Devotional Archives - Page 2 of 56

March 23, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Message in the Mashed Potatoes

Opening Verse

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:27 (KJV)

Introduction

God doesn’t always show up in the places we expect. He’s not limited to church pews, worship songs, or mountaintop moments. Sometimes, He speaks loudest through the quiet, broken, overlooked things. Things like a plate of mashed potatoes.

Devotional Story

Malcom was tired—tired in his body, tired in his spirit, tired of trying to make sense of what felt like a life stuck between two worlds. Church had ended just an hour before, but he couldn’t bring himself to go home. The prayers, the praise, the people—it all felt distant. Familiar, but somehow hollow.

So he drove.

He didn’t have a plan. Just a restless urge to go somewhere. Thirty minutes later, he pulled into an old diner off the highway. The kind of place where the menus were sticky, the lights buzzed, and the waitress knew when someone didn’t want to talk. Malcom slid into a booth near the back and stared at the menu like it held answers.

“Mashed potatoes,” he said finally, not even sure why.

They came out in a plain bowl. No parsley. No gravy. A little lumpy. Just mashed potatoes, served hot with a side of nothing special.

But as he sat there eating, something shifted.

He thought about the potatoes—how they had to be peeled, boiled, crushed. Nothing about their process was gentle. But here they were, soft, warm, still able to nourish. Still able to fill.

In that moment, Malcom felt the weight of the past few months rise to the surface—his confusion, his isolation, his wrestling with God. And then the Lord spoke to his heart:

“My covenant with you isn’t found in the polished places. It’s written in the mashed parts of your life—the places that feel broken, crushed, and passed over. That’s where I’m meeting you.”

Malcom froze.

He hadn’t expected anything holy here. But somehow, at this small diner table, with a spoonful of mashed potatoes, he knew God was with him. Not preaching. Not correcting. Just present. And that was enough.

What This Means

God often chooses the humble things to reveal Himself. Not the stage. Not the spotlight. But the crushed places. The confusing moments. The quiet bowls of mashed potatoes when you’re just trying to make it through the day.

God may be trying to show you something right now—not through lightning, but through something simple and quiet. Are you listening?

Think About This

What have you dismissed in your life as too plain for God to use?
Could God be writing His covenant in the broken parts of your journey?
Are you willing to sit still long enough to recognize His presence in the ordinary?

Prayer

Lord, I’ve been searching for You in the big and the bold, but today I ask You to meet me in the small. Help me see You in the broken, crushed, and simple places of my life. Remind me that Your covenant isn’t distant or complicated. It’s near. It’s written in the parts of me I’d rather hide. Thank You for loving me there. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Closing Verse

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.”
— Hebrews 10:16 (KJV)

March 22, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

From Hiding to Holding the Line

Opening Verse

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
— 2 Timothy 2:3 (KJV)

Introduction

When God lifts you from the shadows and places you at the front lines, it isn’t a promotion in the eyes of man — it’s an assignment from heaven. You were once hidden, protected, refined. Now, you’re positioned to protect, to speak, and to act while others freeze in fear.

Devotional Story

Yusef never asked to be noticed. He preferred staying behind the scenes, helping where needed, rarely drawing attention to himself. But everything shifted the day the tornado came.

The sirens screamed. People scattered. Debris whipped through the air. While others dove for shelter, Yusef stood still. Not because he felt brave — but because the Holy Spirit told him, “Look again.”

Through the chaos, he saw a child standing alone in the open. Frozen. Terrified. While others kept running, Yusef stepped forward. He didn’t yell. He didn’t panic. He walked straight to the child, covered them with his coat, and whispered, “I’ve got you.” Shielding them with his own body, he led them to a safe spot under a collapsed awning just seconds before another gust ripped through the street.

Later, Yusef realized the child was more than just a life needing rescue — it was a picture of something God had long ago entrusted to him. A spiritual gift. A calling. Waiting to be picked back up and carried forward.

That day, Yusef didn’t just survive a tornado. He stepped into his assignment.

