Author: Pastor Bailey

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11) Did you know that some master gardeners actually talk to their plants? Why? Because it helps them grow! Imagine yourself saying, “You’re such a good…

“When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:3-4, NLT) It’s possible to grow during times of bright, fair weather — but you put down deeper roots during the dark days…

“If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from their house.” (Proverbs 17:13) As you reflect on the last few devotions, you’ll find some recurring themes. Themes like humility, quietness, trusting ourselves to God, ceding our sovereignty to his. And having a listening ear. The focal verse for today is a self-evident truth:…

“‘So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:21) If you have read the story of Joseph, you realize he had every reason to be angry, bitter, and vindictive for the despicable way in which his brothers treated him. But…

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28, NIV) When our granddaughter was a toddler and we were walking with the family, if she was unsure of something she would reach up and take the hand of the closest adult that she…

“The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility goes before honor.” (Proverbs 15:33) Today’s focal text contains another of the most important phrases in the Bible. It speaks of the “fear of the Lord” from which all wisdom comes. Here are two other examples: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning…

“God is fair; he will not forget the work you did and the love you showed for him by helping his people. And he will remember that you are still helping them.” (Hebrews 6:10, NCV) We’re all given the same number of minutes in a day. And we’re all given the same goal — to…

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that…

“Jesus answered, ‘The most important [commandment] is, Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’” (Mark 12:29-30) To love God with all your heart means…