Guidelines For Living Devotional

What Is The Call Of God?

“He received the call to the ministry at age 16.” “She was called to work with disabled children in Africa.” For most of us, the Call of God is associated with ministers and missionaries. Not the sort of thing that touches the life of the “ordinary” Christian. 

3 Secrets To Making Marriage A Loving Partnership

Following their fiftieth anniversary, an old farmer began reminiscing.  “Wife,” he began, “right after we first got married, and the great flood wiped out our farm, you stood by my side.”  “Yes, dear,” she replied. “Then, years ago when I was struck by lightning, you stood by my side as well.” “Yes, dear,” she dutifully intoned.  “Then last year when we had the fire and burned down our place, you stood by my side, didn’t you?” “Yes, dear,” she says for the third time.
“I’ve been thinking,” drawled the old farmer, “it’s rather dangerous when you stand by my side!”  

Can God Do Anything?

Is there anything too hard for the Lord?" Some three times, that question is asked in Scripture. But how would you answer it? Today we are faced with a quandary. Either we nod our heads and say, "Yes! God can do anything," unsure of whether we really believe this, or else we are confronted with empty hands and hearts, wondering why God didn't step in and reverse some troublesome situations confronting us.

Escape from the Prison of Regret

If only. Two little words in the English language that convey so much meaning, so much angst and despair.  If only I had listened. If only I hadn’t done that. If only I hadn’t said that or said something else. If only that hadn’t happened to me… If only I could do that over again. Regret, like bitterness, is a prison that we put ourselves in.

What Does it Mean to Surrender to God?

Walking away from your nets when Jesus calls you is never easy! Vast numbers of people hear his voice. They know the voice of the Shepherd and would like to be counted among the fortunate who sit at his feet, but their hands seem to be frozen to their nets. Yes, they will gladly follow provided they can bring their nets with them, but to turn loose is more than they can handle.

6 Ways to Keep Money from Wrecking Your Marriage

Jack and his wife Sue should have more than enough to be satisfied!  He’s an attorney with an income in six figures and a growing practice. She’s an interior decorator. Ten years before, Jack had married his childhood sweetheart. In the early years of their marriage, they often talked hours at a time, and when words were exhausted, they held hands and their hearts communicated with each other.
 

How to Understand God's Will For You

A certain woman wanting to join her church group going to Israel wondered if she should spend the money. “God,” she prayed, “please give me a sign and show me what I should do.”  Placing the glossy brochure on her table beside the bed, she drifted off to sleep. Waking the next morning, she noticed the digital clock read 7:47 AM.  “Didn’t the brochure say we were traveling on a Boeing 747?” she asked herself as she picked up the brochure for another look.

The Touch That Changes You Forever

Once you have seen the hand of God that reaches out towards His created subjects, you will never forget it.  I’m thinking of the tremendous work done by Michelangelo in the Sistine chapel.  In that simple depiction is the story of the entire Bible--God reaching out to touch us at the point of our needs.  All theology only puts meaning to that truth. All history only demonstrates it. Unlike angry deities who must be satisfied with blood sacrifice--sometimes even the life of your firstborn--the God of the Bible is a loving God who reaches out to touch you at the point of your need, where you hurt.
 

3 Fears That Separate You From God

Surrounding almost every major city in the world is a circle or ring of highways that facilitate the flow of traffic.  Some are called beltways, others traffic rings, or whatever.  They are intersected by roads which go to the very heart of the city and, of course, lead away from it in the opposite direction.  They serve a function and purpose, allowing people to move back and forth without having to go through the heart of the city or going very far away from it at the same time.

Why Should I Pray for My Enemies?

When Jesus confronted the crowds that came to hear him, they went away saying, "Never did anyone speak as does He!"  In the message we call "The Sermon on the Mount," ten times Jesus said, "You have heard it said to the people long ago…" and then challenged that conventional wisdom saying, "But I say unto you!"  Talk about someone specializing in unconventional wisdom!