Devotionals

Habakkuk 2:19–20

1 Peter 5:5–7

A prayer to be said
When the world has gotten you down,
And you feel rotten,
And you’re too doggone tired to pray,
And you’re in a big hurry,
And besides you’re mad at everybody...
Help.

Psalm 46:1–3

The old country preacher was right when he said, “I may tremble on the rock, but the rock don’t tremble under me.” It is my solid foundation. It stands firm no matter what may occur.

That delightful expression always turns my mind to Psalm 46:

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! (Psalm 46:1–3)

Ephesians 2:19–20

In the swirl of these turbulent times, I’m hearing echoes in my mind of David’s question in Psalm 11: “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (verse 3 ESV).

Great question! Webster tells us that a “foundation” is “the basis upon which something stands or is supported.” Every house has a foundation. Every significant structure, every building has a foundation. The taller the building, the deeper and more substantial the foundation. Destroy the building’s foundation, and you’ve toppled the building.

Philippians 2:5–11

Genuine character seems more possible in us when we see it modelled in others. That’s why I’ve always believed in being a student of great people.

I’ve always benefited spiritually by considering the character in individuals like David, who at key moments in history, chose to humble himself under the mighty hand of God, allowing Him to fulfil His plan...His way...in His time.

Job 1:20–22

Then, think about your life and your own dealings with the Lord. Think about your past...your own times of severe adversity. Were you able to look up, look ahead, and look within?

Where are you now in your journey of faith?

If you are climbing over the ragged rocks of adversity, take His hand and let Him lead. In the midst of it all, it is His touch which comforts and guides. Don’t fight Him...don’t try to control the outcome.

If the road ahead is smooth right now, that’s great, but be ready. Watch out for falling rocks!

Luke 18:35–43

How do you feel about intrusions? Like an early-morning knock at your door? Like a talkative passenger next to you on a packed-out flight? Like an illness that strikes at the wrong time? Like the piercing ring of the cell phone during a meeting? Like the relentless demands of your job?

Check your attitude. Instead of seeing such things as inconveniences, view all such matters through the lens of Scripture. Jesus shows us the way:

1 Corinthians 15:57–58

All of us benefit from someone’s quest. Let me name a few.

Above my head is a bright electric light. Thanks, Tom.

On my nose are eyeglasses that enable me to focus. Thanks, Ben.

In my driveway is a car ready to take me wherever I wish. Thanks, Henry.

Across my shelves are books full of interesting and carefully researched pages. Thanks, authors.

In our yard flies a beautiful American flag. Thanks, Betsy.

Isaiah 58:3–8

The nation to whom the prophet Isaiah wrote languished through the empty motions of a hollow religion. All the right words, all the right appearances, but zero results. They even fasted and prayed. They looked and sounded orthodox, but they totally missed the experience of God’s favour. They observed the external Sabbath, but they lacked the internal shalom. Why? Don’t hurry through the answer. Here’s a passage worth reading aloud, perhaps more than once.

1 Corinthians 15:56-58

The Psalms are full of powerful lyrics that give us a clear portrait of the Lord God. Never is He portrayed as a mild-mannered, passive Deity, hoping and waiting for things to happen. Always He is vigorously engaged in an all-out war against injustice and inequity.

Yet for us as humans, we battle the force of inertia. The antidote for that foe of effectiveness? You guessed it. Heart. It helps to have a passion for serving the Lord. Reflect on these words from the Apostle Paul: