One of the most life-changing truths I have learned from studying God’s Word for the last 25 years concerns perspective and how it can bring about my victory or defeat, my hope or despair, my perseverance or failure.

It has made a significant difference both emotionally and spiritually. I would not have been able to persevere without learning this insight from God’s Word.

The notion of perspective that is so instrumental comprises two key principles and Joshua gives great examples of both.

Joshua 6:1-2 says,

Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in.

And the LORD said to Joshua: “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor.

Really? That’s not what it looks like to me. It looks ‘tightly shut up’ and not exactly ‘delivered’ from where I am standing.”

That is what would have been going through my mind if I were Joshua at that moment.

But this offers an example of the first principle to learn: the difference in perspective. This difference boils down to God’s view versus our view.

I have seen many times in Scripture how differently He sees and processes compared to humans. This has had a profound impact to teach me that more often than not, as I approach any given situation, my initial view may be flawed, biased or incomplete. I have learned to recognize my vulnerability when it comes to perceiving and processing life.

This shouldn't surprise me though. God affirms it in His Word.

Proverbs 3:5 teaches,

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Later in Isaiah 55:9, I learn,

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-eyes-to-see-the-hope-before-us/

Do you understand how powerful and precious the Gospel message is? Peter teaches us about the power of the Gospel and the word of God in 1 Peter. It is important for us as believers to understand just how powerful the gift of the Gospel is and use it every day in our lives.

12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. 1 Peter 1:12

The Word of God is one of the greatest gifts to humanity that God has ever given us. In 1 Peter 1:10, the prophets of old studied, investigated, anticipated, and inquired of the Word of God. They recognized its inspiration from God, it’s preservation from God, and its revelation of God, and in our investigation of the Word of God, we find the very same outcome. When we investigate, we discover the accuracy, the reliability, and the authority of the Word of God in our lives and for all humanity.

Precious Church, we have seen Him, we have heard Him, we know Him, we have Him, and we anticipate His future glory, His return for His Church. We have His complete Word, the Old and New Testament. What most of humanity anticipated over thousands of years, has been revealed to us. Peter says in v. 10, that they “...prophesied about the grace that was to be yours...” God’s revelation, the Word of God, is His gift to us, and better yet, Peter says, it is His GRACE to us. This heavenly message of salvation is freely and gracefully given.

The writer of Hebrews writes in Hebrews 2:3,

“...how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?

Don't neglect His wonderful forgiveness and salvation. Maybe this message is for you. Trust Christ, seek forgiveness, and be saved right now.

Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-the-word-and-the-gospel/

Have you ever considered which people God wants you to reach? Several months ago, my small group and I conversed over this topic. We talked about the groups of people we feel most comfortable serving, which ones challenge us the most, and why. Our answers led into interesting stories about what God was doing through each of us.

The Importance of Harvest Fields

Recently I have meditated on today's scripture of Matthew 9:37-38. I've been thinking about the types of fields God has prepared especially for me. You can pray over this scripture to ask God which fields he has prepared for you.

As Christians, we are called to work for God's glory, sharing the good news with others. God sends each of us to particular groups of people for specific purposes. It's helpful to consider exactly which "fields" are best for you, so you can focus your efforts of ministry and evangelism.

I'd love to hear which fields God has called you to harvest. I'm sure there's a story behind the fields where you love to serve, where you don't love to serve, and where God has surprised you by asking you to serve. I am certain there's a specific field or two that God has prepared especially for you. Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-your-harvest-fields-of-ministry/

A few months ago, I met with a friend for lunch at Habit burger after church. She excitedly told me that she had finally had a breakthrough with an issue that she had dealt with and that God was finally providing closure. I was excited for her but remembered my own issue: a lingering issue with fear.

Just a few nights before our lunch encounter, there was an altar call for those of us who had struggled with past pain affecting the present. I went up for prayer for this, cried out to God and he healed that past pain. I honestly couldn’t remember the things that hurt me from that situation.

Yet, when I saw the person who hurt me the next day, the need to self protect rose again. I put up my walls and ignored their presence.
“I just don’t feel safe. Being safe is so important to me; how can I trust a person that I do not feel safe with?”

