Archived Devotions (Page 8)

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens… Ecclesiastes 3:1 We each process change differently. Some of us are just wired to be more adaptable, we can go with the flow, and don’t get overly anxious about unknowns. Others of us like to know exactly what is going to happen, and how and when it is going to happen. Regardless of what type of person you are, the reality is that as a…

On July 11 we started a new Sunday School Class that meets at 11:00AM in the Fireside Room on the book of Philippians. We began by reading Philippians in its entirety, aloud as a class, all four chapters in succession. Then we read together a brief summary of the Book of Philippians as follows: Philippians 1 – The Advancing Gospel, Philippians 2 – Imitate Christ, Philippians 3 – Pressing Onward, Philippians 4 – Rejoice in the Lord.  To end our…

We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28, CEB) It has been one of those weeks where I am reminded that life is messy. I realize some people can tolerate more messiness than others. Some of you know my desk tends to be cluttered, what some would even call messy. Honestly, most of the time, I know where most things are…

In today’s society, it seems like everyone is striving endlessly to be strong.  Whether it is emotional, spiritual, or physical, the world seems to reward strength and discourage weakness. Throughout the years of my life, I have faced many challenges as all of you have.  Some of those challenges I was experiencing, people weren’t even aware of until after I walked through the battle without any Christian friend by my side. After making it through those difficulties of life I…

A Servant’s Lesson:  Outer victories mean nothing if I do not win the inner battle.  You would think that Chapter 18 of 1 Kings contained the biggest battles of Elijah’s life.  He battled the powerful King Ahab, he battled 450 false prophets!  But in Chapter 19 he faces an even bigger battle, the battle within himself.  He won the battles of Chapter 18 fairly easily, yet almost lost his life in the battle with himself.  In 1 Kings 19 Elijah…

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”       And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the…

Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.” Nicodemus asked, “How is it possible for an adult to be born? It’s impossible to enter the mother’s womb for a second time and be born, isn’t it?” (John 3:3-4, CEB) I’ve always found the biblical character Nicodemus interesting. Here we meet someone who should have the answers, who should have wisdom and understanding. He is a Pharisee, a seasoned Jewish leader, and…

Last Wednesday night the SFNAZ children and pre-teens used different translations of scripture in order for the children to determine how the translations differ, but more importantly which translation they can relate and apply to their lives today. Below I have shared a verse that has been weighing heavy on my heart this week. As the weeks, months and year have gone by, we have been given new information on how we need to approach life.  This is a time…

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still”. Exodus 14:14 There is something special about watching a nurturing Mom in “Mom mode”.  Sometimes it is the hug and wiping away of tears or even fear.  At other times there is the tone used when trying to keep your child safe.  We might pull the “Mom card”:  the authoritative voice, that is working hard to tell children no matter their age, “Danger! “. There is a little…

“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”  Ephesians 4:26 (NIV) I believe today’s verse should be taken literally. When you go to bed at night, make sure your conscience is clear and there’s no disharmony. Why? God knows how dangerous and destructive anger is to our bodies. The anger gets inside of you and starts to eat you up. Have you ever heard anybody say, “That really burns me up!” They’re speaking the truth.  It…

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. But he put his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m the first and the last, 18 and the living one. (Revelation Chap 1, CEB) On Sunday mornings for our youth discipleship class we’ve begun a deep dive into the book of Revelation. This is indeed a challenging endeavor, but it is something our students were requesting and have an innate curiosity about. We are…

Last night at church during the devotional with the children we discussed Mark 4:35-41. We focused our discussion around verses 38 and 40. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Mark 4:38   He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:40 As we began our discussion I asked the children to identify what…