Detour Ahead It happens when we least expect it. We’re traveling down the highway, making great time, knowing we’ll reach our destination on time. And then, out of nowhere, we see it: the bright orange sign. It has two simple words printed on it, “Detour ahead.” Before we know it, we’re off the highway, travelingContinue reading “Detour Ahead”
Category Archives: Christian devotion
Troubled Times
We live in troubled, broken times. I allow fear to wrap itself around me, stealing my hope and contentment. Worry takes away my trust in the Almighty Creator God. Hatred reigns supreme, shoving love into the deep recesses of my heart. My God-given peace seems shattered, scattered to every corner of my soul. But then…IContinue reading “Troubled Times”
A Woodland Sanctuary
As I walked the nature trails, I wandered off the beaten path. Large toadstools nestled under a grove of blue spruce trees attracted my attention. Pushing aside branches, I walked fifteen feet, entering a small clearing. The ground, carpeted with years of accumulated needles, felt soft beneath my feet. A chorus of crickets broke theContinue reading “A Woodland Sanctuary”
The Beckoning Whispers
As I sit in the kitchen, the sound of the sea beckons me. From the beach house, the waters whisper, calling me to the beach. I grab my sunscreen and my towel and walk across the street and into the soft, dry sand. I sink ankle deep with each step, the gentle waves whooshingContinue reading “The Beckoning Whispers”
A Leafy Canopy
(This devotion was first published in The Secret Place.) The nature trails near my city home meander through the woods. Beneath overarching branches of walnut, cottonwood, ash, and other trees, I walk in shade, the leafy canopy protecting me from the summer’s heat. Here I enjoy temperatures ten degrees cooler than the sunnier pathways. AsContinue reading “A Leafy Canopy”
As the Deer Pants for Water
In late August the hot sun scorches the earth. The brittle grass browns and breaks. Moisture-starved leaves yellow and flutter to the ground. The baked earth, cracked in every direction, cries for rain. Insects buzz in erratic dances—nothing else moves. The stifling heat rises in nearly invisible waves. Safe in her thicket, the deer stirs. Continue reading “As the Deer Pants for Water”
Rivers of Peace
In a world torn by conflicts and war, people seek peace. They question why war exists; hasn’t God has promised peace? When you listen to the news, it seems peace doesn’t exist. Even in our homes, it can be elusive. Couples bicker and divorce, siblings argue and fight. The book of Isaiah sheds light onContinue reading “Rivers of Peace”
Hunger and Thirst
How often do you get hungry or thirsty? My guess is you get hungry and thirsty several times a day, every day. Jesus said, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matt. 5:6). We long for food and water, but Jesus speaks of hungering and thirsting for righteousness! Continue reading “Hunger and Thirst”
A Matter of Focus
A Matter of Focus The lazy waters take a right angled turn. Branches of white ash bend gracefully toward the water. A flash of brilliant red—a male cardinal flies, lighting on branches across the water. He perches 15 feet above the water, secure on his leafy bench, trilling to attract his mate. I sit onContinue reading “A Matter of Focus”
The Banquet
The Banquet You enter a banquet hall; before you is a long, beautifully carved wooden table set with fine china, crystal goblets, polished silverware, and linen napkins. You may eat whatever you desire. Perhaps your first choice is a juicy steak, cooked to perfection. With it you may desire a baked potato, loaded with butterContinue reading “The Banquet”
Growing Our Faith Together 