Archived Devotions
2003 Archived Devotions
A Change of Direction // Monday // July 28
One morning as Alfred Nobel was reading the newspaper, he was shocked to find his name listed in the obituary column. It was a . . .
One morning as Alfred Nobel was reading the newspaper, he was shocked to find his name listed in the obituary column. It was a . . .
Simple Obedience // Tuesday // July 29
Prior to his conversion, Saul was a leading Pharisee and possibly even a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin. He presided over the death of . . .
Prior to his conversion, Saul was a leading Pharisee and possibly even a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin. He presided over the death of . . .
A Change of Direction // Wednesday // July 30
One morning as Alfred Nobel was reading the newspaper, he was shocked to find his name listed in the obituary column. It was a . . .
One morning as Alfred Nobel was reading the newspaper, he was shocked to find his name listed in the obituary column. It was a . . .
Shaped by Suffering // Thursday // July 31
On a recent visit to North Carolina, I drove through a town named Mocksville. I should have been born there. Prior to becoming . . .
On a recent visit to North Carolina, I drove through a town named Mocksville. I should have been born there. Prior to becoming . . .
Destined for Greatness // Friday // August 1
It has been said that it takes a steady hand to hold a full cup. God was planning to give a full cup to the apostle . . .
It has been said that it takes a steady hand to hold a full cup. God was planning to give a full cup to the apostle . . .
Dealing with Distraction // Tuesday // August 5
In first-century track competitions, each runner would be assigned to a lane on the track. Each was expected to stay in his assigned lane. . . .
In first-century track competitions, each runner would be assigned to a lane on the track. Each was expected to stay in his assigned lane. . . .
Running to Win // Wednesday // August 6
Not long ago, I celebrated my 50th birthday. Getting older is not a depressing thought, because from the day I gave my life to . . .
Not long ago, I celebrated my 50th birthday. Getting older is not a depressing thought, because from the day I gave my life to . . .
God with Skin On // Thursday // August 7
I heard the story of a little boy who was frightened one night during a big thunderstorm. Terrified, he called out from his room, . . .
I heard the story of a little boy who was frightened one night during a big thunderstorm. Terrified, he called out from his room, . . .
Why Jesus Came // Friday // August 8
Ever since childhood, I have always had a great admiration for the historical person known as Jesus. I had seen all of His movies. . . .
Ever since childhood, I have always had a great admiration for the historical person known as Jesus. I had seen all of His movies. . . .
The Ultimate Sacrifice // Monday // August 11
I heard a true story about a man who operated a drawbridge. At a certain time every afternoon, he raised the bridge for a . . .
I heard a true story about a man who operated a drawbridge. At a certain time every afternoon, he raised the bridge for a . . .
A Pivotal Belief // Tuesday // August 12
I read about a person who wrote the following to a local newspaper advice columnist: Dear Uticus, Our preacher said on Easter that Jesus just . . .
I read about a person who wrote the following to a local newspaper advice columnist: Dear Uticus, Our preacher said on Easter that Jesus just . . .
The Time to Run // Wednesday // August 13
I find, as a Christian, that I need to be reminded of things that I sometimes forget. Have you noticed that you don't always . . .
I find, as a Christian, that I need to be reminded of things that I sometimes forget. Have you noticed that you don't always . . .
Empty Net Syndrome // Thursday // August 14
It was deja vu time for the disciples. They had been fishing all night on the Sea of Galilee and hadn't caught anything. . . .
It was deja vu time for the disciples. They had been fishing all night on the Sea of Galilee and hadn't caught anything. . . .
Empty Net Syndrome // Thursday // August 14
It was deja vu time for the disciples. They had been fishing all night on the Sea of Galilee and hadn't caught anything. . . .
It was deja vu time for the disciples. They had been fishing all night on the Sea of Galilee and hadn't caught anything. . . .
What Love Looks Like // Friday // August 15
Have you ever felt like a spiritual failure? If so, then you're in good company. Even the Apostle Peter felt that way after . . .
Have you ever felt like a spiritual failure? If so, then you're in good company. Even the Apostle Peter felt that way after . . .
