Today's Devotions

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Showcase: Assorted Treats

  • Process +

      The finished diamond is one of the most beautiful and desirable gems. Read More
  • Needing More Than Commands +

    A Christ-Life Through Spiritual Alignment What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I Read More
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Reflection

Foolish Device of My Own

arbor1Refuge

O Lord,Whose power is infinite and wisdom infallible, order things that they may neither hinder, nor discourage me,  nor prove obstacles to the progress of Thy cause.

Stand between me and all strife, that no evil befall,  no sin corrupt my gifts, zeal, attainments.

May I follow duty and not any foolish device of my own.

Permit me not to labour at work which Thou wilt not bless, that I may serve thee without disgrace or debt.

Let me dwell in Thy most secret place under thy shadow, where is safe impenetrable protection from the arrow that flieth by day, the pestilence that walketh in darkness, the strife of tongues, the malice of ill-will, the hurt of unkind talk, the snares of company, the perils of youth, the temptations of middle life, the moumings of old age, the fear of death.

I am entirely dependent upon Thee for support, counsel, consolation.

Uphold me by Thy free Spirit, and may I not think it enough to be preserved from falling, but may I always go forward, always abounding in the work Thou givest me to do.

Strengthen me by Thy Spirit in my inner self for every purpose of my Christian life.

All my jewels I give to the shadow of the safety that is in Thee-my name anew in Christ, my body, soul, talents, character, my success, wife, children, friends, work, my present, my future, my end.

Take them, they are Thine, and I am thine, now and for ever.

Taken from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett.

http://www.eternallifeministries.org/prayers.htm#The%20Valley%20of%20Vision

Letting Go of Old Hurts



One of the hardest things in life is to let go of old hurts. We often say, or at least think: "What you did to me and my family, my ancestors, or my friends I cannot forget or forgive. ... One day you will have to pay for it." Sometimes our memories are decades, even centuries, old and keep asking for revenge.

Holding people's faults against them often creates an impenetrable wall. But listen to Paul: "For anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation: the old order is gone and a new being is there to see. It is all God's work" (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). Indeed, we cannot let go of old hurts, but God can. Paul says: "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not holding anyone's fault against them" (2 Corinthians 5:19). It is God's work, but we are God's ministers, because the God who reconciled the world to God entrusted to us "the message of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:19). This message calls us to let go of old hurts in the Name of God. It is the message our world most needs to hear. - Henry Nouwen

Visit HenriNouwen.org for more inspiration!

Where Do We Start?

When people initiate relationships, where do we start? Workers craft resumes; employers advertise the benefits of working for their companies. Sellers use elaborate print ads and commercials to tout what their product does, and why the customer should buy this particular item from this particular seller. Hopeful people and those around them put together program and award applications listing activities and achievements. Political candidates brag about their own accomplishments and point out opponents’ failings.

Read more: Where Do We Start?

Spiritual Growth

tree_and_sky_500Fellow wanderer, do you know who you are? And is that person who you want to be?

You and I are spiritual beings. We live in physical bodies, but we are more than just a collection of cells. Our essence is something invisible, intangible, something many of us call “spirit.”

Spirits are not static; they grow and change—for better or worse. God gives us tools to help direct that growth, but too many of us are missing out, because we don’t see the tools or know how to use them.

At TheSpiritLife.net, we want to shine a light on these “facets” of spiritual growth so we can learn to use the tools that God has given us, and use them wisely. We don’t believe that God designed spiritual growth to happen by accident. His goal is for us to become—not just act—more like Jesus. In our experience, we are best equipped to do so when we approach spiritual growth whole-heartedly, with intentionality and discipline.

Read more: Spiritual Growth

John Milton - On His Blindness

When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodg'd with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide,
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies: "God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts: who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed
And post o'er land and ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and wait."
- John Milton, “On His Blindness”

Read more: John Milton - On His Blindness

Reflections to Consider

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Publications

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Music

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Audio & Video

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Favorites

  • Praise Adonai by Paul Baloche +

    Who is like Him The Lion and the Lamb Seated on the throne Mountains bow down Every ocean roars To the Lord of hosts  Read More
  • An Interview with Paul Washer by Tim Challies +

    You probably know Paul Washer as the man who preached the infamous "Shocking Youth Message," a sermon that has tallied Read More
  • Glorious by Paul Baloche +

    Look inside the mysterySee the empty crossSee the risen SaviorVictorious and strong Read More
  • Paul's Prayers +

    How do we pray? What should we pray for? Yes, there is the Lord's prayer--Jesus teaching his disciples, and us, Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • God's Mission: To Bless All Nations +

    From the beginning God’s desire is to be with us–in our presence. Read More
  • Psalm 63: Crying Out to God +

    What set David apart from others–what made him close to God’s heart? Read More
  • The Patience and Compassion of God's Love +

    We have an amazing God. Read More
  • The Fear of the Lord +

    Why is fear of the Lord so important as a follower of Jesus? Read More
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