She looked at me for a moment before answering. “That’s a lot to put on a person- feeling safe with them. It’s an impossible request to meet. Only God is your safety. No one on this earth can fulfill that. You may need to repent to God for this, for seeking safety in some other than Him.”

Bam! My eyes were opened. SAFE. That’s it! Not feeling safe was the root of my fear. If I didn’t feel safe, there were a lot of things that I would refuse to do outside of this situation.

This has been such a beautiful journey to take with the Lord and a journey that I am still walking. It was hard to admit that at times I do not feel safe with the Lord. But, had I not admitted it, I would still have this barrier between God and me. God will do anything to let us know how much he loves us and cares for us.

Although there I times I don’t feel it, it gives me comfort to know that his protection and love for us is splashed all over the pages of his word. God is, and will always be my safe place.

Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-proverbs-18-10-the-need-to-feel-safe/

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14 NIV

God Knit Us Together

I can’t say that I’ve ever knit anything, but I can appreciate the artistry and handiwork of the person who has. Knitting requires a great deal of physical dexterity and the use of fine motor skills. It is an intentional act, one that involves persistence and care. Knitting is intimate in nature. It takes time, creativity, and unparalleled patience. This is how King David chose to describe the work of God in creating every human being.

Think about it for a moment. The God who speckled the nighttime sky with shining stars and spinning planets, created the dimpled cheeks and freckled faces of human beings. The same God who painted rainbows and sunsets, who colored the wings of butterflies, chose the pigmentation of our skin. The very God who spoke and creation was complete is the God who breathed life into our still bodies.

Each Person Is Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

So, what if we really believed these words of Scripture? Would we call people ugly if we knew that they were created in God’s very image? If we truly understood that God created each person’s inner being, would we look there first to see what really matters? Would we see the value of all life if we really accepted the notion that God knit each of us together in our mother’s womb? Would there be such devaluing of human life, such hate and disdain of entire races of people, such pettiness on the part of humans? What if we truly believed that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made by a God who loves them?

We may never perfectly grasp God’s intimate work in the creation of mankind. Maybe we’ll continue to hate and dismiss, belittle and hurt one another. Still the very hands that held each of us as they formed and molded and knit us together are the same hands that stretched out on a cross to redeem us from our sin and from ourselves. We are fearfully and wonderfully made and so are all the people on Earth. Let’s live it out.

Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-knit-together/

Well, it's official sports fans, I don't hear as well as I used to. I even have a doctor's note to prove it. Now, when I'm accused of not listening, I can confidently say, "I'm listening, but I can't hear you," I have a note! Two weeks from now when I have my new hearing aids, that will no longer be an excuse for me.

Actually, I'm really looking forward to hearing all that I've been missing; hearing loss can be very isolating. Rather than continually asking, "What did you say?" I tend to withdraw, smile, nod my head and wonder what was being said.

Speaking to the Jews in Jerusalem, Jesus encountered a different kind of hearing loss. His audience heard his words, but did not believe or receive what he was telling them.

Read John 10:1-18


Jesus' words divided the crowd, some thought he was demon possessed, others thought he was insane and asked, "Why listen to him?" Still others pointed out the miracles he'd performed and said his words were not those of someone possessed by demons. God's Word can divide as we learn from scripture.

Are you listening?

Today, as you consider God’s Word, as you believe in Christ Jesus, your Savior, your risen Lord, rejoice that you are at peace with God, that you are indeed, a redeemed, forgiven child of God.

Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-are-you-listening/

Dear Lord, it was a tough one today.

I am not complaining about big burdens or big problems. My family is relatively healthy. I have a loving family. I live in a caring community and have wonderful friends. But today, I lost my focus on the good. My eyes wandered onto what I did not have instead of what you have blessed me with. I wavered in my resolve to become more like You. I struggled. Big-time.

I woke up with positive plans. I read my Bible, spent some time with You in prayer, and attempted to put my day in perspective.

Then life happened.

An abrupt response, an irritable child, a broken-down appliance, no clean pair of socks, forgotten homework, a flat tire, and an unexpected bill.

I took the first couple of mishaps in stride. After that, I lost it. I was responsible for some non-Christlike reactions, some negative comments, and fixing my mind on some thoughts that were definitely not authored by You.