What This Means

When others are gripped by fear and frozen in place, God sends those who have been tested — not in comfort, but in chaos. Yusef’s story isn’t just about bravery; it’s about obedience, discernment, and stepping into the role of protector.

You may be the one God is calling to step in while others step back. That “child” might be someone you’re called to intercede for — or it might be your purpose, waiting to be held again. Either way, this is your moment.

Think About This

Are you waiting for someone else to act when God is calling you?
Has your gift been buried under fear, doubt, or distraction?
Who or what is the “child” in your life that you’re meant to protect or restore?

Prayer

Lord, I thank You for keeping me through every storm. Just like Yusef, I want to respond when You call. Give me eyes to see who or what needs rescuing. Let me be bold, not frozen. Help me to protect what You’ve placed in me and around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
— Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)

March 21, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Calling to Stand Apart

Opening Verse

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV)

Introduction

When God calls you apart, it isn’t always to a place of ease—but it is always a place of purpose. You may feel misunderstood, outnumbered, or even unheard. But make no mistake: being set apart is not rejection—it’s preparation.

Devotional Story

Elijah worked a quiet job fixing up old boats. Most days, he was alone with his tools, his thoughts, and his Bible. Friends didn’t visit like they used to. His phone rarely rang anymore. It seemed like the world had gone silent.

One afternoon, while sanding the hull of a boat, a heavy question hit him: “Why am I even here?” The loneliness felt thick. Just then, a verse stirred in his heart: “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” He paused his work. God was speaking.

Later that week, a stranger knocked on the workshop door. It was a young man with tired eyes and a broken spirit. “I was walking by… felt like I had to come in,” he said.

They talked. Hours passed. Tears were shed. The young man didn’t know Jesus, but that day, he met Him—because someone had been willing to stay in a quiet place and be available.

What This Means

God may call you away from the noise—not to leave you in isolation, but to sharpen your focus. When the world is screaming, silence can become a sanctuary. In the stillness, He reveals your true assignment.

And sometimes, it’s not the masses you’re sent to—it’s the one.

You are not forgotten. You are not wasting time. You are in training. You are being forged to intercede, to lead, and to rescue. There is a battle for souls—and it starts with focus. Distractions are not harmless; they are calculated. Recognize them. Rebuke them. Keep your eyes on the Lord.

Think About This

Are you in a season where you feel hidden or unheard? Could it be God has called you apart to prepare you?

Have you been mistaking divine preparation for abandonment?

Who is waiting for you to stay faithful—so that they might find the Light through your obedience?

Prayer

Father, teach me to treasure the quiet seasons. Help me to recognize distractions and stay locked in on Your voice. Make me bold in intercession. Give me discernment in battle. And let me never forget that You call apart those You plan to send into the fire—not to be burned, but to lead others out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way… yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal.” — 1 Kings 19:15,18 (KJV)

March 20, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Power of Letting Go

Opening Verse

“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”
— Proverbs 19:11 (KJV)

Introduction

Life is full of moments that test our patience. Whether it’s an unkind word, an unfair situation, or a deep betrayal, we often face the temptation to hold on to anger. But God’s Word teaches us that true wisdom is found in self-control and the ability to let go.

Devotional Story

A man named Jonathan worked hard at his job, only to be passed over for a promotion he deserved. The position was given to someone less experienced, and to make matters worse, the new supervisor was openly rude toward him. The unfairness burned within Jonathan and resentment started taking root in his heart.

One day, as he was about to respond harshly to his supervisor’s latest insult, he remembered a sermon about forgiveness. He recalled Proverbs 19:11—how it is a glory to overlook an offense. Instead of reacting in anger, he decided to pray for his supervisor. He let go of his resentment and focused on doing his work as unto the Lord.

Months later, the company went through a restructuring, and the supervisor was let go. Jonathan, to everyone’s surprise, was promoted. His patience and integrity had not gone unnoticed. God had been working behind the scenes all along.

What This Means

When we release anger and choose to forgive, we are not being weak—we are displaying spiritual strength. Passing over an offense doesn’t mean ignoring sin, but it means trusting God to handle situations beyond our control. Holding onto anger only weighs us down, but letting go allows us to walk in peace.