An Appointment with God // Monday // August 18
In addition to walking in harmony with God, Amos 3:3 provides another nuance of meaning. It also gives the idea of keeping an appointment. . . .
In addition to walking in harmony with God, Amos 3:3 provides another nuance of meaning. It also gives the idea of keeping an appointment. . . .
A Light in the Dark // Tuesday // August 19
Enoch lived at a unique time in history, prior to God's judgment by the Flood. People of Enoch's day were really wicked. So . . .
Enoch lived at a unique time in history, prior to God's judgment by the Flood. People of Enoch's day were really wicked. So . . .
Faithful to the End // Wednesday // August 20
Today I want to look at one of the unsung heroes of the Bible. His name was Caleb, and he never lost his edge . . .
Today I want to look at one of the unsung heroes of the Bible. His name was Caleb, and he never lost his edge . . .
Kept by His Love // Thursday // August 21
When you go to a place like Disneyland with your children, you know where they are. You don't leave the park and forget them, . . .
When you go to a place like Disneyland with your children, you know where they are. You don't leave the park and forget them, . . .
Is There a Catfish in Your Tank? // Friday // August 22
I heard a story about some fish suppliers who were having problems shipping codfish from the East Coast. By the time it reached the . . .
I heard a story about some fish suppliers who were having problems shipping codfish from the East Coast. By the time it reached the . . .
Not Ashamed // Monday // August 25
In his book, The Devaluing of America, former Secretary of Education William Bennett made this statement. "During my tenure as U. S. Secretary of . . .
In his book, The Devaluing of America, former Secretary of Education William Bennett made this statement. "During my tenure as U. S. Secretary of . . .
Saved Soul, Wasted Life // Tuesday // August 26
A poll was taken not long ago that asked Americans what they thought was their main purpose in life. The responses were interesting. . . .
A poll was taken not long ago that asked Americans what they thought was their main purpose in life. The responses were interesting. . . .
The Time Is Now // Wednesday // August 27
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. . . ." These are the opening lines to Charles Dickens' classic . . .
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. . . ." These are the opening lines to Charles Dickens' classic . . .
Immortality // Thursday // August 28
Historian Will Durant, when he reached the age of 70, said, "To live forever would be the greatest curse imaginable." Will we live forever? The . . .
Historian Will Durant, when he reached the age of 70, said, "To live forever would be the greatest curse imaginable." Will we live forever? The . . .
The Truth about the Devil // Friday // August 29
Martin Luther had it right when he wrote the words of the hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God: "For still our ancient foe doth . . .
Martin Luther had it right when he wrote the words of the hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God: "For still our ancient foe doth . . .
Prone to Wander // Monday // September 1
When he was little, my son had a habit of wandering. One day, we were in a hotel and came to an elevator. . . .
When he was little, my son had a habit of wandering. One day, we were in a hotel and came to an elevator. . . .
What Do You Think? // Tuesday // September 2
When Jesus walked this earth, He blew the cover of the religious elite of the day: the Pharisees who smugly thought that if they did . . .
When Jesus walked this earth, He blew the cover of the religious elite of the day: the Pharisees who smugly thought that if they did . . .
A Work in Progress // Wednesday // September 3
I am an artist. I like to draw and design. Sometimes when I am sketching, someone will come along, look over my shoulder, . . .
I am an artist. I like to draw and design. Sometimes when I am sketching, someone will come along, look over my shoulder, . . .
A Place for Jesus // Thursday // September 4
Can you imagine going home tonight and getting ready to go to bed, when all of a sudden, you see someone walking up to your . . .
Can you imagine going home tonight and getting ready to go to bed, when all of a sudden, you see someone walking up to your . . .
A Time to Sit // Friday // September 5
When the Lord walked this earth, He had no place to call home (Matthew 8:20). But there was something He liked about a home . . .
When the Lord walked this earth, He had no place to call home (Matthew 8:20). But there was something He liked about a home . . .
Letting God Choose // Monday // September 8
When my oldest son was a little boy, I would take him to Toys R Us. We would look around. I would tell . . .
When my oldest son was a little boy, I would take him to Toys R Us. We would look around. I would tell . . .
