A Heartbreaking Interview Several years ago I was interviewed on a live radio talk program of a popular Christian station in a large city in the South. We were discussing one of my books. Ten minutes into the radio interview the announcer took a break. During that time, I heard several commercials and announcements at…
Training in Trust
May God, who puts all things together, makes all things whole… Now put you together. — Hebrews 13:18-21 The Message A round pen is like a corral with no corners. One of my friends bonds with her horse Luke in a round pen because it limits the ways he can avoid the pressure of what…
School Days! Prayers for Teachers
School Days! Prayers for Teachers At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you…
Will You Accept or Reject God’s Love?
In Song of Songs chapter 5, a lover (standing in for God) stands at the door of his beloved and knocks. The woman (who represents each one of us) is already in bed for the night and does not want to get up. When she hears the knock, she responds with, I have taken off…
Courage Makes a Difference
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord. — 2 Timothy 1:7-8 Daniel had been in Babylon for decades when we are told of a very dramatic confrontation he had with the new…
Choose to Fellowship, Choose to Forgive
Relationships are like competing in the Indy 500. We’re not talking about a lazy trip down some quiet country road. Relationships are complicated, high-speed stuff. The smallest misjudgment can cause us to spin out. To be successful in the Indy 500, you need a professional driver. When it comes to relationships, there’s only one professional…
Floods of Tears
Floods of Tears Record my misery; list my tears on Your scroll — are they not in Your record? — Psalm 56:8 When too much pressure is put on the heart, tears are its safety valve. No matter how hard we try to control ourselves, sometimes there’s just no stopping tears. Though we may try…
In the Morning
In the Morning, Trust God ~ Eugene Peterson O Lord, in the morning Thou dost hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for Thee, and watch. — Psalm 5:3 RSV The work of God begins while we are asleep and without our help. He continues to work through the day in our worship…
Even When You Rock the Boat
Editor’s Note: It’s Sit & Listen Saturday at Devotionals Daily. Do you ever feel like you’re not enough… but also, too much? Sometimes even on the same day? You’re not alone. But in God’s eyes, you aren’t either one of those things – you’re fearfully and wonderfully made because you are made in God’s perfect…
The Story of Eve
The Lie That Broke God’s Beautiful World The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? — Jeremiah 17:9 Bzzt, bzzt. She swats the flies away, but they keep on coming, too many to count. She has grown used to the constant annoyance, just one of many. Their favorite spot…