Nov
5
Not Like Me
Filed Under Daily Devotions
SCRIPTURE:
This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for awhile, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good hear, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce crop.
~ Luke 8:11-15
OBSERVATION:
The word of God is scattered among many different types of people. Everyone has a past, a story. Everyone has different soil, everyone will receive the word of God differently. We need to keep that in mind when reaching out to others. Not everyone will see things as we see them or understand them as we do. We need to be receptive of that.
APPLICATION:
I know I have gotten frustrated with people for not seeing things the way I do - not necessarily just Biblical issues, but with life in general. I am appalled, shocked and dumbfounded…until I get a glimpse of their life. Understanding soon follows - not necessarily acceptance, but understanding (yes, there’s a difference!)
PRAYER:
Help me Father to take the time and initiative to learn about someone’s story. Help me to understand so I can be more of a help to others.
Nov
5
Amazing Grace
Filed Under Daily Devotions
SCRIPTURE:
He (Jesus) was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.” ~ Luke 7:6
OBSERVATION:
How many of us feel this way? We feel we do not deserve to have the Lord come to us. So much so that we send someone else to send the message, as if to say we are not even worthy to speak to Him. The centurion wasn’t even seeking help for himself. He wanted his highly servant to be healed (this story may need some more study time from me).
APPLICATION:
Too often, I feel unworthy of the Lord’s love. I go to Him in prayer, but rarely for my own needs. I lift up the needs of others - my friends, my family, my brothers and sisters. But that is the exact definition of grace - being given something we don’t deserve. Of course we don’t deserve the Lord’s love, grace and mercy, but He gives them to us anyway.
PRAYER:
Abba, Your love for me is a great mystery. Sometimes I wonder why You love my as You do, but always I am so grateful You do. Thank You for Your unconditional, no strings attached love.
Nov
3
Y’all need to check out this video about Glen Coffee, Alabama’s running back! I am so proud and am so excited for how God is going to use Glen with the talents He has given him!
This video is a personal interview with Glen.
Oct
27
Courage from a Distance
Filed Under Daily Devotions
SCRIPTURE:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:9
OBSERVATION:
Moses has died and God is now calling Joshua to finish what Moses had started - bringing His people to the promised land. Such a huge task and responsibility. But God reminds Joshua that he had been commanded and because the Lord is with him, he needs to continue on, to be strong and courageous.
APPLICATION:
It’s easier to go somewhere when you have someone with you. You seem to get a boost of confidence and courage when someone is there. I think back to my college years and how it was easier to approach a cute guy to talk to him when I had a friend with me, watching, encouraging (sometimes pushing). God is our watcher, our encourager, our pusher. He is with us. And since He is with us, we need not to be afraid. When God commands us to go, we must be strong and courageous and remember that He will always be with us.
PRAYER:
Thank you Father, for always being with me. For the promise you have given me that I will never be alone.
Oct
24
Life Isn’t Always a Disney Movie
Filed Under Daily Devotions
SCRIPTURE:
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness ~ Luke 4:1
OBSERVATION:
God doesn’t always lead us to greeny pastures where the birds are chirping, the sun is shining and the deer and lamb frolic in the meadow. Life isn’t always a Disney movie. Sometimes it’s a Nightmare on Elm Street. But our God is a God of promises and one of those is that He will never leave nor forsake us (Joshua 1:5). In all the promises God gives us, not one of them is about an easy life. But He promises us peace (John 14:27), victory (1 John 5:4), wisdom (James 1:5), comfort (Isaiah 51:3), guidance (Isaiah 42:16), joy (Isaiah 35:10) and many others. We kid ourselves when we expect the Christian life to be an easy one and when it gets difficult we get upset. We need to learn about and understand who God is and then we will begin to understand our lives.
APPLICATION:
On a weekly basis, sometimes daily, I wonder what my life would be like if I were doing something else. What if I stayed on the road I was on, working with student athletes in an academic setting? But God didn’t lead me that way. He led me into this wilderness where life hasn’t been easy. Sure, there are times things are fantastic and I’m glad I’m where I am, but other times, I long to be somewhere else. But God is forever with me, walking this path at my side.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Lord for your promises and thank you for being a God who keeps His promises, although we may not always see them as you intend them to be.