"23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins." (Romans 3:23-25, ESV)Anyone who has been in church for any le...  Read More

Praise from God seems a foreign concept (Romans 2:29, CSB). We spend our lives as His children praising Him. In fact, I have enjoyed the praise that the Psalmist directs at God in our reading today (Psalms 65-67). But, what about God's praise for us? It is certainly not worship...but you knew that full well. However, our God and Father does love when His children are 'all in' in their relationship...  Read More

Rest in God alone, my soul,for my hope comes from him.He alone is my rock and my salvation,my stronghold; I will not be shaken.My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock.My refuge is in God.Trust in him at all times, you people;pour out your hearts before him.God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8, CSB)For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone...  Read More

It's testimony time. As we read through the Psalms, it is quite evident why they were considered a 'Prayer Manual.' The writers are always talking to God. Check out Psalm 61:1: "God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer" (CSB). In my devotional reading, I was reminded that prayer is not only my God-ward conversation, but I also need to pray that I will be attentive to God speaking to me. Yester...  Read More

'Rome at Last' reads the paragraph heading in the CSB (Acts 28:11-16). Whoever wrote that must have smiled as they added the caption. Yes, this was the end destination of the promise of God, and the hope Paul expressed to the Roman Christians, though I am certain in that letter he was not anticipating imprisonment. Yes, you're sharp! You read that he was allowed to stay alone, well, not entirely. ...  Read More

"Paul took some bread, and having given thanks to God in the presence of them all, after he broke it, he began to eat . They all were encouraged and took food themselves." (Acts 27:35-36)Do you pause to thank God publicly for your meals? If you do so at home, why not before every meal? This is not just a show, but a reminder that every meal is sacramental...a reminder of God's daily provision and ...  Read More