Christian Devotionals and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life

Even the sound of this word creates an unmistakable twinge in the pit of my stomach. It is a feeling I have felt many times over the years and one that we all have to deal with from time to time. As a child the feeling would sometimes come over me when I visited the ocean or a large lake. Looking out over the wide expanse my eye would catch a colorful buoy bobbing up and down in the water. Though I knew it was an inanimate object, something about it looked so small and lonesome bouncing around in an unforgiving sea.

I saw it crouched on the bike path just a few yards ahead of us. The fluffy baby bunny sat still as a statue with not even a twitch. Closer and closer we came and still not even a bat of the eye. I speculated this little guy imagined he was protected and hidden even though he was out in open view.

When it comes to sharing God’s story of salvation, you will run across different kinds of people. Exposing the truth that all men are sinners and deserve God’s punishment will inevitably cause some to object. These objectors will often state that they are good people who follow the laws of the land, try to be upstanding citizens, and treat others how they themselves would like to be treated. They may not feel they need God’s amazing grace.

If there is one thing our culture seems to lack it is time! Every person receives the same amount of daily minutes, but for some there never seems to be enough. What makes the difference?

All parents have dreams and hopes for their children. Some moms and dads hope their offspring will carry on a family business. Others have high hopes for excellent achievement in sports or academics leading to a prestigious education and a high paying career. Still others envision qualities of hard work, determination, and initiative bringing about the American Dream, by which their children have more than they ever did. These are commendable goals for any young person, but John, an Apostle and an elder in the church at Ephesus, had even higher ambitions for his church family.

Stop and smell the lilacs! I revamped this saying the other day as I hurried down a side street on my way to the office. The delicate purple clusters hung down at the side of the road and the fragrance drifted through the air. I glanced at my watch and then stopped to bury my nose in the blossoms and drink in the lovely scent. What were a few extra minutes compared to enjoying this small pleasure?