Devotionals
Bathsheba and David: A Hard Look at the Abuse of Power
“David sent someone to inquire about the woman. It was reported, ‘This is Bathsheba daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite.’” – 2 Samuel 11:3 (NRSV)
What are women to do when they are not safe, even in their own homes? Bathsheba should have been safe. She should have been protected. In all the sermons I have heard about David and Bathsheba, I never understood the weight of the messenger reporting who she was when David asked of her. My only takeaway was that she was clearly married and, therefore, off-limits. Really, that should have been enough.
Reviving Discipleship
“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.” — Hosea 6:6 (NLT)
The mission of Jesus was always about people, not programs. Those who know me personally know that I am deeply passionate about discipleship. It’s so much more than a class you might take. Being a student of and following Jesus is a way of life. It infiltrates the very fabric of your soul.
Missed Exits: Turning Up the Voice of God
“And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” — Isaiah 30:21 (NRSVA)
Last summer, a colleague picked me up from the airport to take me to a conference. We had a long stretch of highway to drive, with Google Maps ready to lead the way to the conference location.
We laughed and talked as we rolled down the road … Then something didn’t look quite right.
Wait Just a Little While Longer
“For all must carry their own loads.” Galatians 6:5 (NRSV)
Whenever someone bench presses, it’s always essential to have a spotter. No one wants to be crushed under a barbell! A spotter is primarily there to protect the lifter when the weight is too much.
Spiritual Gifts & Love
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” — 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1 (NLT)
Have you ever read Scripture and kind of glazed over it because you didn't really know what it was talking about, or it felt too fluffy to understand? The beginning of 1 Corinthians 13 has had that effect on some. Why are we talking about clanging cymbals, and what is the correlation to love? Questions that need answers, Paul!
Follow Closely to Jesus
“Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.” — Luke 24:10
All around the world, people pause today to remember Jesus as He hung on the cross. We call it Good Friday because though it was the worst day in the life of Jesus, it was a good day for humanity. It was the day that Jesus made the last sacrifice for our sins. The work of redemption was done. It was a good Friday.
Priorities: A Lesson from Jesus
“He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.’" —Matthew 15:24 (NRSV)
Most of us have a difficult time keeping our priorities in check. As a result, our attention is divided, our hearts grow weary and what’s most important takes a backseat to the urgent demands. In this devotional, I share a few lessons that Jesus teaches us on priorities and the reason I believe He was able to accomplish the work He did during His earthly life.
Oxygen for the Fire
“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.” — 2 TIMOTHY 1:6 (NLT)
My husband and I always dreamed of having a wood-burning fireplace. In the cooler months, we would swoon at the smell of firewood burning as we drove through neighborhoods.
Last summer, our dream came true. God blessed us with a home that included a beautiful wood-burning fireplace. Not only that, but the previous owner left us stacks of wood to carry us through our first winter in our new home. Score!