Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

Envy is a vice that can cause great damage. It reaches into the heart of relationships and creates much havoc. Like a mouse squeezing into a home through the tightest places, this trait can even find its way into Christian circles and fruitful ministries. The Corinthian church suffered the aftermath of envious leaders who infiltrated their midst after their spiritual father, the Apostle Paul, journeyed on to other places. Self-proclaimed apostles who lusted after power took charge of the congregation and began to deride Paul’s authority. By finding fault and casting doubt they convinced the Corinthians that Paul did not have their best interests at heart.

Your first reaction when a crisis occurs is crucial. It could mean the difference between life and death. Years ago when I took a first aid class we memorized a checklist of things that we needed to do in a crisis. The very first thing on the list seemed a little basic, but I soon realized how important it was. Over and over again the instructor had us practice what we should do. Immediately upon arriving at the scene we were to scream, “Call 911!” From there we were to begin the other techniques we had been taught.

Communicating with God through prayer is crucial to our spiritual condition for many reasons. Along with reading the Bible, prayer connects us with God. It is how we talk to Him and relinquish our cares and worries. It is how we ask for guidance and for help. Prayer is a weapon to be used in spiritual battles and the way we release God’s power in our lives. Why then do we have so many excuses for not doing it?

When going through a difficult experience, there is nothing better than to find one of God’s promises to cling to. Knowing that the Lord is always faithful to His word, it is comforting to remind yourself continually of His pledge.

The sultry air carried the laughter of children playing in the distance. The sounds of busy town life punctuated by an occasional dog’s barking buzzed all around, heralding the return of spring. Everyone basked in its sweet entrance – everyone except one man. The lonely figure sat staring. His body was motionless, but his mind was struggling in a sea of mixed emotions. The cheerful sunshine reached down to touch his oozing skin covered with leprous sores, but the action only seemed to emphasize his loss of human touch.

The phone was ringing off the hook last week! We were selling a glass decanter of old marbles and it seems they were very desirable. Calls from all over the country came in to inquire about the condition, size, colors, quantity, and age. Just a jar of glass spheres – but so special. I couldn’t wait to see how much they would sell for. Auction day rolled around and the crowds were record breaking. The facility was full of hopeful people and beautiful antiques, but I only wanted to know the selling price of one thing – the marbles.