Today’s Devotional September 22, 2026 

Care Giving; A MISSION

   Proverbs 3:5 ESV 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

     As Christians it’s impossible to understand why we go through life dealing with specific issues. Why many of us become caregivers by chance and not by choice. However, I do know that God has given each of us a purpose and that purpose is about fulfilling his will for our lives and the lives of others. We are commissioned officers of the gospel of Jesus Christ and as such are ambassadors of His good will.

     It's hard for those not chosen for this earthly task to understand the mental toll that caregiving takes on the men and women God has chosen for this important role. I've watched the stooped shoulders and careful smiles of my Christian brothers and sisters as hours turn into days, days into weeks, and weeks into months of their caregiving duties. Each one of them physically wearing the hurt of seeing their loved ones disappear physically and mentally.

     The following scripture captures the essence of who we are since many of us are the only Jesus our ailing loved ones may ever personally know. We may even be the only ones to lift them up in prayer to our Heavenly Father.

2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV

     20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

     Sometimes caregivers may feel stretched to the breaking point. Let them know that you care. It means so much to hear someone say, "I'm praying for you," or perhaps you might deliver a simple meal that could be just the thing to lift the heavy burden they carry.

Amen and Amen

Today’s Devotional September 21, 2026

Created to Glorify God

John 3:16-17 NKJV 

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

      As I sat between two long-time Christian friends at church yesterday morning it occurred to me how wonderful it feels to praise The Lord with those that love Him. My experience was enhanced as others around us quietly praised God with their replies of amen and the lifting of their voices in song.

     This morning's devotional in "My Utmost for His Highest" has continued the theme of my Sunday morning worship experience. Oswald Chambers says, "The whole human race was created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Sin has switched the human race on to another tack, but it has not altered God's purpose in the tiniest degree; and when we are born again, we are brought into the realization of God's great purpose for the human race, viz. I am created for God, He made me."

Psalm 139:13-14

 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 

     Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
    All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
    Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
    God in three Persons, blessed Trinity. 

Amen and Amen

Today’s Devotional September 18, 2026

Perilous Times

2 Timothy 3:1-4 NKJV

     3 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 

      It has been my privilege to select material for various women’s ministries. Our ladies meet and study inspirational books by Christian authors for Spring and Fall sessions or meet at individual homes for smaller group studies. My church selections are reviewed by our Educational Team members for their approval and if they pass muster become material for our in-house studies. It’s a process that has worked in the past. Now I’m not so sure.

     Christians are under attack everywhere. We are discredited and whispered about within God’s house. There seems to be an us against them type of mentality that is prevalent within many churches and those of us who elect not to choose sides stand out like sore thumbs. I speak of my years of experience.

1 Peter 4:16-18 NKJV

     16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

     Christian do not faint or grow weary when you are persecuted, stand your ground and proclaim Jesus as Lord. Lean on His word and believe that He has saved you and brought you through the rugged waters of reproof for this time and place. 

     My life application study Bible referencing the above scripture writes the following;

     It is not shameful to suffer for being a Christian. When Peter and John were persecuted for preaching the Good News, they rejoiced because such persecution was a mark of God’s approval of their work (Acts 5:41). Don’t seek out suffering, and don’t try to avoid it. Instead, keep on doing what is right regardless of the suffering it might bring.

Acts 5:41 KNIV

41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

     God’s word always provides a pathway for resolving any persecutions or issues that arise.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 NKJV 

     15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Amen and Amen

Today’s Devotional September 16, 2026

JUDGING OTHERS

Matthew 7:1-3 ESV

7 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

Excerpts from an article on judging in *Guardians of Grace:

     The concept of judging one another is a significant theme in the Bible, addressing the attitudes and actions of individuals within the community of believers. The Scriptures provide guidance on how judgment should be approached, emphasizing discernment, humility, and love. 

     I would guess that the average person, me included, judges something or someone hundreds of times a day. It’s a part of being human, we are required, either verbally or mentally, to make a judgement call about everything.

