'affirmation' Tagged Posts
Daily Devotions
Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.” vss. 12-13 Psalm 34:9-14 Some psalms had their origins in the Wisdom Literature of Israel and leaders used them in worship to teach people particular insights about how to live. This psalmist says that the way we use our mouths is the key to a long and fruitful life, that in fact, all happiness depends upon our…
Daily Devotions
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” vss. 22-23 Lamentations 3:22-33 The book of Lamentations was likely written following the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of its leading families to Babylon. Its verses are full of sadness as the writer laments what has happened to the chosen people of God. Having experienced what he believes to be the wrath of God he…
Daily Devotions
And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’” vs. 17 Matthew 3:16-17 Whatever reason Jesus might have had for seeking baptism at the hands of John, there is no doubt that the experience marked the beginning of his ministry. As he came up out of the water, Matthew says, the heavens were opened to him, the Spirit of God came near, and he heard the voice of God. It’s noteworthy…
Daily Devotions
So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ‘We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!’” vs. 10 Luke 17:7-10 Most people love affirmation and appreciate thanksgiving for the work that they have done, but sometimes that doesn’t happen. Many times, followers of Jesus discover that there’s not much reward in their labors of love. They give themselves heart and soul to a good cause and no…
Daily Devotions
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.” vs. 1 Philippians 3:19-4:1 Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippians–it was a regular thing in his life–but this time it seemed serious. He was awaiting trial and wasn’t sure how that would go. In those days, prisoners could receive visitors, letters, and gifts and Paul had gotten all of…
Daily Devotions
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” vs. 1b Isaiah 43:1-7 While there are a multitude of differences among humans we have one thing in common. All of us crave affirmation, a sign of affection or love, some indication that we have value just as we are. Too many have been beaten down by discounting cultural messages that come from every direction. For some it starts in childhood with bullying…
Daily Devotions
1 Corinthians 1:3-9 “for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind…so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” vss. 5, 7 Paul begins his letter to the church at Corinth with glowing words of affirmation. From his perspective, since they live under grace, they lack nothing–there is no need for them to worry about their salvation. We should…
Daily Devotions
1 Thessalonians 5:6-11 “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” vs. 11 Paul loved the people of Thessalonica and encouraged them to stand firm in faith and not be discouraged by Christ’s failure to return as they had hoped. They weren’t going to miss out on salvation no matter what happened. That assurance was theirs by grace and couldn’t be taken away. Having said that, he goes on to recommend encouragement as a…