Category: Devotionals

Seeking God, Not Likes: Breaking Free from the Approval Trap — Vaneetha Risner

I’ve been a pleaser for as long as I can remember. In elementary school, I couldn’t figure out what to pack for lunch until I saw what other people were bringing. In my first job, I kept wearing the clothes that people complimented me on, discarding the more comfortable ones that I preferred. Even now… Continue reading Seeking God, Not Likes: Breaking Free from the Approval Trap — Vaneetha Risner

Jewel Series #2: When gold becomes transparent

By Elizabeth Prata Recently I wrote about pearls, and today I’m writing about gold. Many precious and semi-precious gems mentioned in the Bible, and I’m interested in all of them! Next in my Jewels series I’ll write about rubies. But first, some science. I haven’t written a science essay in a while. Quantum dots are the new big… Continue reading Jewel Series #2: When gold becomes transparent

Possible to repent? Sure. Likely? No. – Divorce Minister

As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. –Proverbs 26:11, NIV Within the Christian community, so much pressure is placed upon faithful spouses to “reconcile” with their cheating partners. Sometimes lip service is given to the importance that the cheater has actually changed and will not cheat again. However, the general… Continue reading Possible to repent? Sure. Likely? No. – Divorce Minister

Why Seeking a ‘Bold Pursuit’ is Nourishment to Our Souls

Author Daniel Maritz. Photo courtesy Thomas Nelson PublishingWelling deep within our souls is the innate desire to be known. Whether it is to be respected near or far in our chosen vocation, or to provide an indelible, lasting impact on our families, our lives can be winnowed down to a singular pursuit: seeking the heart… Continue reading Why Seeking a ‘Bold Pursuit’ is Nourishment to Our Souls

A Hedge of Protection

God’s relationship with Job was a unique one and he was someone who was upright before God. God bragged about Job’s faithfulness to the adversary. “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil” (Job‬ ‭1:8‬)?… Continue reading A Hedge of Protection

Lamentations Chapter 1: Lamenting and Mourning for Zion

The Book of Lamentations reflects the experience of an individual who had seen and experienced the violence and the brutality that occurred in Jerusalem during its conquest by the Babylonian army in 587 BCE. He probably lived in the city during the long months of the siege, a siege that deprived the people of the… Continue reading Lamentations Chapter 1: Lamenting and Mourning for Zion

Come Before God in Community

Prepare for Lesson Read 1st Peter 2:8b-12 to prepare for today’s lesson. If you’re new to this community, please read the Reading Plan: Your Identity in Christ, Conduct Before God (Parts 1, 2, and 3). Focus As you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves, like living stones,… Continue reading Come Before God in Community

“Son of man” — the backstory of Jesus’ authority

I’ve been meditating on why Jesus described himself as the son of man. It’s the simplest and most profound self-designation. It redefines us all. Linguistically, the phrase means nothing more than a human being — a descendant of humanity. Calling himself human doesn’t make Jesus special; it makes him one of us. What is special about a human… Continue reading “Son of man” — the backstory of Jesus’ authority

Unwelcome Titles — Grateful, yet Grieving

We use labels and titles frequently to describe people: my mechanic, my friend, my pastor, my co-worker. We refer to people we love by calling them son, daughter, sister, mother, father, husband, or wife. These titles identify what kind of relationship we have with someone. What about a title we don’t want to be identified… Continue reading Unwelcome Titles — Grateful, yet Grieving