Often, I feel as if I'm just an “extra piece” with no real purpose for being here. But, is that the case? Did God really create some people to be “extras,” to be used as filler in the world? No, of course not. God tells us in several Bible verses that each of us has a reason for being here.
This devotion is listed with related resources on
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance … (Proverbs 1:5).
Driver’s Education involves four stages: classroom, written test, observation, and behind the wheel. In the classroom phase, a beginner hears about driving. But hearing alone does not guarantee a passing grade on the written test. One must learn the material. Then as the student watches others drive, learning shifts to understanding. Knowing how to use a turn signal 200 feet before an intersection differs from visually recognizing where 200 feet actually begin. Finally when the pupil climbs behind the wheel, applied learning results in a successful trip. While no analogy is perfect, we see in Proverbs 1:5 a similar process for attaining wisdom.
This devotion is listed with related resources on
Have you ever tried to capture a monkey? “How do you do that?” you ask. A fable is told that says you make a hole in a gourd with an opening just large enough for the monkey’s paw, then fill it with nuts and tie it to a tree. At night the monkey reaches into the container for the nuts and is unable to pull out his paw! Now, he could let go of the nuts and get his paw out quite easily, but he wants those nuts! He is caught because of his desire for more. Are we like that monkey?
This devotion is listed with related resources on
Scripture and prayer for each day of the homemaker's week of work.
Optional Prop: Embroidered dish towels
This devotion is listed with related resources on
I want to be a fireman when I grow up. I want to be a doctor or a nurse — a teacher — an astronaut — a police officer — a banker — and the list goes on and on. Children are always excited about what they can be and do when they are grown or mature. For them, the sky is the limit! How sad that, as adults, we often forget the excitement of growing and changing.
This can be true of Christians also. Some believe that once we have been confirmed and attend church regularly, we are all grown-up, mature in our faith. A devout Christian lady who was a strong prayer warrior was often heard praying that God would “grow her.” A friend asked her one day why she always prayed that way. She replied, “One can never stop praying for the Lord to grow us in knowledge, faith, and trust.”
Day By Day — Growing in the Lord
This devotion is listed with related resources on
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:2-5).
Our Triune God is the original missionary. Jesus tells us, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). It was God’s plan all along to redeem stubborn creation. This alone demonstrates His extensive generosity and brings us joy because it was we ourselves who brought about our separation from Him by disobedience to His Word. But God forgives. From eternity, God intended that all would enjoy forgiveness by way of all things accomplished by Jesus.
Considering the Missionary Heart of God
This devotion is listed with related resources on
The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion (Psalm 116:5).
The little boy cries in distress but no one seems to notice. Just a few moments later another little boy approaches, puts his arm around him and says, “Don’t cry. I am here.” What a simple statement but yet so reassuring and comforting! … How do we show compassion daily?
This devotion is listed with related resources on