     After a tryout for our church worship team, I asked our part-time Minister of Music if he thought I would be chosen for the group. His answer shocked me…he said “that’s like asking is my butt to big.” Well……I most certainly would never have done that…I was by no means skinny, but neither was I overweight and just what did my size have to do with my vocal abilities anyway?

     From that day on I looked at church worship team members and choir members a lot differently. I had believed them to be saintly messengers of God but found that many of them were just flawed human beings like the rest of us.

     You see, judging is a “specks and logs” situation. Each of us as believers in Jesus Christ are learning that we are all God’s children. When we are tempted to judge someone, we should remember, saved or unsaved, *God made that person. He made them just like he made you and me with a mind to choose Christ and life, heaven or hell. Our emotions are our own and nothing except God’s Holy Spirit can change our human emotions to the godly emotions express by Christ when He walked on the earth.

*Genesis 1:27

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

     God’s Holy Spirit inhabits every person who gives his/her life to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is our lifeline to God and comes to dwell within us as a gift from Jesus Christ. 

Acts 2:38 ESV

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

     A closing thought; I once mentioned to a Christian friend my frustration with Phoenix’s crazy drivers. She said, just remember to think or say to yourself… “God’s Children!”  Over time my frustration has diminished considerably, now I pray for them and for myself. After all we are all… “God’s Children”

Thanks Cloud ((*_*))

Amen and Amen

Today’s Devotional September 15, 2026

We are Children of Our Heavenly Father 

Matthew 19:14 NIV 14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

     There was a baptism at our newly renovated church sanctuary yesterday. Immersive Baptism is an ordinance of the Baptist church and of Christian belief that is symbolic of our new life in Jesus Christ and salvation. 

     The service brings multiple family members into God’s house to celebrate their loved one’s faith. Many of these family members are not acquainted with or are too young to appreciate their loved one’s commitment to their new life in Jesus Christ. So, there are a variety of responses as the service progresses.

     I watched as some of the adults and most of the young children squirmed and tried to look “involved” as our church members conducted the hours-long service. It was apparent that most of our visitors felt like strangers in a strange land but love for their family brought them into a place when they would rather have been elsewhere.

     Our pastors and deacons did a lovely job of presenting salvation’s story throughout the course of the baptism service and our monthly “Lord’s Supper” celebration.

     I am positive that much of “the message” of salvation was heard by all visitors to our church yesterday.

     This I know, God’s word never goes unnoticed or unheard. Our visitors heard, saw, and participated (some even reluctantly) in acknowledging God’s presence in His house.

Hebrews 4:12ESV

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Amen and Amen

 Today's Devotional August 14, 2026

Fissures in God's House

     James 3:1-2 ESV

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 

     I’ve never read Edgar Allen Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher. But am told that the book describes how a “barely perceptible fissure” ignored by the entire household eventually resulted in a total collapse of the estate which sank into a lake that bordered the property.

     A fissure in God’s house, the church, if allowed to go undetected and untreated will eventually destroy the very roots of that church’s ministry and worship of God.

     The love of God is amazing! He takes newly minted babes in Christ and patiently soothes and removes our rough edges. Although this edging is at times painful, it is necessary to grow us up so we are vessels God can use in the teaching of salvation to the lost.

     The tongue is a fissure which left uncontrolled can destroy God’s church.

James 3:5-6 NIV

5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

     I believe we are overseers of God’s word using Him as our loadstar to build up and keep the church from internal disputes and fissures. We are His weapons of peace.

     OC says; “Ministering as opportunity surrounds us does not mean selecting our surroundings, it means being very selectly God’s in any haphazard surroundings He engineers for us.”

     May we never forget our “mission”!

Amen and Amen

 Today’s Devotional September 11, 2026

He’s Still the Same God

1 Corinthians 1:9

God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

     I doubt there’s been a time in the history of America when the peoples of our nation didn’t know if or when death would rain down on them from the sky.