Lord, I could have done that whole “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” thing and that “Be imitators of God…walking in love” thing if my day would have been smooth sailing. It is easy to serve You heartily, happily, and wholly when difficulties are not seemingly getting in line to attempt to defeat and disappoint me.

Lord, I wish there was a reset button. But there is not. So, please help me concentrate on what IS available to me: Your amazing mercy, Your second chances, Your unfailing love, and Your all-encompassing forgiveness.

Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-prayer-after-a-long-day/

“They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works.” Titus 1:16 HSCB

We are ambassadors of Christ.

And just like an ambassador, we become an emissary of who Christ is here and now. There is an old saying, “The best way to lead is by example.” People are supposed to follow your example. Therefore, this begs the question; if someone follows you, where are you leading them? Are you leading them towards Christ or away from Christ? Paul realizes that if we’re doing this right, people should be able to look at our lives and begin to see Jesus.

Your life matters. The choices you make today are important. Your actions will either help give credibility to or take away from Jesus. We are all ambassadors of Christ and our lives will pay tribute to Jesus either positively or negatively

In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul tells his followers to “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” This is really interesting, because at first glance we may feel opposed to this thought. People should only follow Jesus, right? But think about it for a moment. The Christian life is one in which we are supposed to become more and more like Christ. It is a journey towards Christlikeness, as we say. And therefore, Paul is acknowledging that our very lives, in continuity with our words, becomes a testimony to the transformational power of who Jesus is and what he has done for us.

You are leading people every day that you’re alive. Make sure you’re leading them to Christ.

Prayer

Father God, help us to live a life that reflects you. May our lives be an example of Jesus, and may we continually be leading people to know and love you more. In Jesus name, amen.

Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-living-a-life-that-matters/

God’s Word is not only a journey of understanding Who He is but also a journey of understanding Whose we are in Christ. As believers, we have been given many promises of God from His Word that will transform our mind and align our hearts with what He says, instead of what we think.

Today, we’re going to focus on God’s love for us, our security and safety in Him, and our significance and value as believers. I’ve personalized the Scriptures so as you read them, you can position yourself within these promises of God.

Love
I am God’s child (John 1:12).
I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15).
I have been bought at a price; I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20).
I have been adopted as God’s child through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5).
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins (Colossians 1:14).
I am complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).

Security
I am free forever from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2).
I am assured that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).
I am free from any condemning charges against me (Romans 8:33-34).
I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected (Philippians 1:6).
I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).

Which verse prompted your heart to respond as you read it? Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God is living and active. What words made you feel alive? Again, I would encourage you to spend a few moments praying over yourself and asking God to reveal His Truth to you more. Meditate on the verse you chose today. Put it on a sticky note or jot it down on your phone. Be still and let the roots grow deep. Amen.

Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-knowing-gods-promises/

Do you ever wonder why it seems like the wicked prosper more than the godly? Why it is that good things seem to happen more often to bad people? If so, you are not alone.

Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalm 73:1-3


This is a psalm that can speak to many believers. We seek to serve God and be faithful to him. We invest time and resources in that service. And we try to make a positive difference in the world around us for the kingdom’s sake.

Then we look at our neighbors, co-workers, the celebrities on TV, sports or media stars; those who are making no attempt to please God. And yet they seem more blessed than us. Nicer cars. Bigger houses. Better vacations. And on and on. It is easy to envy their prosperity, and wonder if serving God really pays off.

That is where Asaph, the author of this psalm, is when the psalm begins. So much so that he had nearly fallen. Turning his back on God and following the example of the wicked. The wicked who seemed to have no worries. Free of the cares that seemed to plague him. Was it all in vain? Was there any value in maintaining a pure heart and personal innocence?

For the Believer Today

But don’t envy them. What they have is only passing. In the end their prosperity will be left behind. It will be only like a barely remembered dream. They deserve your pity rather than your envy.

Put your hope in God. He will always be with you. Now and through eternity. While your strength may fail you, his will not. When you don’t know the way, which way to turn, he does. Your road may not be smooth, but it will end in his rest.

Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-why-do-the-wicked-prosper/