I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, "Fly to the mountains for safety!" Psalm 11:1 NLT

David, the Psalmist, probably had many people who thought he was crazy. We know his brothers and others thought he was for trying to fight Goliath alone. (1 Samuel 17) Goliath had scared off the entire army of Saul. No one wanted to

But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. Psalm 13:5 NLT

I cannot tell you how many times God has rescued me. Of course, God rescued me from the clutches of sin and saved me for eternity, but God continues to rescue me. He saw my inadequacies in life and sent me a beautiful wife to help make me complete.

Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38 NIV

My goal through these devotions is to leave you with thoughts that encourage and challenge you, that lift you up and make you whole. My goal is to expand upon the Word of God in such a way, that you, the reader, see a part

I have heard all about you, LORD, and I am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. And in your anger, remember your mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 NLT

It was a difficult time. Imagine being the prophet Habakkuk. Your people

This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. Genesis 6:9 NIV

What was the reason God picked Noah to build the ark? Have you ever thought about it? The awesome task was really an honor placed upon this man of God. Not only would he save his family from destruction (and

The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV

That verse needs to be a key memory verse of every Christian! If you don't know by now in your Christian walk that God is who He says He is; that He never changes; that His love endures forever; that the promises He gave to Abraham, Joseph, Noah and David are ours

For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20 NIV

I know you won't believe me (or maybe you will), but God once paid my electric bill when I didn't have any money in my checking account (or savings account). In fact, God one month paid $2000 worth of bills when I made less than $500.

Another time, at God's urging, I

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV

"Let's see... it's like... umm...."

"You know, it's kind of like... hmmm...."

"I know! It's like... no, it's better than that."

If you are saved, if you are a sold-out-for-Jesus Christian, if you are a born-again, excited-to-be- alive believer, then you have a joy that is

But you, O God, DO see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Psalm 10:14 NIV

The man was really just trying to be nice. The cute little boy cowered, however, into his Daddy's shoulder.

I remember when my son was younger, three or less, we would be in

When He had said this Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." John 11:43-44 NIV

Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the grave. You and I love the story because it shows

And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 2 Thessalonians 3:2 NIV

My desire is that we would learn, not only to pray, but to enjoy this awesome communion with a Holy God. I contend that we have made prayer seem like such a unbearable task, like an art that only a few can master, that many of us have

When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies live at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 NIV

I know you don't have any enemies. You don't have anyone in your life that rubs you the wrong way. There are no difficult people in your life. You have no co-workers who are just plain hard to work with. Do you?

Many of us, like

But deal well with me, O Sovereign Lord, for the sake of your own reputation! Rescue me because you are so faithful and good. Psalm 109:21 NIV

If you are a child of God in a crisis situation, and you need God to come through, you can count on one thing being true: HE WILL!

When God's children are at risk, God is busy working the ultimate

"But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her out into the desert and speak tenderly to her there." Hosea 2:14 NLT

God is waiting for you to come home, dear prodigal one.

I know that most of you have never done anything the world would consider really bad, right? (Of course, that question is getting a little easier to answer each

He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, He who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. Psalm 121:3-4

While you slept last night, God was watching over you! Isn't that a comforting thought?

The God who made the Heavens and the Earth, the Creator of the stars, moon and planets, the

Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others He has saved you from your enemies. Psalm 107:2 NLT

Has God done something great in your life? Well, what are you waiting for? Let others hear about it!

Are you still breathing? Tell someone. Has your mother been healed? Let someone know. Do you no longer have those headaches? Brag

Then Manoah inquired of the angel of the Lord, "What is your name, so that we may honor you when your word comes true?"" He replied, "Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding." Judges 13:17-18 NIV

Let me refresh your memory. Manoah and his wife had just been told by the angel of the Lord that they would give birth to a child. Though

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness. James 3:18 NIV

Here's a challenge for all of us today: today and over the next week, let's do something good for someone in the name of Jesus!

Mow a neighbor's lawn, even when yours still needs mowing. Bake your favorite pie and give it away. Treat your

May you receive more and more of God's mercy, peace, and love. Jude 2 NIV

What a great verse to start off today! May it be true in your life throughout the day!

Really, if you think about it, isn't that a blessing God intends for His people to have? Didn't He come so that you and I, the ones who have been purified by the blood of His Son,

"Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath; my eyes will never see happiness again."

Notice I didn't give you the scripture reference this morning. I'm going to keep you guessing for a moment.

You know, when you're in the middle of a trial, it's pretty hard to see God's hand, isn't it? The one who said the above quote felt that way. I

By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well advised is wisdom. Proverbs 13:10 NKJV

I think I was about twenty-four years old when I realized most of what my parents and other adults had always said was right. For several years I had been acting as though they were idiots.

As an educated professional and a pastor, sometimes even now, I

And she, greatly distressed, prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 1 Samuel 1:10 NASV

Hannah loved the Lord. She wanted a child so much and could not understand why her womb had been closed. She was provoked by her counterpart Peninnah, Elkanah's other wife. With her heart heavy, Hannah cries out to the Lord.

Dear friend, when you are going