Devotionals

Psalm 91

Have you counted your blessings lately? Let me suggest one you might have overlooked. Let's be thankful for angels—those unseen guardians who work overtime, who never slumber or sleep.

Angels exist as supernatural creatures in and about heaven, and they are frequently dispatched to earth in human form to bring encouragement and assistance. If you have ever encountered the sudden appearance and/or departure of an angel after receiving one's help, you are never quite the same.

Philippians 4

When Christians are up against a wall, it's interesting that they finally turn to prayer. The only thing that will work is the last thing we try. Take a look at this: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

Luke 4-7

Edith, a mother of eight, came home from a neighbour’s house one afternoon and noticed that things seemed a little too quiet. Curious, she peered through the screen door and saw five of her children huddled together. As she crept closer, trying to discover the centre of their attention, she could not believe her eyes. Smack dab in the middle of the circle were five baby skunks!

Edith screamed at the top of her voice, "Quick, children...run!"

Each kid grabbed a skunk and ran.

Leviticus 11:44-45

As Christians we live a life that is different—morally excellent, ethically beautiful. It's called a holy life. And God honours that. Because it's like He is. And according to Ephesians 5:1, we are to mimic God, living as He lives.

1 Corinthians 4

Proverbs 14

A bomb exploded in America some years ago. In mid-America, of all places. The fuse was lit first in the mind of Karl Menninger, but its effect was not felt until his pen detonated the blasting cap. Suddenly—without prior warning—BOOM! His book Whatever Became of Sin stunned and shocked his colleagues.

Psalm 148

There was once a cricket on the loose in my former church. When things were quiet and still, his wings sang at top volume...like at weddings. And funerals. And during long prayers. And very early on Sunday morning before the place started jumpin' with cars and microphones and organ preludes.

What are the benefits of realizing God Incomprehensible? We no longer reduce Him to manageable terms. We are no longer tempted to manipulate Him and His will...or defend Him and His ways. Like the grieving prophet, we get new glimpses of Him "lofty and exalted," surrounded by legions of seraphim who witness Him as the "Lord of hosts" as they shout forth His praises in antiphonal voice (Isaiah 6:1-2). All this gives new meaning to the psalmist's ancient hymn:

Matthew 6:7-13

Francois Fenelon, a 17th century Roman Catholic Frenchman, said this about prayer:

Psalm 62

Most noises in church don't bug me. I've heard 'em all. People snoring. Babies crying. Rain falling. Crickets chirping. Sound systems popping. Toilets flushing. Offering and communion plates dropping. Sirens screaming and cars speeding outside. Kids yelling and phones ringing inside. Hymnals hitting a bunch of piano keys. Organists standing up on a foot full of bass notes. Coughing. Sneezing. Blowing. Laughing. Crying. Shouting. Whispering. Gasping. Yawning. Clapping.