Think About This

Have you been holding onto resentment or bitterness?
Do you trust God enough to let go of offenses and allow Him to work things out?
How can you practice wisdom and self-control in difficult situations?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me the wisdom to control my emotions and the strength to forgive. Help me trust that You are in control, even when things seem unfair. I choose to release any anger or resentment in my heart and walk in Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”
— Psalm 37:8 (KJV)

March 19, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Through the Waters to Solid Ground

Opening Verse

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee.” — Isaiah 43:2 (KJV)

Introduction

Life is unpredictable. Sometimes, it feels like we are fully prepared for whatever comes, but then a storm hits, and suddenly, the ground beneath us is unsteady. Yet, for those who trust in the Lord, even the most unexpected disruptions cannot sweep us away.

Devotional Story

A fisherman prepared for his journey across a vast lake. He layered himself in waterproof gear, packed his supplies, and set out with confidence. As he sailed, the waters remained calm, but just as he neared the dock on the other side, a strong wind surged. The boat slammed against the wooden pier with such force that he was thrown into the water.

Though startled, he found himself floating. His gear kept him from sinking, and without any effort, the waves carried him gently back to shore. He stood up, completely dry. Looking ahead, he saw a steep bank leading to solid ground. Climbing was not easy, but with each step, he felt stronger, steadier, and more certain that he was exactly where he needed to be.

What This Means

This is the Christian walk. We prepare, we trust, and yet storms still come. Sometimes, we crash into unexpected obstacles. But God never lets us drown. Even when the waters rise, His hand sustains us. And though we must make an effort to stand firm and climb to higher ground, He strengthens us along the way.

Think About This

Have you ever faced an unexpected trial but found God’s peace in the middle of it?

What “waters” in your life feel overwhelming right now?

Are you trusting God to carry you, even when you don’t understand what’s happening?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your promise to be with me in every storm. When life crashes unexpectedly, remind me that I am never alone. Help me to trust You when I feel lost, and give me strength to keep climbing toward solid ground. Let my faith be unwavering, knowing that You are guiding me to safety. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.” — Psalm 93:4 (KJV)

March 18, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Growing Up in Christ

Opening Verse

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV)

Introduction

Growing in faith means letting go of the things that once held us back. Just like children outgrow toys and games, we are called to outgrow spiritual immaturity. God wants us to move forward, trusting Him more, obeying Him more, and living out His purpose for our lives.

A Father’s Love

A father lifts his young son into the air, spinning him around with ease. The child laughs, completely at peace in his father’s arms. He isn’t worried about being dropped. He doesn’t question if his father is strong enough. He simply trusts.

When the father lays him down to rest, the child is still. He knows he is safe. His father is near, and that is enough.

This is the kind of trust God wants us to have. He carries us through life, never struggling under the weight of our burdens. He leads us with love, like a shepherd carrying a lamb. But as we grow, He also calls us to step up—to let go of fear, pride, and excuses, and walk in faith.

Time to Grow Up

Spiritual growth isn’t just about knowing more Bible verses or going to church every Sunday. It’s about trusting God more, making better choices, and not letting the same old struggles control us.

Some people stay stuck in old habits—worrying, complaining, holding onto grudges, or chasing things that don’t matter. But at some point, we have to decide: Do we want to stay where we are, or do we want to grow into who God made us to be?

Maturity in Christ means putting away excuses and stepping into obedience. It means trusting God like a child trusts his father, but also taking responsibility for our faith. It’s time to move forward.

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where you’re still holding onto things God wants you to outgrow?
Do you fully trust God to carry you, or do you try to control everything yourself?
What’s one step you can take today to grow in faith?

Prayer

Lord, help me to grow up in my faith. Show me where I need to let go of childish ways and trust You more. Give me the strength to follow You, even when it’s hard. Thank You for always carrying me and leading me with love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”
— Isaiah 40:11 (KJV)

March 17, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Investing Wisely in the Kingdom

Opening Verse

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
— Matthew 25:21 (KJV)

Introduction

The Parable of the Talents teaches us about responsibility, faithfulness, and wise investment. Jesus spoke about a master who entrusted his servants with different amounts of money, expecting them to multiply it. This parable is not just about financial stewardship—it is about spiritual investments, our time, our gifts, and even our giving. But should we invest in everyone? What happens when we pour into someone who refuses to change?

