Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

The older you get the more you understand the brevity of life. Each person is here only for a short time and no one truly knows what tomorrow will bring. The blessings we have today could evaporate into thin air tomorrow. So it behooves the wise man or woman to learn from the past and to plan for the future, but to live wisely in the moment. So while you are young, remember your Creator and serve Him well.

A holistic perspective of a person’s life reveals many things. Accomplishments, failures, and growth stand out in full color against the backdrop of time. Most people hope the final portrait of their life will show memorable contributions to this world. Yet so much depends on circumstances beyond one’s control and on decisions made in the face of these circumstances. However, the lives of God’s obedient children are guaranteed to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. The Holy Spirit is the active Agent in such an impact, and the writer to the Colossians calls this impact “fruit.”

Have you ever felt helpless when it comes to the affairs of this world? We each live in our own little sphere. Day after day we do what we do, keeping our slice of life under control. But sometimes, when we consider the bigger picture surrounding us, things become a little overwhelming. News programs cause us to realize there are powerful people making decisions for us; circumstances beyond our grasp affect our way of life. This is when we need to turn off the TV and take an evening walk to reset our thinking. God names the stars and they broadcast His glory.

Family – this word conjures up different things for different people. But no matter your experiences in this dysfunctional world, there is a loving Father who longs to welcome you into His family.  His children are not perfect, but He has a goal to fashion each one into the spitting image of Himself. This is love! This is the family of God!

Why do the nations rage? This is not an antiquated question. It came to my mind just a few days ago when I heard my phone notification ping and in shock read the headline telling of crowds storming the capitol and political leaders being forced to evacuate. How could this be happening many asked. But irrational responses of angry people are not new. Uncontrolled human nature often responds to personal bias or perceived injustice in rash and violent ways.

This time last year none of us had any idea what we would face in a couple of short months. Who knew all the changes that would occur in our workplaces, social settings, and lifestyles in general? But time marches on and here we are again on the cusp of another 365-day cycle. The year 2021 is sure to bring more unexpected changes. But there is no need to fear the future when there is an unchanging God to hold us fast.