Posts with the category “devotions”

Here Be Leadersby John UpChurchYou wouldn’t know it from the outside, but this place is full of leaders. Sure, the boarded up windows and sloppy graffiti might be cause for concern. And the challenging glares of those crossing the street might make you want to drive faster. But make no mistake: church leaders, pastors, elders, and missionaries make their home here, amid the squalor, amid the sun-c...  Read More

GodlinessCharles SwindollI need to be very candid with you. If you are a "Sunday Christian," you will not stand alone when outnumbered. Apart from a personal and vital faith in Jesus Christ, it is impossible to wage a winning effort against the system called "the world."Trying to overcome the powerful magnet of the majority without help from above would be a frustrating and counterproductive effor...  Read More

Forward with back to the bibleAll Together NowRead Colossians 3:11 (ESV) Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.ReflectHow is this verse relevant to our time and our current cultural climate?There is no doubt that the world is divided. We make plenty of distinctions between people. Black or white, rich or poor...  Read More

That Verse before 'All Things'by John UpChurch“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12I’d rather live a Philippians 4:13 type life. But that verse before it always gets me. I’d rather jump right into the “doing all ...  Read More

Daily DisciplesToday's Reading: Proverbs 16; 2 Corinthians 6Today's Thoughts: God Has a Way of Balancing ThingsWhen the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. Genesis 29:31God has a way of balancing the scales. I have seen it with money, with time and, as this verse says, with love. Leah was "unloved" but Rachel was adored by Jacob. Leah had children and Rachel ...  Read More

Daily DisciplesToday's Reading: Proverbs 3; 2 Corinthians 1Today's Thoughts: Direct My PathsTrust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6My mom and dad are dealing with a huge plumbing problem. The main pipe that carries their hot water from the garage to the kitchen broke underneath t...  Read More

I Want Answers Now!by Laura MacCorkleIn his heart, a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9, NIVLiving in the Information Age, we’re so used to getting what we want as soon as we want it.We’re becoming more and more accustomed to not having to wait for anything, as instant gratification is the norm in many areas of our lives.A gourmet, meat-and-three meal ready in l...  Read More

John NorthHebrews 12:1-2“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of th...  Read More

Hearts Set on HeavenForward with Back to the BibleRead Colossians 3:1 (NIV)Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.ReflectHow would your daily life change if you focused more on the reality of heaven?Do you know where in the world Christianity is growing the fastest? Organizations such as Operation World track ...  Read More

Sick on the Scenic Routeby John UpChurch“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” - Philippians 3:12On my way home from North Carolina, I followed my impulse to jump on the Blue Ridge Parkway that meanders along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains. Late spring had hit, and the trees on that slitheri...  Read More

Unfulfilled DesireBy: Sarah Phillips"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:12-13"For a long time I have not belonged to myself since I delivered myself totally to Jesus, and He is therefore free to do with me as He pleases." ~ St. ...  Read More

Blessing GodGreg Laurie“Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance” (John 12:3 NLT).When one of my granddaughters was five years old, she walked up to me and said, “Papa, I’m smarter than you.” “Okay,” I said. I didn’t argue with her. Sometimes we feel...  Read More

John NorthLuke 10:41-42“But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’”Don’t start like Mary and end up like Martha!As followers of Jesus, we often start our commitment to serve Jesus and go where he leads out of pure love and devotion to him. We start ...  Read More

Seeing Obstacles through God's EyesCharles StanleyJoshua 2Jericho was the first city that the Israelites needed to conquer in their quest for the land of Canaan. When Joshua sent a pair of spies to check it out, he probably didn't realize that he would receive a glimpse of God's impressive behind-the-scenes activity.God wants us to look at every obstacle through the lens of His unlimited strength ...  Read More

Fuel for FaithDavid JeremiahNow faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 James Watt, the eighteenth-century Scottish inventor and engineer, coined the term “horsepower” to compare the power of newly invented steam engines to the power of a draft horse. The horse and carriage gave way to the horseless carriage, or automobile, powered by gasoline. Now...  Read More

He can make a way through the wilderness and cause streams to rise up, bringing refreshing even in the desert times. He can split the sea, move mountains, or any barrier before us, and allow us to walk through on dry ground.   Read More