Learning to Yield // Tuesday // September 9
I read a story about a communication that took place some time ago between a U.S. naval ship and Canadian authorities off the coast of . . .
I read a story about a communication that took place some time ago between a U.S. naval ship and Canadian authorities off the coast of . . .
Half-Hearted Commitment // Wednesday // September 10
At first glance, you might think that Abraham and his nephew Lot both were spiritual men. But a closer examination reveals that this was . . .
At first glance, you might think that Abraham and his nephew Lot both were spiritual men. But a closer examination reveals that this was . . .
Against All Odds // Thursday // September 11
Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, faced a dilemma. His enemies greatly outnumbered him. To make matters worse, his enemies had joined forces with the . . .
Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, faced a dilemma. His enemies greatly outnumbered him. To make matters worse, his enemies had joined forces with the . . .
Keep Moving! // Friday // September 12
It is clear that we are living in the last days. All around us, the signs that Jesus and the prophets told us to . . .
It is clear that we are living in the last days. All around us, the signs that Jesus and the prophets told us to . . .
No Other Gods // Monday // September 15
When God gave the Ten Commandments, He began by saying that we should have no other gods before Him. Idols can be a lot of things. . . .
When God gave the Ten Commandments, He began by saying that we should have no other gods before Him. Idols can be a lot of things. . . .
The Master Arsonist // Tuesday // September 16
When wildfires swept through Southern California in the fall of 1993, I noticed a photograph in the newspaper of an entire neighborhood that had been . . .
When wildfires swept through Southern California in the fall of 1993, I noticed a photograph in the newspaper of an entire neighborhood that had been . . .
Easy Prey // Wednesday // September 17
One has to go no further than the Psalms to see the intimacy of David's relationship with God. David loved God in a dear . . .
One has to go no further than the Psalms to see the intimacy of David's relationship with God. David loved God in a dear . . .
What's on Your Mind? // Thursday // September 18
Sometimes people ask me to sign their Bibles, which is not something I like to do, because I didn't write it. But when someone . . .
Sometimes people ask me to sign their Bibles, which is not something I like to do, because I didn't write it. But when someone . . .
Giving God a Makeover // Friday // September 19
At first glance, the sins that brought the children of Israel down in the wilderness don't seem to have any rhyme or reason. But . . .
At first glance, the sins that brought the children of Israel down in the wilderness don't seem to have any rhyme or reason. But . . .
The Dangerous Question // Monday // September 22
What does it mean to test God? It is the mentality that asks the question, "As a Christian, how much can I get away . . .
What does it mean to test God? It is the mentality that asks the question, "As a Christian, how much can I get away . . .
Conditional Obedience // Tuesday // September 23
My dog practices selective listening. When he doesn't like what I am saying, he acts as though he doesn't understand me. If he . . .
My dog practices selective listening. When he doesn't like what I am saying, he acts as though he doesn't understand me. If he . . .
What's Inside? // Wednesday // September 24
I heard the story of a pastor who boarded a bus one Monday morning, paid his fare, and took his seat. A few minutes . . .
I heard the story of a pastor who boarded a bus one Monday morning, paid his fare, and took his seat. A few minutes . . .
The Spiritual Battlefield // Thursday // September 25
Someone once asked the great evangelist Charles Finney, "Do you really believe in a literal devil?" Finney responded, "You try opposing him for awhile, and you . . .
Someone once asked the great evangelist Charles Finney, "Do you really believe in a literal devil?" Finney responded, "You try opposing him for awhile, and you . . .
Finishing What We Start // Friday // September 26
Imagine, for a moment, that we are competing in a race. When the starter pistol is fired, we take off, and I leave you in . . .
Imagine, for a moment, that we are competing in a race. When the starter pistol is fired, we take off, and I leave you in . . .
True Power // Monday // September 29
I heard about a Christian living in first-century Rome who was about to be fed to a lion. He quickly whispered something in the . . .
I heard about a Christian living in first-century Rome who was about to be fed to a lion. He quickly whispered something in the . . .
Power with a Purpose // Tuesday // September 30
What comes to mind when you hear the word dynamite? I automatically think of something explosive. And when something is described as dynamic, . . .
What comes to mind when you hear the word dynamite? I automatically think of something explosive. And when something is described as dynamic, . . .
