Category: Daily Devotions

“Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute.” (Judges 11:1) Jephthah was the illegitimate son of a man called Gilead. His mother was a prostitute. He grew up in the household of Gilead’s other legitimate sons who later chased him away. “‘You will not get any of…

“All the people gathered together into the square before the WaterGate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was…

“You must be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2) This is the start of these instructions from God — given to Moses to give to all the people. What do you think of when you think of holiness? Is it an unobtainable standard based on religious rituals and right beliefs?…

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-44) We often think of enemies in connection with war: enemies live in other countries and on other continents. But Jesus is focusing much closer to…

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) Cold and flu viruses aren’t the only things that are contagious; attitudes are also: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Researchers call it “emotional contagion,” and it affects every aspect of life in the same way a rotten apple corrupts the whole barrel. A relationship expert…

“Remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.” (Luke 16:25) People have complained that in sermons about this parable, it seems their pastor wants to make them feel guilty. After all, they have worked hard for the…

“The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:39) Every family has unique and different strengths. And you can give an inheritance to your children by passing on the values, insight, and love that got your family…

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) Jesus told this parable to highlight some key ways to live out the Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). If you…

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) You can learn to love and accept someone, without necessarily agreeing with their opinions and endorsing their actions or lifestyle. An important key is learning to see people as individuals. The more we realize that despite…