     As I stood pumping gas at my local QT in O’Fallon, Missouri, I remember looking up to see if there were any airplanes in the sky. I wanted to be at home not at a gas station. I had been attending a meeting ten minutes earlier and learned that the World Trade Center had received a direct hit from an airplane and that our nation was under attack.

     I had another meeting scheduled that morning. So, I drove to meet my associate at her home. She and I were to visit a physician about providing x-ray services for his patients. Kathy met me at the door weeping unconsolably and told me that her daughter and son-in-law lived in Manhattan and she could not get in touch with them.

     The hours and days that followed were totally chaotic. No one knew if our nation was under attack. All air traffic was halted nationwide as we prepared for impending disaster and war. In short, the silence in the sky's was deafening. 

     President Bush stood atop the rubble at the towers and spoke encouraging words to our nation. That seemed to help everyone take a deep breath and regain some semblance of calm for a short time.

     Twenty-five years is a long time, but it seems like it was only yesterday to those of us alive at that time.

     Unless you have experienced this fear of war, the destruction of your nation, the instantaneous death of thousands of people in the blink of an eye or of friends and family ripped apart by sudden disaster there is no way to bring it home to roost in your mind's eye.

     Today I can honestly say; I praise you God because you are faithful and will not tempt us above what we can stand.

     Twenty-five years have passed, a mere blink of an eye to our God but I do know this. In times like those and times like these We Need a Savior.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Amen and Amen

Today’s Devotional September 10, 2026

Mission Possible

1 Corinthians 1:8-10 NIV

8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

     Sometimes it seems that our daily sins and imperfections keep us from serving Jesus as we desire. Yet, throughout His word He tells us that He will keep us “firm” to the end. On that glorious day when we are called home or He returns for us, God will not say depart from me I never knew you instead He will say, “Well done my Good and faithful servant”!

     Are you struggling with feeling inadequate at serving Christ? Does it seem that all your Christian friends are joyful and happy in their Christianity while you feel in the dumps much of the time?

     You are not alone! Many Christians have convinced themselves that they need to be or do more for the Lord. I too have had feelings of inadequacy but have come to realize this too is a scheme by Satan to make me feel unworthy. Satan works at getting us into a self-centered mode again. We are, after all, still frail humans. However, here’s where the power struggle ends for him.

     2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

     Because we are living examples of Christ’s power to heal, change and use our weak human frailties as examples for other Christians and unbelievers alike. We, like Paul, go through daily spiritual struggles.

     Ephesians 6:12 NIV

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

     Remember, this world is not our home. We are here for a reason and that reason is to show the love and redemptive power of Jesus Christ to change lives just as He has changed ours. 

Hebrews 10:22 NIV 

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Amen and Amen

Today's Devotional September 9, 2026

It Ain’t Easy Being Green

2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

     I loved Kermit and Jim Hansen’s characters. Jim had a way of making life’s problems seem easier when seen through the eyes of his muppet-type characters.

     Honestly, it’s not easy being a child of God with so many outside influences to disrupt and disturb us.

     My devotional this morning involved looking at how I deal with God’s will and my commitment. Do I bring my every thought captive when making decisions? Truthfully, I do not do so on every occasion.

     My current church project has many pieces to put into place. Not as difficult as a 3,000-piece puzzle but difficult none the least. When done successfully it will bring honor and glory to God and fulfillment to the hearts of our church ladies. It's just that sometimes I get into my own way as I piece the pieces together.

     Our Lord’s every project, and move was in step with His Father’s will. He obeyed God and brought glory to His Father.

     My question this morning to myself and all of you is; are we doing God’s work and obeying His will or are we “do it yourself Christian’s”?

     Let’s explore!

Amen and Amen

Today's Devotional September 8, 2026

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:18-19 NIV

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

     The eleven disciples went eagerly to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. They went to worship Him and hear words of encouragement; however, some still doubted His resurrection even though they had already seen Him with their own eyes and heard Him with their own ears. They were, after all, human and had seen and heard many tricks from the seers of that age.

     Jesus came and spoke with them and gave them “the great commission” to go and make disciples of every nation and to baptize them and teach them to obey everything He had commanded them. 