Sowing and Reaping // Wednesday // October 1
A successful building contractor called in one of his employees, a skilled carpenter, and told him that he was putting him in charge of the . . .
A successful building contractor called in one of his employees, a skilled carpenter, and told him that he was putting him in charge of the . . .
Temporary Pleasures // Thursday // October 2
There is a story in the Bible about a man named Esau who gave up everything for a little temporal pleasure. As the firstborn, . . .
There is a story in the Bible about a man named Esau who gave up everything for a little temporal pleasure. As the firstborn, . . .
The Peril of Prayerlessness // Friday // October 3
The Bible's first recorded prayer of Jacob's is found in Genesis 32:9–16. Up to this point, seven chapters of Genesis have been devoted Jacob's . . .
The Bible's first recorded prayer of Jacob's is found in Genesis 32:9–16. Up to this point, seven chapters of Genesis have been devoted Jacob's . . .
God's Way // Monday // October 6
It is interesting how God came to different people in the Bible. To Abraham, God came as a traveler. Abraham was outside his . . .
It is interesting how God came to different people in the Bible. To Abraham, God came as a traveler. Abraham was outside his . . .
Finishing What We Start // Tuesday // October 7
Imagine, for a moment, that we are competing in a race. When the starter pistol is fired, we take off, and I leave you . . .
Imagine, for a moment, that we are competing in a race. When the starter pistol is fired, we take off, and I leave you . . .
When God Seems Late // Wednesday // October 8
Sometimes God will not come through as quickly as we want Him to. Mary and Martha, two friends of Jesus, faced this dilemma. . . .
Sometimes God will not come through as quickly as we want Him to. Mary and Martha, two friends of Jesus, faced this dilemma. . . .
Revive Us Again! // Thursday // October 9
Has it ever seemed to you that you are out there all alone as a Christian? Sometimes it feels like you are the only . . .
Has it ever seemed to you that you are out there all alone as a Christian? Sometimes it feels like you are the only . . .
In Search of Ordinary People // Friday // October 10
God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Many times when we're looking for some great superstar to come on the scene, God is . . .
God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Many times when we're looking for some great superstar to come on the scene, God is . . .
Salt and Light // Monday // October 13
I think that we Christians are sometimes tempted to isolate ourselves. We want to submerge ourselves in a Christian subculture of our own making . . .
I think that we Christians are sometimes tempted to isolate ourselves. We want to submerge ourselves in a Christian subculture of our own making . . .
True Believers // Wednesday // October 15
Of the twelve disciples, we envision Judas Iscariot as the one with shifty eyes, lurking in the shadows. While the other disciples wore white, . . .
Of the twelve disciples, we envision Judas Iscariot as the one with shifty eyes, lurking in the shadows. While the other disciples wore white, . . .
Right Where You Are // Thursday // October 16
When the Bible says that ravens brought Elijah food, it doesn't mean they took his order, flew through the local fast food restaurant, and then . . .
When the Bible says that ravens brought Elijah food, it doesn't mean they took his order, flew through the local fast food restaurant, and then . . .
Why the Cross? // Friday // October 17
A true story was reported about a couple that was visiting a jewelry store. As the jeweler showed them various crosses, the woman commented, . . .
A true story was reported about a couple that was visiting a jewelry store. As the jeweler showed them various crosses, the woman commented, . . .
Between Two Worlds // Monday // October 20
The Bible mentions a category of Christians who are described as carnal. These are people in an arrested state of spiritual development. They . . .
The Bible mentions a category of Christians who are described as carnal. These are people in an arrested state of spiritual development. They . . .
Forty Days // Tuesday // October 21
During the 40 days from His resurrection to His ascension to heaven, Jesus was constantly appearing and vanishing before the disciples. I think He . . .
During the 40 days from His resurrection to His ascension to heaven, Jesus was constantly appearing and vanishing before the disciples. I think He . . .
Make Your Choice // Wednesday // October 22
Have you ever had one of those indecisive days? I am usually decisive. But I get in those moods where I just can't . . .
Have you ever had one of those indecisive days? I am usually decisive. But I get in those moods where I just can't . . .