Devotional Story

A man named Elijah had a heart for giving. Anytime someone was in need, he opened his wallet or his home. He believed he was fulfilling God’s will. But over time, he began to notice something. Certain people always came back asking for more, yet they never changed. They never sought to grow, never tried to use what they were given wisely.

One day, an old friend, Thomas, reached out for help. Thomas had received Elijah’s support before but had squandered it. Elijah hesitated. Was he being judgmental? Wasn’t he supposed to give freely?

That night, Elijah prayed. God led him to Matthew 25—the Parable of the Talents. He saw how the master rewarded those who used what they had been given wisely but took away from the one who did nothing. He realized that giving isn’t just about handing things out—it’s about investing wisely.

The next day, Elijah sat with Thomas. Instead of giving him money, he offered wisdom. “I’ll help you, but you need to show me how you’ll use it this time.” Thomas scoffed and walked away, unwilling to change. Elijah felt a deep peace. He had done what was right.

What This Means

Not everyone is ready to receive what God has for them. The Bible tells us not to “cast your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6). This means we must be discerning with our spiritual and material investments. If someone is unwilling to change, we must ask: Are we helping them, or just enabling them?

Jesus invested deeply in His disciples, but He did not chase after those who hardened their hearts. God calls us to give, but He also calls us to be wise stewards.

Think About This

Are you investing in people who are receptive to change?
Have you prayed for discernment before giving?
Are you using your own talents wisely, or are you burying them?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me wisdom in how I give and invest in others. Help me to be generous but also discerning. Show me where to sow, and help me recognize when to step back. Let my giving bring true growth and not just temporary relief. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
— Matthew 7:6 (KJV)

March 16, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Unequally Yoked

Opening Verse

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”— 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)

Introduction

Many people hear “unequally yoked” and immediately think of marriage. While that’s true, it also applies to friendships, business partnerships, and any close relationships. The people you surround yourself with can either pull you toward God or drag you away from Him.

Devotional Story

A young man named Marcus had been on fire for God. He prayed daily, read his Bible, and avoided places that could compromise his faith. But he had one friend, Chris, who lived differently. Chris wasn’t outright evil, but he had no desire for godliness. He convinced Marcus to come along to parties, telling him, “You don’t have to do anything bad, just chill with us.”

At first, Marcus resisted. But after weeks of pressure, he gave in, thinking, I’ll just go and leave early. But one compromise led to another. The atmosphere influenced him, and before he knew it, he was drinking, swearing, and blending in with the crowd. The next morning, he felt empty and guilty.

What happened? Marcus had allowed himself to be pulled into a place he never intended to be. He didn’t set out to backslide, but his friendship with Chris led him in a direction that opposed God’s plan for his life.

What This Means

Being unequally yoked isn’t always about outright rebellion—it’s often subtle. A friend can lead you into gossip, dishonesty, or situations where you compromise your faith. You may start with good intentions, but the more you walk with the wrong influences, the easier it is to drift away from God.

Think About This

Are there relationships in your life pulling you away from God?
Do you justify certain friendships even when they are influencing you negatively?
How can you strengthen your walk with believers who encourage your faith?

Prayer

Lord, help me to discern the relationships in my life. Give me the strength to walk away from influences that lead me away from You. Surround me with people who encourage my faith and challenge me to grow in righteousness. Keep my heart fixed on You, and may I be a light instead of being led into darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”— Proverbs 13:20 (KJV)

March 15, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Rise of the Lawless One

Opening Verse

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”
2 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJV)

Introduction

A shadow moves across the world—one that many ignore, but Scripture warns of his arrival. He is called the Lawless One, the Man of Sin, the one who will deceive many before Christ’s return. The Bible speaks plainly about this time, yet confusion fills the minds of many because they do not rightly divide the Word of Truth. Will you be ready, or will you be deceived?

