Devotion Archive
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Devotion for March 15, 2021
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father …” (James 1:17) The petition “Lead us not into temptation” (Matthew 6:13) has often confused people. It can be misread to imply that God leads us into temptation. But would God actually do that? No. As we reflect on this petition, let’s…
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Devotion for March 14, 2021
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Let’s define the word “faith” more clearly. The Bible says faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith isn’t empty hope, or simply a positive confession of…
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Devotion for March 13, 2021
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or your sister from your heart.” (Matthew 18:35) Do you know the phrase “quid pro quo”? It’s Latin, and it means “this for that” — or, in other words, “Do this for me, and I’ll do that for you.”…
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Devotion for March 12, 2021
“Have mercy on me, O God … Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” (Psalm 51:1-2) This petition of the Lord’s Prayer has two versions. Matthew quotes Jesus as saying, “Forgive us our debts” (Matthew 6:12), and Luke quotes him as saying, “Forgive us our sins” (Luke 11:4). Either way, “debts”…
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Devotion for March 11, 2021
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39) “Whatever.” Maybe you’ve heard someone say this when they had to deal with something they didn’t like. When we pray to God, saying, “Your will be done …” (Matthew 6:10) —…
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Devotion for March 10, 2021
“My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.” (Psalm 145:21) With the words “hallowed be your name,” Jesus introduces the first petition, or request, of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9). The first half of this prayer makes requests that focus on glory and…
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Devotion for March 9, 2021
“You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:14) Maybe you have heard the expression “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” This describes an unfair situation when you’re applying for a job, but when we’re talking about prayer, it’s a good thing — even a…
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Devotion for March 8, 2021
“He replied, ‘You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’ In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.” (Job 2:10) If you could ask God one question and be guaranteed an answer, what would you ask? When pollster George Barna asked this question in…
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Devotion for March 7, 2021
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love … A broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” (Psalm 51:1, 17) What is your posture for praying? Do you close your eyes? Do you fold your hands? Do you get down on your knees? Do you stand up? Actually, there are…