Half-Hearted Commitment // Thursday // October 23
Milk is great cold. There's nothing quite like a cold glass of milk with couple of cookies. Milk is also good hot. . . .
Milk is great cold. There's nothing quite like a cold glass of milk with couple of cookies. Milk is also good hot. . . .
Going His Way? // Friday // October 24
I have a German shepherd that was a former guide dog for the blind. Because he had slight hip dysplasia, he was put up . . .
I have a German shepherd that was a former guide dog for the blind. Because he had slight hip dysplasia, he was put up . . .
His Representative // Monday // October 27
It is hard for a lot of Christians to understand how suddenly their friends and family can turn against them. People they have been . . .
It is hard for a lot of Christians to understand how suddenly their friends and family can turn against them. People they have been . . .
After the Dove // Tuesday // October 28
Often after great victories, the greatest challenges and temptations of the Christian life will come. I have found that after great blessings in my . . .
Often after great victories, the greatest challenges and temptations of the Christian life will come. I have found that after great blessings in my . . .
Ready to Go? // Wednesday // October 29
If the rapture happened today, would you be ready to go? The Bible says that Christ is coming for those who are watching and . . .
If the rapture happened today, would you be ready to go? The Bible says that Christ is coming for those who are watching and . . .
Wanted: Disciples // Thursday // October 30
The great English preacher, John Wesley, once said, "Give me a hundred men who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I . . .
The great English preacher, John Wesley, once said, "Give me a hundred men who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I . . .
Getting to the Root // Friday // October 31
So often when something is going wrong in our country, we want to organize a boycott or want to protest. But did you know . . .
So often when something is going wrong in our country, we want to organize a boycott or want to protest. But did you know . . .
A Time Like This // Monday // November 3
The Old Testament Book of Esther is a wonderful love story—a story of what God did in the life of a woman to literally save . . .
The Old Testament Book of Esther is a wonderful love story—a story of what God did in the life of a woman to literally save . . .
Simple Things // Tuesday // November 4
Have you ever wished you could do a miracle for friends or family members who weren't believers? You think, "If this happened, then they . . .
Have you ever wished you could do a miracle for friends or family members who weren't believers? You think, "If this happened, then they . . .
Hearing God // Wednesday // November 5
There are a lot of people today who say they hear the voice of God telling them to do thus and so. But what . . .
There are a lot of people today who say they hear the voice of God telling them to do thus and so. But what . . .
The Voice of Circumstance // Thursday // November 6
Not only does God speak to us through His Word and not only will He never contradict His Word, but God also speaks through circumstances. . . .
Not only does God speak to us through His Word and not only will He never contradict His Word, but God also speaks through circumstances. . . .
The Voice of Peace // Friday // November 7
Not only does God speak to us through His Word, and not only does He speak to us through people and circumstances, but God also . . .
Not only does God speak to us through His Word, and not only does He speak to us through people and circumstances, but God also . . .
On the Offensive // Monday // November 10
During the Korean War, a unit known as Baker Company was separated from the regiment, and enemy forces were advancing on them. For several . . .
During the Korean War, a unit known as Baker Company was separated from the regiment, and enemy forces were advancing on them. For several . . .
When to Run // Tuesday // November 11
Some years ago, there was a story in the news about a man who had a tree fall on his leg. With no one . . .
Some years ago, there was a story in the news about a man who had a tree fall on his leg. With no one . . .
Seize Today // Wednesday // November 12
What kind of people does God want to use? We find the same pattern throughout Scripture: the people God used were faithful in what . . .
What kind of people does God want to use? We find the same pattern throughout Scripture: the people God used were faithful in what . . .
Divine Discipline // Thursday // November 13
Why does God bring tests into our lives? Is it because He wants to give us a hard time or embarrass us? No. . . .
Why does God bring tests into our lives? Is it because He wants to give us a hard time or embarrass us? No. . . .
The Trap of Temptation // Friday // November 14
Right after I became a Christian, other believers warned me, "Greg, watch out. There is a devil who will tempt you." I said, "Right. . . .
Right after I became a Christian, other believers warned me, "Greg, watch out. There is a devil who will tempt you." I said, "Right. . . .
