Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

Often you can tell where someone has been or what they have been doing from the scent they bring with them.

In this fast paced world there are not many opportunities to be alone. It seems we are always rushing off to the next activity with all the bluster of a whirlwind blowing autumn leaves from a tree. Even when we do capture a few solitary moments, it is usually punctuated by beeps and dings from our digital devices.

Have you ever had something you don't like about yourself? I think most people do at one time or another. When I was young I was always the tallest girl in the class. This made me feel awkward because I was taller than most of the boys. Though I am not one to slouch, at that time I was tempted to scrunch my body so that I could blend in a little easier. The insecurities of youth can carry into adulthood if we are not careful. The only way to combat these lies of Satan is to slam them with the truth.

The rising sun's golden fingers gently touched the thick ice of the frozen lake that cold winter morning in 1953. Fourteen-year old Johnny enjoyed the warm caress of the rays as he sat on the edge of the lake lacing on his racing skates. He had arrived a few minutes early for his shift on the Packanack Lake, New Jersey, Ice Patrol. 

Who is controlling you? The Bible says there are two forces that can guide what we do and how we act. These opposing stimuli are our sinful flesh and the Spirit of God. How we live our lives depends on which power is filling us.

The constant and all-encompassing presence of the Lord is so comforting - or is it? This would seem an odd question for those who love and obey the Lord. To them, His presence brings eternal blessing and joy. These obedient followers desire to live in the light of His presence continually experiencing His salvation, His strength, His protection, and His goodness. They cannot even imagine a better place to be than under God's watchful care and they would despair at the thought of separation from the One they love and need so desperately. But there is another group of people. For this circle of individuals, God's constant presence is very uncomfortable. They may even be Christians, ones who belong to God, but who desire to keep parts of their lives from His control. They do not like the idea that there is no secret place where they can go to hide from God's all-seeing eyes. Deep down they know that their words and actions are not pleasing to their Creator. But rather than revise their ways, they seek to do their deeds in a secluded place where they think that no one will notice. Though they may be able to pull the wool over the eyes of even those closest to them, there is no private place that is hidden from the Lord. His presence fills the heavens and the earth. "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5)."  He is Francis Thompson's The Hound of Heaven, Who will never stop seeking them.