The Devotional Story

The city burned in chaos. Riots erupted overnight, leaders vanished, and a voice emerged through every screen, every speaker, every device. The voice was smooth, calming, powerful. “Peace is coming,” it assured, “but first, we must rid ourselves of the ones who stand in the way.”

Daniel clenched his Bible. He had read about this moment, but he never expected it to come so soon. The world was bowing to the Lawless One.

He remembered the warnings: false peace, lying wonders, a leader who would unite the nations, demanding worship. It had begun. Families turned on each other, churches compromised, and those who stood on the truth were labeled as the enemy.

One by one, he saw friends disappear—taken away under the claim of “public safety.” A single world order had formed, a system that punished those who refused to comply. The deception was complete.

But Daniel knew the truth. The Word of God was the only unshakable foundation. He saw many who once followed Christ now following the new leader. They had not studied the Word, had not prepared their hearts. They were deceived.

Then, the voice returned: “You must choose. Join us, or be cast out.”

Daniel opened his Bible and whispered, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

What This Means

The Lawless One is coming, and deception will be widespread. If you do not know the Word, you will be deceived. Jesus warned that even the very elect could be led astray (Matthew 24:24).

We must rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15). That means understanding:

Who the Lawless One is (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)
The great falling away (1 Timothy 4:1)
The need for endurance (Matthew 24:13)
The danger of false doctrine (Galatians 1:8)

Think About This

Are you prepared to recognize deception when it comes?
Do you study the Word daily, or do you rely on others to tell you what it says?
If persecution comes, will you stand firm in Christ?

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to the truth. Let me not be deceived by the Lawless One or the lies of this world. Strengthen my heart to endure and give me the wisdom to rightly divide Your Word. Help me to stand firm until the end. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

March 14, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

Kicking a Hornet’s Nest

Opening Verse

“He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.”
— Proverbs 11:29 (KJV)

Introduction

Some actions stir up trouble far beyond what we expect. Much like kicking a hornet’s nest, meddling with things that should be left alone can bring unnecessary pain and chaos. Many times, we ignore warnings from God and push forward, thinking we are in control—only to find ourselves surrounded by the consequences of our own recklessness.

Devotional Story

A man walked through the woods on a quiet afternoon, enjoying the peace around him. He noticed a large hornet’s nest hanging from a tree. Curiosity got the best of him, and he picked up a rock. Without much thought, he threw it hard at the nest.

At first, nothing happened. Then, a faint buzzing grew louder. Within seconds, a swarm of angry hornets burst from the nest, heading straight for him. He ran, flailing his arms, but it was too late. The stings came one after another, leaving him in agony. What was once a peaceful walk turned into a painful lesson in foolishness.

Much like this man, many people ignore God’s warnings in life. They meddle in sin, thinking they can handle the consequences. They stir up strife in their homes, involve themselves in gossip, or entertain sinful habits—only to reap a whirlwind of destruction. The Bible warns that those who “trouble their own house” will inherit the wind. In other words, their actions will lead to emptiness, regret, and pain.

What This Means

God gives us wisdom to avoid unnecessary pain. He warns us through His Word, through godly counsel, and even through the quiet nudging of the Holy Spirit. Yet, some still choose to play with sin, believing they are immune to its consequences. But sin is like a nest of hornets—you might think you can get away with disturbing it, but eventually, you will get stung.

We must be wise and discerning, avoiding situations that invite trouble into our lives. Instead of stirring up strife, we should seek peace. Instead of entertaining sin, we should pursue righteousness.

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where you are ignoring God’s warnings?
Have you been stirring up trouble in your home, workplace, or relationships?
What steps can you take to walk in wisdom and avoid unnecessary pain?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me wisdom to avoid the traps of foolishness and sin. Help me to recognize when I am stirring up trouble in my life and give me the strength to walk away from temptation. Teach me to be a peacemaker and not a troublemaker. Let me seek righteousness and wisdom in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
— Galatians 6:7 (KJV)