A Devotion May Be Someone's Only Bible

Spirit & Soul

Spirit and Soul is all about eternity. Life ever after with a God who has prepared a place in advance for us. Dig into the Word. Search out your heart. Contemplate where you will spend eternity. . .then choose to offer your life to God.

Good Luck with This One

As I put the water on for the pasta and angrily clicked the burner, I tossed a snarky quip to God, “Good Luck with this one!”

I bustled around my kitchen, feeling frustrated and raking my hands through my hair. My sister had just served us three siblings with a lawsuit. She wanted everything that remained of our mother’s estate instead of dividing it four ways as Mom wished.

My sister had always been tyrannical and made her own rules. She was smart and savvy. With scary histrionics, she successfully got others to do her bidding. I would not be surprised if she was also the victor in this legal action.  

Whenever I’ve experienced trials, I’m astounded at the creative way God comes through with solutions. Why would He let me down this time?

The apostles freaked out as that little boat rocked and rolled, seawater sloshing over the sides. I would panic too if I were stuck on that boat. Jesus, however, admonished their lack of faith. I would probably have looked at Him and bellowed, “Are you serious? You’re scolding us? We are about to drown!” But Jesus is like Aladdin on the roof in the Disney movie, reaching out His hand to Jasmine before she jumps, asking, “Do you trust me?”

God challenges me to give my faith an upgrade. I must say daily, “Who is on the throne?” When I flippantly say, “Good luck with this one,” I put the Creator of the universe on the same level as puny me. How preposterous. Jesus understands us and our exploding anger and excruciating fear. But He also sits at the right hand of God, seeing the end from the beginning. I can do all the footwork, but I’ll never be in charge of God’s outcome.

Often, I think of my sister’s strength and amazing abilities. She is intelligent enough to cure cancer. God will take care of all of us, including my sister, even though it may not appear He will at the moment.

How can you learn to trust God with your unpleasant situations?

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and Engin_Akyurt.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)



Satan's Zombie Children

I once came to understand that I was a zombie, along with everyone else.

One of my least favorite entertainments is in the many zombie movies and television programs such as “The Walking Dead.” These programs have a common theme in which animated dead bodies with unquenchable appetites seek out those who have life, seeking to devour them. The walking dead are energized by desires with no morality or respect. They have no awareness of God or guilt but only obey their hunger.

After becoming God’s child through faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we live daily by interacting with zombies who desire our needs above all others. Knowing this, I felt heightened concern for my family.

I also became aware that any Christian who walks in this current world without dressing in God’s armor is a person walking naked among hungry zombies who lust after what they have. Sadly, only a percentage of the living have the new life in Christ.

But we don’t have to be afraid. The one who is in us is greater than the enemy of our souls. Our job is to walk carefully.

What are some ways you can resist Satan’s zombie children?

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and klimkin.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)



Grace Woke Us

As I enjoyed sitting in the morning sun, I thought about how the grace of God had awakened me for a beautiful day of holiday relaxation. The grace of God blesses each of us to wake up, so I decided to enjoy each moment.

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth come through Jesus Christ. I read this verse and thought about how God sent us His greatest undeserved grace, Jesus, our Lord. Through Him, we are blessed to enjoy our prayers and blessings in humble faith.

We can all hope our future as Christians looks bright. We can pray to be united. We can harness the power of positive prayer by seeking inspiration from our Lord.

We are all saved through Jesus’ great love and sacrifice for us all. This is how God enriches each day of our lives with goodness, mercy, love, healing benefits, and forgiveness. Jesus is our true manifestation of grace, so together, we can pray to wake up and have peace for all.

How does God’s grace awaken you?

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and Shingo_No.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)



Water the Trees

When I was seven years old, we moved to a new house. While it was perfect in many ways, one deficiency was evident: no trees in the backyard. So, we went to Lowe's and picked out two young live oak trees. My mom, sister, and I decided the trees needed names, so we chose Luke and Lily. Dad dug two holes—one on the left side of the yard and one on the right. We stuck the trees in them, patted down the dirt, and gave the trees a good soaking.

At the end of a scorching stretch of days in the summer, we trooped out with a hose and watered them so they wouldn't dry out. Most of the grass was crunchy and brown, but Luke and Lily were green and growing, thanks to the water.

Our trust in God strengthens us, much like water strengthens a tree. When we trust God, we take steps forward and impact the world. But when we doubt God's abilities or promises, we have no stability, we're unsure, and our lives dry out.

Trust in God leads to a better life. Our complete confidence and dependence on Him allow us to stand firm in times of trouble. We know we'll be okay because we're in the Father's hands.

We can build trust by remembering what God has done for us in the past and reading promises in Scripture. Trust doesn't just happen, and God doesn't force it on us. Trusting God is our choice, but it’s the only thing that will keep us going.

Don’t let anything keep you from trusting God.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and shameersrk.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)



In God's Presence

Children, especially younger ones, long to be in God’s presence.

God reminded me of this truth on a morning drive with my granddaughters during the first week of Lent. All week, we had discussed Lent, ashes, and preparing our hearts for this special, holy season—much as we had for Advent. Now, both were enthusiastic and curious about the upcoming forty days.

The youngest granddaughter closed her eyes on the sunny ride. The older one—observant, totally wide-eyed, who does not miss a single thing—announced that her sister was sleeping. I suggested we be quiet so she could rest since she’d been an early riser for a few days.

Then a little, kind voice said, “G’ma, my eyes are closed, but I’m not sleeping; I’m praying.”

This was my greatest blessing and my heart’s desire. I wanted to pull over to an open field, parking lot, or some wide space to dance as David must have. But wisdom and the morning rush-hour traffic screamed, “No.” However, she and I did take a little praise walk later.

This proved the crowning jewel of the start of Lent. I hoped her tenderness would remain a hunger for God and time with Him. I wanted God’s presence to grow in these children and children everywhere.

The following day proved equally rewarding. During my Scripture reading, the door opened, and an angelic face, surrounded by frizzy curls, tipped in ever so quietly. She smiled and stared at my face, my Bible, and then back to my face. Not a single sound, just a sweet smile hanging on every one of God’s breathed words.

God graciously blanketed my spirit with His calmness as my heart leaped for joy—gladness that this curious created worshipper just wanted to hear God’s Word. It must have been music to her ears, honey to her lips, and a warm caress—even as it is for me every time I hear it.

Like newborn babies who crave pure milk, we are blessed when we hunger and thirst for righteousness. I prayed again and thanked the Lord for an extraordinary God moment.

What are some ways you can enjoy God’s presence?

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and warrengrieve.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)



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