Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

February 1, 1909, ushered into the world a new baby boy. The fourth of eight children born to a Methodist preacher and his wife in Winchester, Ontario, Canada, George Beverly Shea was eventually to become "America's beloved gospel singer."

Faith without deeds is dead. This is a verse that confuses many people. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "It is by grace we are saved through faith - and this is not from yourselves - it is a gift of God - not by works so that no one can boast." But today's verse states that faith without deeds is dead. How do these two verses fit together?

God does what He says He will do. This is a God-Fact I have been mulling over lately. I find it very comforting when faced with difficult situations. No matter what, we can rely on God to keep His word.

Have you ever had an experience where someone has let you down? He or she said one thing then changed his mind. Or maybe he or she promised to do something and didn't follow through. Whether or not it was deliberate, we humans are all subject to falling short of our best intentions. This is not so of God. When He says He will do something, we can be assured that it will happen. No circumstance will thwart His intentions.

Have you ever gotten discouraged serving the Lord? When we begin a work of service we often begin with fresh enthusiasm and vibrant zeal, but as time goes on difficulties arise. In our humanness we become tired and wonder if we are really accomplishing anything. Nehemiah felt this way, but God encouraged him and helped him to finish the task he had set forth to do.

Who doesn't love a mystery? From Sherlock Holmes to Matlock to Columbo some of the most mind stretching stories are ones in which you need to figure out "Who Done It." I for one enjoy reading or watching the trench coat clad hero confront the suspects and ask them questions to help put the pieces together to solve the mystery.