Daily Devotionals

Psalm 8

I recall a wise seminary professor saying to us students, “Some things about God are best left to mystery.” What great counsel! We live in such a highly practical, seemingly enlightened age, that we feel the need to explain all the mysteries of the universe. Offering logical explanations for things that defy all logic. But the psalmist reminds us of the benefit of wonder and awe when considering the things of God.

Psalm 2:7–12

Unfortunately, we have grown accustomed to shrugging off lapses in moral character, manifested in secret and deceptive lifestyles. We are frequently told that trying to find people who value honesty and model responsibility, who promote fairness, accountability, loyalty, respect for others, and who hold to strong, upright convictions is not at all realistic.

“Such people don’t exist ... we need to stop requiring personal purity,” they are told. Or, as one misguided soul said during a presidential campaign, “We’re voting for a president, not the pope.”

Isaiah 29:17–21

I love the word serendipity! It’s not only fun to say, but it also describes things that occur wondrously and unexpectedly. Who doesn’t need more of that in life?

Though we often think of discipline and hard work as important characteristics to mark our lives as Christians, healthy levels of spontaneity and surprise should also appear in the list of traits.

Ephesians 6:10–13

The problem with battling modern terrorism is we are fighting an often-invisible enemy. During the days of the Civil War, the advancing foes were often signalled by the dust that would rise from their ranks as they marched atop a dusty Georgia hillside. But few armies can withstand the insidious assault that comes without warning from inside the thick of a forest. Unseen until the damage was already done.

As believers, we too face an invisible enemy. Paul wrote these ominous words:

James 1:2–4

Romans 8:28–31

Are you tired of gimmicks and scams offering everything from perfect abs in 30 days to financial independence in four easy steps? It’s all nonsense! The infomercial promising the latest easy fix is indeed too good to be true. We may despair, wishing life was that simple. ButGod offers a promise that is guaranteed: when His word is accepted and believed, it can bring about genuine peace and an enduring joy. It’s good, but it’s also true!

Colossians 3:7–10

The flesh dies a slow, bitter, bloody death—kicking and screaming all the way down. “Putting off” the clothes of the old self—the old, habitual lifestyle—will not be complete until you are determined to “put on” the garment of the new self—the new, fresh, Christian lifestyle (see Colossians 3:9–10). The tailor’s name is Change, and he is a master at fitting your frame. But the process will be painful ... and costly.

1 John 5:1–5

If tears were indelible ink instead of clear fluid, all of us would be stained for life. The heartbreaking circumstances. The painful encounters with calamities, the brutal verbal blows we receive from the surgeon. The caustic response of an angry mate. The sudden loss of someone we simply adored. The pain and shame of riding out the consequences of a stupid decision. Such is the groan and grind of life on planet earth.

Hebrews 12:1–2

What is perspective?

Well, it’s obviously related to the way we view something. The term literally suggests “looking through ... seeing clearly.” One who views life through perspective lenses has the capacity to see things in their true relations or relative importance. He sees the big picture. She is able to distinguish the incidental from the essential ... the temporary from the eternal ... the partial from the whole...the trees from the forest.

2 Chronicles 7:13–14

Try turning on the nightly news and avoid hearing about yet another nation in turmoil, usually from within. Though the last great World War was fought decades ago, cultures and kingdoms continue to clash both from within and from without.