devotionsfordifficultdays

Who Art in Heaven

I began this devo a couple weeks ago, not knowing that I would hear news from family/friends that would cause its truth to be kneaded deeper into my soul. – Becky “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. NASB 1977 Matthew 6:9 For He looks to theContinue reading “Who Art in Heaven”

Wounds that Heal

Can he have followed far who has no wound nor scar? – Amy Carmichael …to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORDContinue reading “Wounds that Heal”

Why Are You Cast Down?

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. Psalm 42:11 Why am I cast down? (Some translations read, depressed or disturbed, while in the original Hebrew the words carry the meaningContinue reading “Why Are You Cast Down?”

Sausage Scenarios

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Some of the challenges we face in life can be compared to making sausage. (Bear with me on the analogy!) A plump, grilled bratwurst tastes delicious, but you definitelyContinue reading “Sausage Scenarios”

Beyond Hope?

“I never expected to see your face again,” Israel (aka Jacob) said to Joseph, “but now God has let me see your children as well.” Genesis 48:11 BSB Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed… Romans 4:18a BSB The situation looks hopeless. Feels hopeless. By all accounts, is hopeless. Have such thoughts ever gripped yourContinue reading “Beyond Hope?”

Offering God “Advice”

When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” …. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others;Continue reading “Offering God “Advice””

So that…

As He passed along, He noticed a man blind from his birth. His disciples asked Him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind? Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed inContinue reading “So that…”

When Pain Steals our Voice

I cry aloud to God, and He will hear me. In the day of my trouble, I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted…I am so troubled that I cannot speak. Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of theContinue reading “When Pain Steals our Voice”

Because You Prayed

Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, “Because you have prayed to Me …” The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Isaiah 37:21a NASB James 5:16a NASB In the middle of the crisis, it just didn’t occur to me. Busily making decisions and finding solutions as I dealt with the realityContinue reading “Because You Prayed”

What’s the Goal?

Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Isaiah 43:7 ESV 1, Corinthians 10:31 While serving and chatting with friends, my raspy, and newly baritone voice, gave evidenceContinue reading “What’s the Goal?”