     Oswald Chambers in “My Utmost for His Highest’s October 14”, devotional taught young ministers and missionaries that accepting a commission from God’s Son Jesus Christ, was a lifetime commitment. 

     I like the words of my Life Application Study Bible regarding our commission. It reads, “we are to go whether it is next door or to another country and make disciples. It is not an option, but a command to all who call Jesus’s Lord. We are not all evangelists in the formal sense, but we have all received gifts that we can use to help fulfill the Great Commission.”

     We go with this knowledge and promise. That Jesus is with us always and will bless the seeds we sow.

Matthew 28:20 NIV

20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Amen and Amen

Today’s Devotional September 7, 2026

Leaky Valves

Psalm 123:2

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters……so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God 

     Oswald Chambers in his November 24th My Utmost for His Highest says; “This verse is a description of our entire reliance upon God. Just as the eyes of the servant are riveted on his master, so our eyes are up unto God, and our knowledge of His countenance is gained. Spiritual leakage begins when we cease to lift up our eyes unto Him.”

     My Cardiologist has diagnosed me with a heart condition he called “leaky valves”. That simply means that the valves of my heart are not working as they were designed to work. This causes blood to flow back into the chamber that should have been empty which causes more stress on my heart and valve function than necessary.

     There are times when Christian’s are their own worse enemy. I’ll call it the “leaky valve syndrome”. It occurs when they take their eyes off Christ and stumble around blindly disrupting their lives and the lives of others.

     There are even some things done by them that cause others to question their relationship to God. After all we are new creations in Christ. Shouldn’t our lives promote that?

     Whenever you find your thoughts and your life more focused on anything other than bringing glory to God and “you ignore the lifting up of your eyes to Him” God will “bring you to a sudden halt” and you “will realize you have been losing out.” Words of Oswald Chambers who says “whenever there is a leakage, remedy it immediately.”

     Never let something come between you and God. There are too many idols in this world. Too many ways that Satan can tempt you to put your focus on worldly thoughts and opinions. All of which is designed to make your witness for Christ ineffective. You have become a leaky valve. Not functioning or acting as Christ intended.

Amen and Amen

Today’s Devotional September 4, 2026

Because We’re His!

2 Timothy 3:1,12 NIV

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted

Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

     Yesterday I listened to an upsetting story of how members of a certain Christian church were under intense pressure from Satan to disrupt the work that is being done for man’s salvation and God’s Glory. Church members and leaders in tears as Satan tried to destroy the work of God because he knows that his time is short.

     2 Timothy 3 is God’s testimony of these end-time events. We can read for ourselves a picture of today’s world.

     Be encouraged and of good cheer…God is not dead nor does He sleep. Psalm 121 (as in 1-2 above) in a few verses is a Psalm of encouragement given to David and all Christians by God’s Holy Spirit. It will lift even the most sorrowful of souls and bring the light of Jesus Christ to their darkened world.

     Oswald Chambers in “My Utmost for His Highest” September 4th devotional says, “the Holy Spirit expounds the nature of Jesus to me in order to make me one with my Lord…. our Lord makes a disciple His own possession, He becomes responsible for him”

     My dear Christian be of good cheer this day. We must give 100% of ourselves in “sovereign preference” to Jesus Christ. As the gospel hymn says, “He is Lord!”

Amen and Amen

  Today’s Devotional September 3, 2026

Knowing God: His Perfect Timing

     I was recently studying about Anna the Prophetess in John Macarthur’s “Twelve Extraordinary Women.” It occurred to me how God’s Holy Spirit causes people, places and things to happen just-in-time. 

     Luke 2:36-38 reads as follows:

36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;

37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

     Anna had been praying and fasting for many long years, perhaps as many as 64, she had been fervently praying that Messiah would come. Now, He had come, He was born to a carpenter and his wife in the small unknown town of Bethlehem. Anna could tell everyone she would meet from that moment until she died that Messiah had come.

     What occurred that day in the temple was exceptional.

