Posts Categorized: Devotional

Age Matters

Posted September 2, 2019 | Judith Ingram

Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Consider

The “outward” and “inward” selves that Paul describes are not our body and our spirit, as one might suppose. Rather, Paul is contrasting the two ages in which every Christian lives.

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Beneath the Anger

Posted August 26, 2019 | Judith Ingram

Scripture

Hosea 6:6-7 NLT

“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. But like Adam, you broke my covenant and betrayed my trust.”

Consider

We read in the book of Hosea passage after passage of scathing indictments against Israel for her faithlessness. God repeatedly pronounces his anger and judgment against her. Then, like an unexpected arrow of light breaking through a dark sky, this tender passage emerges, giving us a glimpse of God’s heart.

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Worthy Disciples

Posted August 19, 2019 | Judith Ingram

Scripture

Matthew 10:37-38 NCV

“Those who love their father or mother more than they love me are not worthy to be my followers. Those who love their son or daughter more than they love me are not worthy to be my followers. Whoever is not willing to carry the cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

Consider

The challenge Jesus raises in his statement is as much about loyalty as it is about love. He warns us that following him may put us at odds with those we love best, and when we are forced to choose, we must be clear about where to take our stand.

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Beyond Forgiving

Posted August 12, 2019 | Judith Ingram

Scripture

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 NIV

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

Consider

To be reconciled means to restore friendliness and goodwill in a relationship that has somehow broken down. Beyond a neutral acceptance of the other person, being reconciled assumes positive regard for someone who was previously seen as an enemy.

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Psalm 16: A Forever Friendship

Posted August 5, 2019 | Judith Ingram

A meditation inspired by Psalm 16.

 

Keep your loving eye upon me, O Lord my God,

for you alone can keep me safe.

Every good thing in my life comes from you.

 

Who are the true heroes in our midst?

Those who delight in your Name

and proclaim the good news of your love.

Other celebrities we admire run from you to pursue other gods

and find themselves sliding from one sin into another.

“Come on,” they call.

“Worship with us at the altar of Self-glory.

A small sacrifice will gain you wealth and success!”

 

I refuse to be dazzled by their rhetoric;

I shut my heart against their crooked schemes.

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