Daily Devotionals

Luke 4:21–22

My kids pulled a fast one on me one Christmas many years ago. They teamed up, pooled their vast financial resources, and bought me a little motto to set on my desk. Itwas more than cute ... it was convicting. In bold, black letters it read:

DIETS ARE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE THICK AND TIRED OF IT

At first you thmile ... then it makes you thad. Especially if you’re not thick of being thick!

1 Corinthians 13:4–7

If the truth were known, there’s a secret “detective spirit” in most of us. Thanks to the popularity of television detective series, we vicariously probe for motives, analyze the evidence, and ponder the villain’s next move. Our curiosity forces us to investigate things that are just slightly irregular.

Luke 10:37

Kitty Genovese was brutally attacked late one night as she returned to her apartment. She screamed and shrieked as she fought for her life for 30 minutes. Thirty-eight people watched the half-hour episode from their windows with rapt fascination. Not one called the police. Kitty died that night as 38 witnesses stared in silence.

Acts 8:26–40

I want to introduce you to what I call the Philip Approach to evangelism. This Christ-centred method is set forth in a series of seven principles drawn from Acts 8:26–40. This remarkable follower of Christ named Philip was engaged in a citywide crusade at Samaria. God was using him mightily (see 8:5–8). Suddenly, the Lord spoke to His spokesman and instructed him to leave the city and travel to Gaza, a desert area (see 8:26). Faithful Philip got up and went (see 8:27). He was available (Principle 1).

Romans 10:15

Various methods are employed to communicate the Good News of Christ to the lost. Some of the approaches appear to be successful on the surface, but underneath they leave much to be desired.

Psalm 68:5

Several years ago, a couple was enjoying a drive along a wooded section near Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Something white in the trees caught their eyes. Their investigation led them to a dead teenager hanging from a limb, a white bedsheet knotted tightly around his neck. A farewell note, laced with despair, was near the trunk of the tree. It was addressed simply to “Mom and Dad.”

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.