Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

It happened again! For the second time this winter a deer came bounding out from the side of the road and blindsided one of our cars. Now we have two cars with huge dents and mangled hoods. You need to be so careful driving the back roads at this time of the year. Even when you are watching carefully these skittish animals can jump out unexpectedly and cause great damage.

I love to read the prayers of Paul. Many times I find myself praying these same prayers for my family, my friends and myself. Though Paul, in his love for people, was concerned about their physical problems, most of his prayers had an inward focus. He knew that what his world needed more than anything was a relationship with the Almighty God of heaven and that this was possible through the Lord Jesus Christ.

The distinctive twang of banjos floated through the air as we entered through the doors and into the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival. We were immediately enveloped in the charged atmosphere as we searched through the packed auditorium for a few empty seats. While scanning the audience, acquaintances greeted us as if we were good friends, and some amiable strangers made room for us to squeeze into a corner where we could settle in and comfortably view the sights and sounds.

One day the Lord spoke to a man named Abram and called him to leave his country and relatives to travel to a land that He would show him. God promised that if Abram obeyed He would make a great nation out of his family, bless him, and make his name great. God also promised that through Abram's family God would bless all the earth.

Repentance is a huge theme of the book of Revelation. It tells us that people will be called over and over to repent of their sin, but that they will not do so.  Even after experiencing horrible things in God's judgment, they will refuse to turn to God. This will be a sign that the final judgment is very near. I have been disturbed about this as our church has been studying Revelation. How can people hear the truth over and over, experience the wrath of God and still not turn to Him?

It is very important to wear the correct clothing. The other day we had a rainy outside auction. The temperature was 50 degrees and it rained most of the time. There were old cars, engines and miscellaneous scrap metal all over the farm. We slogged through ankle deep mud from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM. I was so glad that I had dressed in layers with a rain poncho and rubber boots. Others were not as prepared for this weather and setting. One man lost his dress shoe when it stuck in the mire. Another fell when trying to wade through a thick spot. Numerous others ruined good tennis shoes. I was also surprised that many had not worn any kind of rain gear and were trying to cut holes in black plastic garbage bags to put on and keep somewhat dry. Yes, it is very important to have the right kind of clothes.