Category Archives: Devotions/Bible Studies

Religion or Love?

Posted on 2012/09/28 by Shawn Thomas

I am often apologized to by spouses of people who are suffering from an illness, and who have not been to church for some time because they have been caring for their husband or wife. I always assure them that … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies | Leave a comment

An Ugly Picture

Posted on 2012/09/27 by Shawn Thomas

Proverbs 19:24 gives us a grotesque picture: “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, but will not even bring it back to his mouth.” It is a disgusting thought indeed — but it may hit closer to home than … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies | Leave a comment

Let Him Bear The Penalty (Tough Love)

Posted on 2012/09/26 by Shawn Thomas

There is a lesson in Proverbs 19:19 which can be hard to apply. It says: “A man of great anger will bear the penalty; for if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.” This passage is … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Does Praise Look Good On You?

Posted on 2012/09/24 by Shawn Thomas

Someone has said that a good interpretation of Psalm 33:2 might be: “praise ‘looks good’ on the upright.” The righteous are commanded to praise God, and it is fitting and comely when they do. But we may also infer a … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Simple Recipe For The Day

Posted on 2012/09/20 by Shawn Thomas

Sometimes we make things too complex; looking way off into the future, worrying about “what if” and “which way”, when many times those decisions don’t really need to made today.  What we really need to focus on this day is … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Prayers for a Loved One

Posted on 2012/09/19 by Shawn Thomas

Often times we end up praying the same old things for people – especially when we pray for them very often. It is easy to get into a “rut” and pray some version of the same tired “bless so-and-so.” One … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies | Leave a comment

Behold Me!

Posted on 2012/09/18 by Shawn Thomas

In Genesis 37, Jacob asked his son Joseph to go to his brothers who were pasturing the flock. Many versions translate Joseph’s response as “I will go”, but his actual response is very interesting. Literally he told his father: “Behold … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies | Leave a comment

Near to the Brokenhearted

Posted on 2012/09/17 by Shawn Thomas

Psalm 34:18 says: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” This should be comforting to those of us who have sorrow. Sometimes, in our despondency, we feel like God is far away. But this scripture says that in reality, He … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

His House of Prayer

Posted on 2012/09/12 by Shawn Thomas

In Mark 11:17, Jesus said: “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations?’”  His words regarding the temple remind us of some principles regarding our houses of worship today:

Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Goal of Revival

Posted on 2012/09/11 by Shawn Thomas

In Genesis 35, Jacob led his family in a “revival” in which they put away foreign gods and purified themseles.  But “revival” is not merely putting away sinful gods and practices – it has a positive end.   After he admonished … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment