Be Watchful

Be Watchful

1 Peter 5:8 is a warning to believers to keep us from complacency. The first two statements of today’s verse warn us to have clarity of mind and to stay alert. The second sentence explains why vigilance is needed. In Ephesians 6, Paul gives a similar warning when he states that our struggle is not…

Safe In God’s Arms

Safe In God’s Arms

God is our protector. I love the psalmist’s metaphor in this verse. I can visualize a giant bird enveloping me to shield me from harm. I am hidden and shielded from attacks within the safety of its wings. God isn’t a bird or an angel, but His grace, mercy, and steadfast love shields us from…

Love the Lord

Love the Lord

Moses spoke these words to the Israelites on the plains of Moab before they crossed the Jordan River into the promised land. The words were preparing them for what they would face in their new home, a land filled with temptations and danger. The promised land held wonderful things but also idol worshipers and Moses’…

Rejoice, Be Patient, and Pray

Rejoice, Be Patient, and Pray

In Romans 12:12 Paul instructs believers to rejoice, be patient, and be consistent. Additionally, he pairs each instruction with a specific action or circumstance. The power of the verse resides in the pairing. Rejoicing is a powerful thing, but Paul says to rejoice in hope. Hope uplifts the soul and allows us to experience joy…

Love Came Down

Love Came Down

Love is not what we do for God but what He did for us. Let that sink in for a minute. We don’t have to do anything to receive God’s love. He demonstrated His complete and unconditional love for us when He sent Jesus to redeem us. From Genesis to Revelations we see God’s grace…