Daily Devotionals

Acts 17:22–31

Paul was a misfit. When it came to a place like Athens, the crusty Apostle clashed with the decor. 

Made no sense at all. The classic oil-and-water combo. A monotheistic Jew smack dab in the middle of polytheistic Gentiles. Narrow-minded former Pharisee surrounded by broad-minded philosophers. One idol-hating Christian among many idol-worshiping pagans. Outnumbered. Outvoted. Outshouted. But not outwitted. 

Mark 2:16–18

What happened to compassion among conservative Christians? When did we stop thinking of how valuable it is to be healing agents, wound wrappers like the good Samaritan? When did we opt for placing more emphasis on being proclaimers and defenders and less on becoming repairers and restorers?

James 2:15–17

It was one of those backhanded compliments. The kind that makes one pause, think, then respond, rather than gush out a quick “Hey, thanks.” 

Ephesians 1:19-23

Matthew 16:18

So, what’s the big deal about the church? 

Good question. And it deserves a good answer. Something more than, “You gotta have one to get married in,” or “It’s the place kids oughta be on Sunday.” Or how about, “There’s not a better spot to make business contacts.” 

2 Peter 3:10–12

Garages tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. They are the ideal catch-alls because the space is really flexible. Unlike a bedroom or kitchen, garages don’t have to be filled with what they’re made for. And with driveways just waiting to be occupied, who needs to hassle that big door every morning and every evening? Just nail it shut and fill ’er up. And isn’t it amazing the amount of stuff? 

2 Corinthians 12:8-10

It happens to every one of us. Teachers as well as students. Cops as well as criminals. Bosses as well as secretaries. Parents as well as kids. The diligent as well as the lazy. Not even presidents are immune. Or corporation heads who earn six-figure salaries. The same is true of well-meaning architects and hard-working builders and clear-thinking engineers...not to mention pro ball players, politicians, and preachers. 

Philippians 4:11–13

SOMEDAY WHEN THE KIDS ARE GROWN, things are going to be a lot different. The garage won’t be full of bikes, electric train tracks on plywood, sawhorses surrounded by chunks of two-by-fours, nails, a hammer and saw, unfinished “experimental projects,” and the rabbit cage. I’ll be able to park both cars neatly in just the right places, and never again stumble over skateboards, a pile of papers (saved for the school fund drive), or the bag of rabbit food—now split and spilled. Ugh! 

Matthew 7:1–5

Teenagers get a bum rap. Always have. For some reason, if you’re between 12 and 20, you’re suspect. Cops stare and senior citizens glare. Why? Well...

2 Timothy 2:2

I love watching the Summer Olympics. Among my all-time favourite events is the relay race. A team of runners working magnificently in harmony and co-operation to pass the baton to their running mates to finish the race for the gold. What a thrill! The key, as I understand it, lies in the precise technique of passing the baton from one runner to the next. The race cannot be won unless the baton is successfully passed.