Devotion Archive
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Devotion for December 6, 2020
“We continually remember … your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3 ) When they think about life, lots of people say they love the journey but aren’t much interested in the destination. Anna Quindlen, in her book A Short Guide to a Happy Life, writes, “Life is good. I…
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Devotion for December 5, 2020
“We do not want you to … grieve like the rest … who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13) The dictionary defines grief as “a keen, mental suffering, or distress over loss.” Philosophy teacher Nick Wolterstorff states that suffering occurs “when something prized or loved is ripped away or never granted.” None of us escapes…
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Devotion for December 4, 2020
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with … the anxieties of life …” (Luke 21:34 ) The New York Times carried the story of a miner who had been trapped for 16 hours deep under the mountains of Colorado. Tons of rock blocked his escape. Water was slowly filling the mine. To…
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Devotion for December 3, 2020
“As you sent me into the world [Father], I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18) The Bible describes Jesus’ followers in a number of ways. We are called forgiven sinners, adopted sons and daughters, and beloved members of the body of Christ. All of these are key aspects of who we are in…
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Devotion for December 2, 2020
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) One of the things Jesus wants his followers to understand is that the way forward for them will not be easy. As we saw…
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Devotion for December 1, 2020
“But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’” (Luke 15:2) The Bible says concerning the Prodigal Son: “When he was a great way off, his father … had compassion … ran … fell on his neck and kissed him.” The truth is, you’re not beyond…
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Devotion for November 30, 2020
“I will … praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness.” (Psalm 138:2a) It’s quite easy to complain, isn’t it? Standing in the line at the supermarket, I happened to overhear two people having a real chinwag about all the things that were wrong in their lives. As we moved forward towards the…
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Devotion for November 29, 2020
“A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.” (Proverbs 14:17) The truth is that when your temper gets the best of you, it reveals the worst of you. The Bible says three things about unrighteous anger that you need to keep in mind: It’s stupid. “A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and…
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Devotion for November 28, 2020
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Jesus makes a bold claim in this passage, saying he is the way, the truth, and the life. He’s the only one who can lead people to God the Father. Many people today disagree…