“God’s mercy often rides to the door of our hearts on the black horse of affliction.” Charles Spurgeon Affliction is not God’s abandonment but often His delivery system for mercy—awakening us, humbling us, and opening our hearts to graces we would otherwise resist. James 5:11 says, “You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and … Continue reading God’s Mercy Comes to Us in a Strange Way
Devotional Thoughts
The Quiet Power of Words
Transformation of the tongue flows from transformation of the heart.
Justifying Faith is Never Alone
At first, James’s words—“a person is justified by works and not by faith alone”—can feel unsettling. But Scripture is not confused, and the gospel is not divided.
The Song Grace Teaches Us to Sing
Luke 1:46–56 Mary’s song overflows with Scripture. Her praise echoes the Psalms and closely mirrors Hannah’s song (1 Sam. 2:2–10). This is no accident. Mary’s heart had been shaped by God’s Word. When the Spirit moved her to praise, the language that poured out was the language Scripture had already formed within her. What fills … Continue reading The Song Grace Teaches Us to Sing
When You Find Yourself in a Desert Place
“It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life… And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Arise and eat.’” —1 Kings 19:4–5 Many of us know the shock of finding ourselves in a valley when we expected a mountaintop. Fatigue sets … Continue reading When You Find Yourself in a Desert Place
Pursuing Peace When You Are Wronged
How can you pursue peace and generosity in conflict when you feel vulnerable, wronged, or afraid of losing something? Abram’s way of dealing with conflict with Lot in Genesis 13 can teach us several gospel-shaped lessons. 1. Abram values peace over personal rights. He chooses unity over entitlement, reminding us that faith often sacrifices “winning” … Continue reading Pursuing Peace When You Are Wronged
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
Mark 9:33–35 As Jesus walked toward Capernaum, He was speaking of His coming suffering, death, and resurrection. Behind Him, the disciples were arguing—not about His mission, but about their own greatness. The contrast could not be sharper. While Jesus moved steadily toward the cross, they scrambled for status. When Jesus asked what they were discussing, … Continue reading The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
When God Seems Silent, Remember: God Has Spoken
John 1:1-18 God’s seeming silence in suffering can drive us to despair—even to the belief that life is not worth living. But Scripture insists: God is not mute, but He has spoken and not kept silent. And His final, definitive Word is Jesus Christ. If Jesus is not God in the flesh, God remains distant, … Continue reading When God Seems Silent, Remember: God Has Spoken
God Protects What He Promises
Genesis 12:10–20; 20:1–7 Sarai found herself in danger because of her husband’s fear. Abraham, afraid for his own life, called her his sister, putting her in a vulnerable position before foreign kings. And yet, in the midst of human weakness, God intervened. He protected Sarai from harm, preserved her honor, and safeguarded the promise of … Continue reading God Protects What He Promises
Washed and Made New
2 Kings 5 Naaman looked like someone who had it all together. He was admired, successful, and powerful. Yet beneath the armor was a wound no one could fix—leprosy. Scripture gently reminds us that even the strongest among us carry places of deep need. God sees those hidden places with compassion. What is striking in … Continue reading Washed and Made New
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