Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

At some point in our lives, each of us will come face to face with death. For some of us a loved one or dear friend will pass away. For others our own mortality will become apparent with the diagnosis of a dread disease or a fatal accident. There is no escaping the reality that living brings; death comes to us all. But with God death means life!

I am sitting in the truck listening to the thunder erupt in the distance. The blackening skies and the gentle raindrops spattering the windshield explain the delay in Abigail’s track meet. Another boom causes me to add another thirty minutes to the delay. Will this track meet ever get underway? I don’t like delays. I am the kind of person who likes to get on with things. Let’s make a list and get it done. Even with track meets, I want to go and enjoy the races and then head home to get to the next thing. But that is not the way life works. Sometimes the rain and the thunder force us to wait. God loves to give gifts. He gives many to all of mankind. The sun, flowers, blue skies, family, and friends are all examples of the blessings He bestows on all people. But for those who belong to Him and walk according to His ways, He gives special attention. He does not withhold any good thing from His own. But sometimes there is a delay to His blessings. Sometimes our all-wise Father sees fit to make us wait.

With the reappearance of the spring sun I have thought a lot about light. For the past week or so the earth has grown so fresh and bright. The tractors blocking my path as they slowly move from field to field and the grassy yard that now requires a regular mowing have not been successful in deterring my mood from flying high. It seems that God’s gift of light has many benefits by which we all are blessed.

The recent gorgeous Spring days have motivated me to start walking again. The early morning light peeking in my bedroom window taps me on the shoulder and beckons me to slip out from under the covers and greet the morning. As I quietly tiptoe out into the cool air, one of my favorite parts of the walk is the bird chorus belting out a daybreak melody. All the earth is silent as if listening to their glorious anthem. They are so cheerful and full of joy. I walk along, listening to the wordless message, entranced by the different warbles, trills, and whistles. Even without words I hear and understand that these feathered ministers sitting in their leafy pulpits are praising the One who created them. They are not trying to impress any human being, but their sweet song of devotion does not go unnoticed. Unknowingly they are speaking to my heart.

There is nothing worse than working hard to accomplish something and finding out in the end it was all a waste. Yet so many people try on their own to develop fellowship with God, but eventually find out they've fallen short.

Why is it that God's children know God is light, but continue to chase shadows? Yesterday was the most beautiful day. The temperature was perfect. The sun was bright and cheerful. And the gentle breeze was inviting. I grabbed a blanket and joined Abigail on the recently cut grass to catch some rays.