Daily Devotionals

Philippians 4:11–13

How do you develop a grateful heart? I can tell you, it certainly does not come from within ourselves. Gratitude is rooted in the grace of God, who welcomes His people into His kingdom and into a renewed relationship with Him. In the same way, gratitude is a heartfelt response to what God has done for us. And in gratitude, we affirm God’s grace and recognize just how blessed we are in all He has given to us.

Proverbs 25:19

Can you keep a secret?

Can you? Be honest, now. When privileged information passes through one of the gates of your senses, does it remain within the walls of your mind? Or is it only a matter of time before a leak occurs? When the grapevine requests your attention from time to time, do you refuse to help it climb higher, or do you encourage its rapid growth, fertilizing it by your wagging, unguarded tongue? When someone says, “Now this is confidential,” do you respect their trust or ignore it ... either instantly or ultimately?

Ephesians 4:21–24

Gentlemen,

Enclosed you will find a cheque for $150. I cheated on my income tax return last year and have not been able to sleep ever since. If I still have trouble sleeping, I’ll send you the rest.

Sincerely,

______________

Acts 20:22–24

The scene is familiar: a hospital lobby with all the expected surroundings ... soft sofas and folded newspapers...matching carpets and drapes illumined by eerie lighting ... a uniformed lady at the desk, weary from answering the same questions ... strange smells ... and lots of people.

Mark 6:18–20

Eagle thinkers ask the hard questions, take strategic risks, search hard for the whole truth, and soar high above mediocrity. Parrot people enjoy the predictable, routine, rehearsed words of others.

Luke 12:34

Idols take many forms.

2 Timothy 4:1–2

During my pastoring days in New England, I heard of a teacher who quizzed a group of high school students on the Bible. The quiz preceded a Bible-as-literature course he planned to teach at the Newton (Massachusetts) High School, generally considered one of the best public schools in the nation. Among the most astounding findings he got from the students:

Sodom and Gomorrah were lovers.

Jezebel was Ahab’s donkey.

The four horsemen appeared on the Acropolis.

The New Testament Gospels were written by Matthew, Mark,Luther, and John.

Psalm 78:70–72

Both adversity and prominence confront our equilibrium, but prominence is perhaps the more challenging test. The classic example is David.

[God] chose his servant, David, calling him from the sheep pens. He took David from tending the ewes and lambs and made him the shepherd of Jacob’sdescendants—God’s own people, Israel. He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands (Psalm 78:70–72).

Matthew 7:24–25

The Great Plague stretched across London like a thick, drab blanket. It came as a thief in the night. The mortality rate was astounding.

Proverbs 4:23–25

Instant replays have become old hat. We now expect them in all televised scenarios. Whether it’s a tennis pro’s impressive backhand or an in-store video camera capturing the sticky-fingered shoplifter or a squad car dash-cam chronicling an officer’s every move! These days, we never should worry about missing it the first time around. It’ll be back again and again and, probably, again—splashed across cable news.