Learning from Jehoshaphat, Ahab, and Micaiah to Follow God Beyond Our Preferences Scripture Reference: – 2 Chronicles 18:6-7 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the LORD of whom we may inquire?” And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD, Micaiah the son of Imlah; but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so. ” Intro

Learning to Trust the Mind and Purposes of God When Life Makes No Sense Scripture Reference: – Isaiah 55:8–9 8  “ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. ” Introduction – When God’s Wisdom Collides With Ours The God Who Thinks Beyond the Prison Yard Isaiah 55:8–9 stands as one of the most humbling, unsettling,

Pressing Forward or Drifting Backward?                         A New Year’s Call to Examine Our Path, Our Priorities, and Our Pursuit of Christ Scripture Reference: – Philippians 3:13–14 “ Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus .” Supporting Scriptures: 2 Peter 3:18

How God Announced Redemption in Eden and Secured Victory for Broken Sinners  Scripture Reference: –   Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Supporting Scripture References: Hebrews 9:22 Luke 1:32–33 Revelation 12:9–11 Introduction – When Hope Was Spoken Into Ruins Few moments in all of human history are as sobering, devastating, and yet mysteriously hopeful

Finding rest, courage, and protection in God when life presses in on every side Scripture Reference: – Psalm 3:3–5 “But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.” Introduction: a psalm born in flight, fear, and betrayal Psalm 3 is the first psalm in Scripture that carries a historical heading, and t

Finding Rest For The Soul When God Alone Makes Us Dwell In Safety Scripture Reference: Psalm 4:8 “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” Some Personal Reflection Tonight’s devotional is deeply personal for me, because it speaks to something I once cherished, something I took for granted for most of my life, but which has been largely absent for the past twelve years —  “ sleep .” Since my diagnosis of Central Pain Syndrome  

Hope for Every Bruised Reed and Faintly Burning Wick Scripture Reference: – Isaiah 42:3 – Matthew 12:20 "A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice." "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, until He brings justice to victory."                          Introduction Life can often feel crushing . This is especially true for those in prison, where walls and cir

(Repentance and Faith at the Heart of the Gospel) Scripture Reference:   Acts 20:21– Mark 1:15 “I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. ” “ The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. ” Introduction – Where the Narrow Path Begins There are verses in Scripture that serve as doorways—small openings that invite us into vast rooms of truth. Acts 20:21 is one

Standing Pure in a World Full of Traps Scripture Reference: – Psalm 119:133 – Proverbs 4:23 “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Introduction: “The Valiant Prayer: Why A Man Who Will Not Compromise On His Knees” There are many disciplines in the Christian life that demand courage: confession, fasting, repentance, confronting sin, forgiving an enemy, preachin

Learning Wisdom in a World That Wastes Time Scripture Reference: Psalm 90:12 “ So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom . ” Some Personal Reflection I have always been drawn to Psalm 90. Many years ago, as a brand-new Christian, I remember my surprise when I discovered that Moses—Israel’s great leader and lawgiver—was the author of this Psalm. We don’t often think of Moses as a Psalm writer, yet he penned one of the most sobering, powerful, and

Walking with the Wise in a World Full of Fools Scripture References: Proverbs 27:19 – Proverbs 13:20 “A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.” “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Some Personal Reflection As we return once more to the all-important subject of friendship, let me begin with a few questions. How would you describe a person who seems to have an abun

“Approaching God with CONFIDENCE , Not Condemnation” Scripture Reference: – Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Introduction: The Heart of Bold Prayer Every Christian needs a life verse —a verse that defines their walk with Christ, shapes their faith in times of trial, and becomes an anchor for the soul when the storms of life rage. For me, that verse has always been Hebrews

The Shepherd Who Searches, Seeks, and Saves the Scattered Soul Scripture Reference: – Ezekiel 34:11-13 “For thus says the Lord GOD:...

( Finding Comfort in the God Who Counts Our Tears) Scripture Reference: Psalm 56:8–11 “You have kept count of my wanderings; put my tears...

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 6:16–19 “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying...

How God Turns Broken Hopes Into a Deeper Happiness in Him Scripture Reference: – Habakkuk 2:14 – Habakkuk 3:17–19 “The earth will be...

Learning to Speak Correction with Grace, Boldness, and Wisdom Scripture Reference: – 2 Timothy 2:24-25 "The Lord’s servant must not be...

How to Be Strong in the Lord When You’re Weak, Weary, and Wounded 📖 Scripture Reference – 1 Samuel 30:6 – Isaiah 40:29 "But David...

Hope For Those Crushed Under the Weight of Past Sin Scripture reference: Psalm 32:5 – Micah 7:18-19 “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I...

Finding God’s Grace When Despair Pulls You Under Scripture Reference: – Psalm 40:2 “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and...