Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

“Peanuts! Popcorn! Ice cold beeeer heeere!” The distinctive cries of the refreshment vendors reverberate through every ball stadium. The excitement of the game, blistering heat from the hot sun, and cramped quarters in the packed stadium usually produces the desired response. Fans dig deep into their pockets and produce a wad of cash to purchase the expensive treats. But what if you could get your cravings met for free?

God is good all the time! We hear this phrase glibly spoken from many a Christian’s lips. How we like to dwell on the thought, and it is especially easy when life is in order and our plans are falling into place. “God is so good,” we exclaim when all is going well. But how do we explain God’s goodness when our world begins to crumble? It is important to understand what goodness is, and to realize it cannot be defined apart from God Himself. For God is the author of all that is good. He is its source and everything He does meets the standard.

For the past 60 years or so, many students have been required to read 1984, a book written by George Orwell in 1948. Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, I was required to read this book twice in different literature classes. While I don’t remember much about the plot or fate of the main character, Winston Smith, I very clearly remember his scary plight. No matter what he did or said, he was always reminded that “Big Brother,” the apparently omniscient ruler of the prevailing government was watching his every move, word, and thought. There was no escaping it – Big Brother was always watching.

All the skunks in our town recently reminded me of a post I wrote in 2014. A skunk interrupted me while sitting on our porch and I couldn't help but think of the similarities between handling that situation and handling temptation. In neither case is it a good idea to stick around. Running is the best choice! Read on...

There was murder in the hen house this week. Monday evening started out like any other evening. The hens had made their way into the coop and found their roosts as usual. After putting our German Shepherd in the big barn and checking on the goats, Dad perused the chicken run. All seemed peaceful and quiet. We prepared for bed and promptly fell asleep. Sometime in the night I awakened to a strange noise outside the window. I thought I heard the girls clucking, but in my stupor I rolled over and went back to sleep.

Our town has a skunk problem!! Numerous people throughout the village have complained about these black and white critters with the fluffy tail and big stink. Recently one of our renters called to inform us that seven offenders had taken up residence under her shed. That same night we found one scuttling his way across our office parking lot. While I have a great love for God’s created creatures, there are certain species that a person does not want taking over her home or place of business.