Spiritual Casualties // Monday // November 17
It is clear that we are living in the last days. All around us, we see signs being fulfilled before our very eyes that . . .
It is clear that we are living in the last days. All around us, we see signs being fulfilled before our very eyes that . . .
The Little Things // Tuesday // November 18
When I was a kid, I collected snakes. I thought they were just great, and I had them in all shapes and sizes. . . .
When I was a kid, I collected snakes. I thought they were just great, and I had them in all shapes and sizes. . . .
On the Offensive // Wednesday // November 19
I remember reading a story about one of the battles between General Lee and General Grant during the Civil War. General Lee was, of course, . . .
I remember reading a story about one of the battles between General Lee and General Grant during the Civil War. General Lee was, of course, . . .
Dealing with Distraction // Thursday // November 20
In first-century track competitions, each runner would be assigned to a lane on the track. Each was expected to stay in his assigned lane. In . . .
In first-century track competitions, each runner would be assigned to a lane on the track. Each was expected to stay in his assigned lane. In . . .
Against All Odds // Monday // November 24
Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, faced a dilemma. His enemies greatly outnumbered him. To make matters worse, his enemies had joined forces with the other enemies . . .
Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, faced a dilemma. His enemies greatly outnumbered him. To make matters worse, his enemies had joined forces with the other enemies . . .
Destined for Greatness // Tuesday // November 25
It has been said that it takes a steady hand to hold a full cup. God was planning to give a full cup to the apostle . . .
It has been said that it takes a steady hand to hold a full cup. God was planning to give a full cup to the apostle . . .
Why Jesus Came // Wednesday // November 26
As a little boy, I lived with my grandmother for a few years. I would thumb through her big family Bible and look at . . .
As a little boy, I lived with my grandmother for a few years. I would thumb through her big family Bible and look at . . .
Remembering to Say "Thank You" // Thursday // November 27
In the Old Testament we find an interesting story of how King Jehoshaphat took an uncommon approach when his enemies waged war against him. . . .
In the Old Testament we find an interesting story of how King Jehoshaphat took an uncommon approach when his enemies waged war against him. . . .
A Time to Sit // Friday // November 28
When the Lord walked this earth, He had no place to call home (Matthew 8:20). But there was something He liked about a home in . . .
When the Lord walked this earth, He had no place to call home (Matthew 8:20). But there was something He liked about a home in . . .
The Ultimate Sacrifice // Monday // December 1
I heard a true story about a man who operated a drawbridge. At a certain time every afternoon, he raised the bridge for a ferryboat . . .
I heard a true story about a man who operated a drawbridge. At a certain time every afternoon, he raised the bridge for a ferryboat . . .
Cross-Bearing // Tuesday // December 2
Sometimes we say, "We all have our crosses to bear. My cross is my supervisor at work," or "My cross is this health problem," . . .
Sometimes we say, "We all have our crosses to bear. My cross is my supervisor at work," or "My cross is this health problem," . . .
Giving Cheerfully // Wednesday // December 3
I don't know about you, but when Christmas rolls around, it seems there is always someone for whom I feel obligated to buy a gift. . . .
I don't know about you, but when Christmas rolls around, it seems there is always someone for whom I feel obligated to buy a gift. . . .
Giving Our Best // Thursday // December 4
A farmer who was known for his frugality owned a cow that gave birth to two calves. He said to his wife, "I am . . .
A farmer who was known for his frugality owned a cow that gave birth to two calves. He said to his wife, "I am . . .
The Smart Thing to Do // Friday // December 5
Whose slave are you? Maybe you believe that you are your own person, the master of your own destiny. But in reality, each . . .
Whose slave are you? Maybe you believe that you are your own person, the master of your own destiny. But in reality, each . . .
Conformed or Transformed? // Monday // December 8
A flock of wild geese was flying south for the winter when one goose looked down and noticed a group of domestic geese by a . . .
A flock of wild geese was flying south for the winter when one goose looked down and noticed a group of domestic geese by a . . .
Destruction in Disguise // Tuesday // December 9
One of the first things I remember taking place when I committed my life to Jesus Christ was the erosion of bitterness and anger and . . .
