As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1 You may ask yourself, why is it important for Christians to participate in regular devotions? I have found, when we are committed to the pursuit of something and want to be steadfast and faithful to it, we must be devoted to it. The most important thing we have to be devoted to is our relationship with God. In the act of “doing” or “having” devotions, we come into God’s presence as we read and meditate on the Word of God. Jesus, by His example, shows us the importance of regular quiet time…

One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:4-5 Have you ever known an extremely chatty person? Perhaps, after a conversation with your friend, you just want a few minutes of peace. Maybe you have a talkative toddler? Or, how about a…

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28 I noticed I have been clenching my jaw A LOT lately. The tension in my shoulders has caused a hump in my back, and my muscles just ache. I started complaining to God and praying for Him to change the situations in my life, so my body could de-stress. But we are all in a time of added stress right now, even as we are tentatively re-entering society amid the changing landscape of the COVIC Pandemic. I have to deal with new fears and worries…

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless, of course, you fail the test. 2 Corinthians 13:5 A.W. Tozar wrote, The philosopher Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” If a common philosopher could think that, how much more we Christians ought to listen to the Holy Spirit when He says, “Examine yourself.” In a world where introspection and self-awareness are culturally glorified, how strange we would think to pursue a life examined by God Himself. Not for the purpose of finding some more profound inner happiness, but to unleash the immeasurable…

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 As a little girl, when I did something I was not supposed to do, I would try to hide my misbehavior from my mom. The fear of discipline would cause me to keep my actions a secret. I suppose, often, this worked. But it never kept my heart from paying the price for my sin. What I have learned since those childhood days, is that when I “own up” to my behavior and repent, the response is often forgiveness and reconciliation. Confession is a premium…

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3 Several years ago, my Uncle was killed in an accident. He was riding his bike along the road, staying to the shoulder, and being as careful as can be expected. At the same time, a mom and son were traveling down that same road. The son had dropped something and made a reasonable request for mom to retrieve this item for him. Had mom, put first things first, keeping her eyes on the road, her car would never…