Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

Have you ever noticed how expensive purchases regularly develop upgrades? A number of years ago I spent quite a bit of money to buy an iPad. I went above and beyond the average model to make sure it would last for a long time. I have gotten a lot of wear out of that piece of equipment, but recently I wanted to purchase another protective cover for it. I soon became frustrated to find that they no longer make them for my model. After searching on eBay I came to the realization that there really is no good option for me.

“You just don’t understand me!!” I have often expressed this frustration throughout my life. All human beings display different temperaments. They have diverse likes and dislikes, different ways of handling situations, and distinctive feelings about matters. Differing life experiences and influences compound this. All these mold us and determine our responses, making it rare to find someone who can look within our heart and fully understand our needs and struggles. But Jesus, our great High Priest, understands us perfectly.

"Do you hear me now?" These familiar words from a cell phone commercial became a reality to our family this past week. While visiting the state of New York for John-Keith and Naomi’s wedding, we found that in most spots we did not have good cell reception. It is a good discipline to wean oneself of smart phone and computer use once in a while, but there are times when reaching someone immediately is very important.

There is nothing worse than being ignored. And there is nothing better than being acknowledged . . . except for being acknowledged by someone with a much higher standing than you have. One very clear childhood memory occurred when I was five years old. I had just entered Kindergarten at Roosevelt School in Kearny, NJ. This brick city school had three stories accessible by a huge main staircase that spiraled around the center of the building. The kindergarteners were housed on the first floor near the principal’s office, and the older children progressed up the levels to the top floor.

Did you know that before you were born the Lord knew you? It only makes sense when you understand that He is the one who created your body, gave you your DNA, and equipped you for a special purpose. From day one He fashioned you to be exactly who He wanted you to be. So why do we often try so hard to be someone else?

Summer is the time for vacations and today I am going to share a post I wrote three years ago after one of our best. Thank you to our dear friends, the Kinsinger family, for sharing their time and camping expertise with the Sheridans. We had a blast!