One of the first things I remember taking place when I committed my life to Jesus Christ was the erosion of bitterness and anger and . . .
Remember the Giver // Wednesday // December 10
When people give Christmas gifts to each other, they usually think a great deal about it beforehand. A gift tells us quite a bit . . .
When people give Christmas gifts to each other, they usually think a great deal about it beforehand. A gift tells us quite a bit . . .
No Greater Gift // Thursday // December 11
Some of the most precious gifts tend not to attract our attention at first. We take a hurried glance and see nothing of significance. . . .
Some of the most precious gifts tend not to attract our attention at first. We take a hurried glance and see nothing of significance. . . .
A Divine Departure // Friday // December 12
When we think of Christmas, we think of the arrival of Jesus: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given" . . .
When we think of Christmas, we think of the arrival of Jesus: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given" . . .
A Lesson from Mary // Monday // December 15
It is difficult for us to understand, 2,000 years later, the significance of the angel Gabriel's appearance to Mary in Nazareth. After all, he . . .
It is difficult for us to understand, 2,000 years later, the significance of the angel Gabriel's appearance to Mary in Nazareth. After all, he . . .
Making Room for Jesus // Tuesday // December 16
Imagine for a moment that it's your birthday and your friends and family have decided to throw you party. It isn't just any party. . . .
Imagine for a moment that it's your birthday and your friends and family have decided to throw you party. It isn't just any party. . . .
God with Skin On // Wednesday // December 17
I heard the story of a little boy who was frightened one night during a big thunderstorm. Terrified, he called out from his room, "Daddy, . . .
I heard the story of a little boy who was frightened one night during a big thunderstorm. Terrified, he called out from his room, "Daddy, . . .
God with Us // Thursday // December 18
When an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, he was not only telling him that Mary had not been unfaithful as . . .
When an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, he was not only telling him that Mary had not been unfaithful as . . .
Kept by His Love // Friday // December 19
When you go to a place like Disneyland with your children, you know where they are. You don't leave the park and forget them, . . .
When you go to a place like Disneyland with your children, you know where they are. You don't leave the park and forget them, . . .
A Wing or a Weight? // Monday // December 22
I heard about a great concert violinist who was asked about the secret to her great performances. She answered, "Planned neglect. Anything that . . .
I heard about a great concert violinist who was asked about the secret to her great performances. She answered, "Planned neglect. Anything that . . .
Missing the Point // Tuesday // December 23
I read a newspaper article about a man who was having a little trouble with Christmas and was shooting off some steam. For this . . .
I read a newspaper article about a man who was having a little trouble with Christmas and was shooting off some steam. For this . . .
The Trouble with Herod // Wednesday // December 24
The wise men who came from the East were men of great importance, VIPs. If they came to our country today, they would arrive . . .
The wise men who came from the East were men of great importance, VIPs. If they came to our country today, they would arrive . . .
A Different Kind of Messiah // Thursday // December 25
When King Herod heard that one had been born King of the Jews, he summoned the chief priests and scribes to inquire where the Christ . . .
When King Herod heard that one had been born King of the Jews, he summoned the chief priests and scribes to inquire where the Christ . . .
Faithful to the End // Friday // December 26
Today I want to look at one of the unsung heroes of the Bible. His name was Caleb, and he never lost his edge . . .
Today I want to look at one of the unsung heroes of the Bible. His name was Caleb, and he never lost his edge . . .
Dealing with Distraction // Monday // December 29
In first-century track competitions, each runner would be assigned to a lane on the track. Each was expected to stay in his assigned lane. . . .
In first-century track competitions, each runner would be assigned to a lane on the track. Each was expected to stay in his assigned lane. . . .
Gifts for God // Tuesday // December 30
Christmas is a time of giving, and I've found it to be true that it is more blessed to give than to receive. If . . .
Christmas is a time of giving, and I've found it to be true that it is more blessed to give than to receive. If . . .
Keeping Pace // Wednesday // December 31
I heard about one man who made some New Year's resolutions. In 2001 he said, "I will not get upset when Sam and Charlie . . .
I heard about one man who made some New Year's resolutions. In 2001 he said, "I will not get upset when Sam and Charlie . . .