Posts Categorized: Devotional

Breaking the Chains of Disappointment

Posted March 24, 2014 | Judith Ingram

Scripture

2 Peter 2:19 (New International Version)

People are slaves to whatever has mastered them.

Psalm 146:7 (New International Version)

The Lord sets prisoners free.

Consider

If I find that I cannot get past a hurtful event, or if forgiving the person who offended me seems impossible, then I have made myself a prisoner of that relationship disappointment.

Note the wording: I have not made myself a prisoner of the person but of the relationship disappointment. My offender may have no wish to exert power over me or to see me suffer.

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Facing A Brother’s Anger

Posted March 17, 2014 | Judith Ingram

Scripture

Matthew 5:23-24 (English Standard Version)

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift.

Consider

The wording of this passage has always intrigued me. I somehow expect Jesus to say, “If you remember that you have something against your brother, go and be reconciled.” Well, okay, that makes sense. God wants us to be forgiving.

Instead, Jesus requires something more difficult.

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Growing Into the Positive

Posted March 10, 2014 | Judith Ingram

Scripture

Ephesians 4:31-32 (New Living Translation)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Consider

Last week’s devotional suggested giving up a destructive attitude or habit as a Lenten discipline. Today’s look at the same Ephesians passage takes our Lenten journey one step further—with each negative behavior we abandon, we make room for positive growth.

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What to Give Up for Lent

Posted March 3, 2014 | Judith Ingram

Scripture

Ephesians 4:31 (New Living Translation)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

Consider

Ash Wednesday is right around the corner. What are you giving up for Lent?

Lent is a traditional 40-day season of reflection, repentance, and self-denial as we remember Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our salvation and the triumph of his resurrection. The purpose of “giving up something for Lent” (traditionally, fasting) is to learn to depend on God.

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Choose Life!

Posted February 24, 2014 | Judith Ingram

Scripture

Deuteronomy 30:15,19 (New Living Translation)

“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster….Oh, that you would choose life.”

Consider

Choosing life means surrendering our hearts and minds to God’s loving authority. Choosing death means leaving God out of our lives so we can go our own way.

When it comes to relationships, we choose life when we seek out others who will honor and support our walk with God. Life-nurturing companions respect our desire to learn God’s ways and obey his laws.

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