     John Macarthur in his book describes the temple in this way.  “Herod’s temple was a massive building, and the temple complex was huge, surrounded by a courtyard with thousands of people milling around at almost any given time. Joseph and Mary did not know Simeon, but by God’s providence and through the sovereign direction of His Spirit, He had brought them together. At that very instant, just while Simeon was blessing the child…the Spirit of God providentially led this elderly woman to a place where she was within earshot”.

     How often has this happened throughout the course of the history of creation? How often does it happen today? I would say, quite often, in fact I would say “it is the very way God’s Holy Spirit has operated in every way since the beginning of time. That is why there is no such thing as coincidence.”

     Can you remember a time when you were operating on Holy Spirit Time? When some event occurred that “never in a million years” could happen to you but it did, “just-in-time”? Perhaps the event saved your life or a loved one’s life?          Perhaps some unbelievable happening in your life or a total stranger’s life was caught on film and your only thought was, “no way that could ever happen?”    That’s God’s Holy Spirit at work!

Amen and Amen

Devotional September 2, 2026

The Love of God

John 11:35-36 NIV 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

     The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell;
it goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell;
the guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled, and pardoned from his sin.

     Refrain:
    O love of God, how rich and pure!
    How measureless and strong!
    It shall forevermore endure:
    the saints’ and angels’ song!

     This beautiful song has been sung by millions over the ages assuring them of God’s unwavering love.

     John 11:1-44 tells the story of Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus. It is a story of faith, love and hope. Lazarus became very sick unto death.

     John 11:3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” 

     They knew He could heal their brother. Yet Jesus tarried and arrived 4 days after their brother was in the grave. 

     When Jesus saw the grief Mary and Martha were going through because of the death of their brother. He was overcome with emotion Himself and as the Bible says in John 11:35 “Jesus wept”.

     John the apostle in his writing of the Gospel of John stresses that we have a God who cares. Most of mankind thinks of God as being lofty and emotionless. Not so, He is compassionate, kind and loving. The writer of my NIV study Bible says; “we must never be afraid to reveal our true feelings to Him.” I will add that Jesus understands us perfectly having lived among us and seen and experienced our emotions firsthand for 30 years.

     Jesus did indeed raise Lazarus from the dead.

John 11:41-44 NIV

     41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

     43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

     44 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.”

     Every man, woman or child who believes in Jesus Christ, upon their physical death instantly steps into their heavenly home.

September 3rd Devotional.....Death where is Thy Sting

 1 Corinthians 15:54-56 

Amen and Amen

Devotional September 1, 2026

Catastrophic Global Events

     Floods in Nepal and Tibet 

Human Impact

     Entire communities have been wiped out, with morgues and hospitals in some areas running out of space. Survivors have been rescued from trees, rooftops, and submerged homes, and some have been reunited with family after long waits.

In summary: This is a massive cross-border disaster with thousands missing, hundreds dead, and rescue operations ongoing amid fears of renewed flooding. International aid and volunteer support are being considered to help with the search and relief.

     In an instant they were gone. 

     These days I find myself drawn to thoughts of the unsaved. To global disasters natural and those made at the hands of mankind.

     My heart is heavy thinking about the many opportunities given every living human being to know God.

     Since God gave light to the universe and ultimately created man, He is whom we must thank for giving us the gift of life.

     Sadly, there is a natural cycle of life to everything that exists on this crumbling planet. Just as there is a cycle of life from birth to death for man.

     This week’s devotionals will focus on the enormity of God’s creation and love as told in His word, The Bible.

     John 11:35-36 NIV 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

     John 3:16-17 NIV

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

    Amen and Amen 

  Today’s Devotional August 31, 2026

Our Help Comes from Above

I will lift up mine eyes to the hills
From whence cometh my help
My help cometh from the Lord,
The Lord which made heaven and earth

     One of the most soul stirring songs I’ve ever heard is the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s rendition of My Help.

