I appreciate it when people say "Thank You," don’t you? When they take a moment to show they understand the time and attention you put into something for them, whether it’s a gift, making dinner, doing laundry, shopping, listening, teaching them something, offering counsel, etc. it feels good to be appreciated and valued, doesn't it?… Continue reading Thankfulness: What Does Thankfulness Look Like?
Category: Devotionals
Deuteronomy 1:26-28: When Our Heart Melts With Fear
The old man’s face has so captivated your full attention you don’t notice the next picture on the screen. What he’s saying is obviously causing him physical pain. Reliving this forty-year-old memory isn’t necessary, is it? His pain is still as fresh and raw as when it first happened. His features are twisted, revealing the… Continue reading Deuteronomy 1:26-28: When Our Heart Melts With Fear
I Was In A Mood
Ever have one of those days? You know what I mean, those days you wake up...in a mood. The attitude you went to bed with steeped all night to produce a potent concoction. It’s not just a grumpy mood quickly fixed by a cup of coffee. No, this mood has the power to take your… Continue reading I Was In A Mood
Deuteronomy 1:22-25: Motivations of the Heart Matter
Then all of you came to me and said, “Let us send men ahead to spy out the land for us and bring back a report about the route we are to take and the towns we will come to.” The idea seemed good to me; so I selected twelve of you, one man from… Continue reading Deuteronomy 1:22-25: Motivations of the Heart Matter
Deuteronomy 1:20-21: Do Not Be Afraid! Do Not Be Discouraged
As the old man continues his talk, he turns toward the screen with his arms open wide. His booming voice echoes off the canyon walls. The sound vibrations resonate in your chest as his words invade your heart. You can’t help but look over the horizon. And even though the view is different from the… Continue reading Deuteronomy 1:20-21: Do Not Be Afraid! Do Not Be Discouraged
Make Him Forget His Love Of The Game
I love football. Football season is one of my most favorite times of the year. I look forward to it like a little kid looks forward to Christmas. Yesterday at my son’s game, one of his coaches yelled to one of the linebackers: “Make him forget his love of the game!” I know this boy.… Continue reading Make Him Forget His Love Of The Game
Deuteronomy 1:19: A Time of Refining
The next picture of remembrance is of a vast land. A terrifying wilderness. The land you had just come out of. A shudder creeps down your spine. It looks beautiful in a desolate sort of way. But there are hidden dangers lurking in the shadows and great difficulties this picture doesn’t reveal. Rock, ravines, and… Continue reading Deuteronomy 1:19: A Time of Refining
Deuteronomy 1:9-18, Wise Council Taken To Heart and Positive Changes
“Moses continued, “At that time I told you, ‘You are too great a burden for me to carry all by myself. The Lord your God has increased your population, making you as numerous as the stars! And may the Lord, the God of your ancestors, multiply you a thousand times more and bless you as… Continue reading Deuteronomy 1:9-18, Wise Council Taken To Heart and Positive Changes
Deuteronomy 1:6-8: Borders of Freedom
When the next slide illuminates the screen, you see a map of the Promised Land. Not the land per se, but its borders, its boundaries. Your heart slams against your rib cage as you consider this is the land your parents refused to enter, and the land you and all those around you get to… Continue reading Deuteronomy 1:6-8: Borders of Freedom
Deuteronomy 1:6-7a: Time to Move Out
As the next slide clicks into place, you shift slightly to ward off stiffness and think, "this message isn't quite what I expected. I was expecting a pep fest, a locker room rouser—not a history lesson." But you’re still captivated. Maybe it's the old man's cadence. Maybe because you feel like each word is spoken… Continue reading Deuteronomy 1:6-7a: Time to Move Out