

    Reflections on 2 Thessalonians Persecution is rife. A group of Thessalonians abandoned state-sanctioned idol worship and broke social convention by taking on a radical new faith. Yet Jesus Christ, the hope of this new faith, had not returned as soon as anyone hoped or expected. With Paul and his associates prematurely “torn from them,” the…

  • 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…

  • LIFTING OUR GAZE UPWARD

    Reflections on Colossians The previous months had been rot with bad decisions and the consequences were catching up with me. I worried about the things I needed. I became angry when situations didn’t go as planned. I tried to hide my shortcomings from people and from God. I was frustrated with my sins and their…

  • 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…

  • FINDING TIME FOR GOD

    Reflections on Ephesians When I gave birth to my first child nearly eight years ago, I was totally unprepared for the immense change she would bring to my life. Sure, I knew about 2 a.m. feedings, sleepless nights and endless piles of laundry. I was aware a newborn would be dependent on me and that…

  • CHEATER, CHEATER

    Reflections on Galatians Admit it. We’ve all done it, seen someone do it, or thought about doing it at some point during our education: cheating. If you won’t admit it, I will. From one saved-by-grace cheater to another: there’s no way I would have passed my freshman-year, high-school Latin class without the pimple-laden brunette who…

  • SORRY, NOT SORRY

    Reflections on 2 Corinthians During my senior year of high school, several of my Christian friends began running with a rougher crowd—and picking up their vices as well. Concerned and perhaps a little self-righteous, I approached my friends, questioning their behavior and urging them toward holiness. I was taken aback when they were not only…