     My NIV Life Application Study Bible says this; “As a believer, you are not left to your own resources to cope with problems. Even when you don’t know the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit prays with and for you, and God answers. With God helping you pray, you don’t need to be afraid to come before Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you “in accordance with God’s will.” Then when you bring your requests to God, trust that He will always do what is best for you.

     Sometimes God’s word is all that’s necessary to fill our hearts and emotions. I find in days like these Psalm 91 says what my written words cannot say.

Psalm 91 1-2, 14-16

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
 will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
 my God, in whom I trust.”

14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
 I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
 I will be with him in trouble,
 I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him
 and show him my salvation.”

Amen and Amen

Today’s Devotional August 28, 2026 

GOD AMID YOUR PRAYER LIFE

Romans 8:26-27 NIV

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 

     No one ever said living life as a child of God would be easy. However, some of the happiest, most settled people I’ve ever met are Christians.

     It’s true we all have our stories, our burdens, our challenges but we have a wonderful, kind, loving Father that we can turn to any second or any moment of the day or night.

     I’ve had tragedies befall me throughout my long years of life that would bring anyone to their knees but through it all, as the song says, “I’ve learned to trust in Jesus.”

     A little book called How to Develop a Powerful Prayer Life by Dr. Gregory R. Frizzell was given to me by a friend who knew I was writing daily devotions. Dr. Frizzell writes, “a powerful prayer life is not just a discipline or ritual, it is your commitment to a personal relationship with God. From God’s perspective prayer is the expression of that which He desires most…your personal relationship of love, surrender and trust.

     I have found that a strong emphasis is placed on new Christians to serve and work when the overwhelming emphasis should be on leading them to develop a solid prayer life express through a genuine love for God and His son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

     Finally, the way to God’s heart is not servitude and soul winning it's having a genuine loving relationship with him 24/7. When we have that the servitude and soul winning will naturally follow.

     Matthew 22:37 NIV

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Amen and Amen

Today’s Devotional August 27, 2026 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.   John 14:27 NIV 

ARE YOU EVER DISTURBED?

     What a question! Life gives us those moments those A-ha moments when we find our lives totally disrupted.

     Our lady's bible study group has been "in session" now for almost 15 years. We've shrunk from 6 to 4 but what a group of warriors.

     Today we're faced with the loss of one of our foursome. Not to her being heaven bound but to her being Idaho bound.

     Now what? Do we continue as a threesome? One of our members prefers to "dissolve" the group. Another is concerned that she may lose one of her best friends.

     Oswald's devotional for August 26th seems to speak to life's disturbing moments. Not perfectly about our dilemma but still...Jesus says to us that His peace is the perfect peace.

     Here's what "My Utmost for His Highest says;

     Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. — John 14:27

     There are times when our sense of peace is based on ignorance. We may be filled with calm delight about the world, but only because our eyes are closed to its cruelties. When we awaken to the facts of life, inner peace is impossible—that is, unless we receive it from Jesus. When our Lord speaks peace, he makes peace; his words are forever Spirit and life (John 6:63). Have I ever received the peace of Jesus? It comes from looking into his face and realizing his undisturbed calm.

     Are you painfully disturbed right now, distracted by the waves and billows of God’s providential permission? Have you been examining your beliefs, searching them for a bit of peace and joy and comfort and finding none? Then look up and receive the undisturbedness of the Lord. Reflected peace is proof that you are all right with God, because you are at liberty to turn your mind to him. If you aren’t right with God, you can never turn your mind anywhere but on yourself. If you allow anything to hide the face of Jesus Christ from you, either you are disturbed or you have a false sense of security.

     Are you looking to Jesus right now, in a matter that is urgently pressing, and receiving peace from him? If so, he will be a gracious blessing of peace in and through you. But try to worry it out and you will obliterate him from your life and deserve what you get. We become disturbed because we haven’t been considering Jesus Christ. When we turn to him, our perplexity vanishes, because he has no perplexity; our only concern then is to abide in him.

   Bring all your troubles and worries to Jesus; lay them out before him. In the midst of difficulty, bereavement, and sorrow, hear him say, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1).

Amen and Amen