Category: Devotions
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How to Wait Patiently
“Listen, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the good promises that I have spoken to the house of Israel and concerning the house of Judah. In those days and at that time, I will cause a righteous Branch to grow up from David’s line. He will establish justice and righteousness on…
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Now Thank We All Our God
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 118:1). Every time I hear the hymn, it elicits memories of my childhood—an organ booming its stately and steady tempo, the congregation dressed in their Sunday best, smiling faces singing joyfully, me dreaming of turkey and pie and football. For many…
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A Reformation Day Devotion
In his most famous hymn, Martin Luther wrote, “Though devils all the world should fill, all eager to devour us, we tremble not, we fear no ill; they shall not overpow’r us. This world’s prince may still scowl fierce as he will, he can harm us none. He’s judged; the deed is done! One little…
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Does God Really Want to Hear All My Problems?
“Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15). I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t often do a very good job of calling on God in times of trouble. Going to him with my problems is often an afterthought or last resort when all…
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Run Confidently
“I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me…
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I Only Want One Thing
“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4). I’ll admit, this incredible, bold request is not often on…
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Independence Day Devotion
To the Jews who had believed in him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31,32). “That on the first day of January, a.d. 1863, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated…
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These Words Are Not Empty
(It might be helpful to read Mark 5:21-24,35-43 before or after reading this blog post.) “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” These aren’t false reassurances spoken to a terrified father with no hope—a deeply distraught man who just learned that his little girl had died. These are not empty words. They’re not. They can’t be because…