A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.
From Titus 2:7: “In all things, offering yourself as a model of good works and in your teaching offering integrity.”
D. L. Moody (1837-1899), also known as Dwight Lyman Moody, was an American evangelist and Christian teacher. He is frequently credited with inspiring modern mass revivalism.
Nothing happens in any particular unless God’s will is behind it, therefore you can rest in perfect confidence in Him.
From Matthew 7:11: “If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.
Fill your affections with the cross of Christ that there may be no room for sin.
From Matthew 13:41-43: “The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will collect out of His kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
John Owen (1616-1683) was an English Puritan church leader and theologian.
Our high and privileged calling is to do the will of God in the power of God for the glory of God.
From Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
J. I. Packer (1926-2020) was a English-born Christian theologian and writer. His given name was James Innell, and he spent most of his later years in Canada.
Those who go to Heaven ride on a pass and enter into blessings that they never earned, but all who go to hell pay their own way.
From Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”
John R. Rice (1895-1980) was an American pastor and Christian evangelist.
The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before. What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you. And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, like Moses in the cleft of the rock, watching God’s [back] fade in the distance. So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. There will be time enough for running. For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. For now, stay. Wait. Something is on the horizon.
From Isaiah 9:6-7: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders, and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Great will be His authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Jan L. Richardson (born 1967) is an American writer, artist, and ordained minister. Her reflections come from her Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas.
We are always looking for justice; the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is–Never look for justice, but never cease to give it.
From Matthew 5:39-41: “But I say to you: Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also, and if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, give your coat as well, and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.”
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.
From 1 Timothy 2:1: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone.”
Embracing Savior’s peace
Heart replenished with grace
Walking with dignity
Faith’s most genuine place
Praying for each other
Words employing Christ’s love
Reaching to Heaven’s hands
Mediator above
Persevering to pray
Christ’s Holy presence felt
Encouraging boldness
Every word be heartfelt
Trusting always Christ’s light
Believer’s truthful way
Following Good Shepherd
Called now to simply pray
Sharing faith’s compassion
With everyone in need
Sowing Savior’s witness
Hope fulfilled with each seed
From Ephesians 6:18: “Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.”
I love the challenge. It’s one of the greatest joys of my life, but does it fill the deepest wants and desires of my heart? Absolutely not.
From Ecclesiastes 2:11: “Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had spent in doing it, and again, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.”
Scottie Scheffler (born 1996) is an American professional golfer. He has often given testaments that his Christian faith is more important than his golf career. This quote came from an interview with Scheffler.
Each sister, each brother
Walking with Christ, our Lord
Supporting one another
With grace, arriving on board
Faith immersed in Christ’s Word
Trusting always His light
Revealing peace to be heard
Enemy’s darkness takes flight
Christ, faith’s firm foundation
Transforming every stone
Building path to salvation
Filled with hope, never alone
Believers marching on
Following in Christ’s steps
Witnessing Heaven’s fate drawn
Mercy knocks at each doorstep
Each sister, each brother
Sharing Christ’s Living Bread
Accepting one another
Called to serve with truth now fed
Big Sky Buckeye 