Daily Devotions for May 2024

316Judith

Wednesday, May 1

When Your World Shakes

God is…a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed.
Psalm 46:1-2

At first they couldn’t believe it. Fifteen days after Haiti’s devastating earthquake, workers found a miracle survivor. Darline Etienne, sixteen, was pulled from the rubble barely breathing and hardly able to speak. She’d apparently been alone in the house taking a shower when the quake struck.

The house collapsed on her, but since she was in the bathroom, she had access to water. That’s what saved her life. As she was pulled from the ruins, she weakly asked for her mother. She was immediately given food, medical care, and loving assurance.

Bible Reading:
Isaiah 41:10-13

Just as an earthquake victim eagerly accepts rescue and the provisions of food and clothing, we should look to the Lord for all we need. The psalmist said, “Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He has mercy on us” (Psalm 123:2).

God provides one blessing after another, and His reserves are never diminished. Trust Him to rescue and provide for you today.

In the presence of Jesus there is sheer, thrilling effervescence of life…a gloom-encompassed Christianity is an impossibility William Barclay

316Judith

Thursday, May 2, 2024

The Human Touch of Kindness

He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Proverbs 14:21

“Mamie Adams always went to a branch post office in her town because the postal employees there were friendly. She went there to buy stamps just before Christmas one year, and the lines were particularly long.

Someone pointed out that there was no need to wait in line because there was a stamp machine in the lobby. ‘I know,’ said Mamie, ‘but the machine won’t ask me about my arthritis.’”1

Bible Reading:
Matthew 25:34-40

The human touch of kindness is our species’ distinguishing mark and something many go without due to all of the world’s technological advances.

Just like Mamie, many people would rather sacrifice the modern-day convenience of a machine in order to receive a friendly greeting from another living, breathing human being.

Jesus understood the importance of kindness and took great care in being kind to everyone, especially the downtrodden and unsaved.

He knew this was the key to opening the hearts of those who otherwise might never respond to the love of Christ.

Make it your goal to be kind to everyone; you never know who might be in need of the human touch of kindness.

It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor. Martin Luther

316Judith

Saturday, May 4, 2024

A Fascinating Few: Naaman

Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. 2 Kings 5:1

Bible Reading:
Acts 10:1-8

Acts 10 tells the story of Cornelius, a Roman soldier, who nonetheless was a “devout man...who feared God.”

He gave generously to those in need and “prayed to God” faithfully (verses 1-2). God took note of Cornelius’ heart and graciously brought the Gospel of Christ to him.

A similar situation occurred in the Old Testament with a Syrian military commander who seems to have been used by God to defeat one of Israel’s enemies. But he had leprosy.

God arranged for this man, Naaman, to learn about the prophet Elisha through whom he might be healed.

So Naaman traveled from Syria to Samaria to meet Elisha and was indeed healed, causing him to give praise to Elisha’s God.

The grace of God is extended to many in situations that might surprise us.

Our ministry to a non-believer might be an open door for God to extend saving grace to them—just as God extended grace to us.

Every day we are objects of the grace of God. Donald Grey Barnhouse

316Judith

Monday, May 6, 2024

Complexion of Comfort

God…has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6

When the sixteenth-century British poet and soldier Sir Philip Sidney died, his friend Matthew Roydon wrote a poem in his honour.

He said that Sidney possessed: “A sweet attractive kind of grace; a full assurance given by looks; continual comfort in a face; the [complexion] of Gospel books.”1

In other words, the Gospel shone through Sidney’s face. Divine comfort was etched into his complexion. To look at him was to be reassured.

Bible Reading:
2 Corinthians 1:2-3

If the face of a mere mortal can express God’s grace, think of looking into the face of Christ Himself.

Imagine being the blind man whose first sight was the smiling face of the Healer.

Imagine Mary and Martha seeing our Lord’s concerned face in their grief.

Imagine the disciples looking into the radiant face of our Lord as He ascended into heaven.

Now imagine His face seeing you and your burdens today.

One day we’ll see Him face-to-face. Until then, we can still look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Continual comfort in a face!

Is this not truer of the face of Jesus, who was marred more than any other man?

His benign countenance, loving eyes, gracious presence, and heartfelt messages all exuded comfort. Herbert Lockyer

316Judith

Tuesday, May 7

Praise Him in the Morning

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 34:1

Don’t just praise the Lord for an hour on Sunday.

Keep a song in your heart all the time. Start first thing each day. Scottish preacher Duncan Campbell resolved to bless the Lord at all times, starting with his morning devotions.

According to his biographer, Campbell rose each morning as the farmers harnessed their horses to the plows. He was convicted by their work ethic and determined to be as diligent with his spiritual harvest as they were with their crops.

Bible Reading:
Psalm 34

Campbell’s biography explained, “During these hours of communion with God, the fresh dew of heaven bathed his soul, refreshing and equipping him for daily service.

He carried the fragrance of the presence of God with him from the secret place into his public ministry.

When we start the day praising the Lord, it keeps a song in our heart throughout our waking hours.

When we offer our praise and worship to the Lord, He can dry our tears and banish our fears.

His praise shall continually be in our mouth.

Joy is balm and healing; and if you will but
rejoice, God will give power. A. B. Simpson

316Judith

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

The Father’s Love

But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
Luke 15:20

Rembrandt’s final great painting The Return of the Prodigal Son hangs in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

In the painting, the father’s face is full of compassion as his son kneels at his feet and presses his head into the man’s chest.

The father’s hands rest on his son’s shoulders, and the father literally enfolds his son within his red cloak.

It’s believed Rembrandt pictured himself as the son and that this painting was a sort of testimony of his own journey.

Bible Reading:
Luke 15:17-24

Like the father of the prodigal, God yearns for His children to run to Him. He is full of compassion, eager to forgive, ready to fellowship with us, and He longs to enfold us into the red robes of His grace.

If you’ve had a bad year so far, a bad month, a bad week, or a terrible day, take it to the Lord.

Repent of sin. Kneel and confess your need. Cry out to Him, and you’ll find that even while you are a great way off, your Father will see you and run to you with His arms of mercy outstretched to you.

No matter what storm you face, you need to know that God loves you. Franklin Graham

316Judith

Friday, May 10, 2024

Forgiveness

When Jesus saw [the friends’] faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
Mark 2:5

The hardest part of forgiving another person is acting like the offense never occurred. But that is what forgiving someone means—restoring relationships to the status they enjoyed before the offense took place.

It’s one thing to say, “I forgive you,” but it’s another to act like all the effects of an offense are completely erased.

After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words.

Bible Reading:
Mark 2:1-12

Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. When He told the man that his sins were forgiven (and by extension, he was healed), He was criticized. He was accused of blaspheming by saying He had the authority to forgive sins—something only God can do.

So Jesus proved He had the authority to say, “I forgive you,” by doing something harder. He healed the man’s paralysis.

After all, as Jesus explained, actions speak louder than words (Mark 2:8-11).

We cannot go through life without being hurt by others, so we should learn to forgive. Even more, we should practice demonstrating our forgiveness by our acts of lovingkindness. Look for opportunities to do both.

Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. G. Campbell Morgan

316Judith

A Fascinating Few: Jabez
Sunday, Mothers Day, May 12, 2024

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10

Bible Reading:
Genesis 32:24-26

Jabez was an honorable man, but he lived with a specific burden. In Hebrew his name sounded like the word for “pain.” His mother named him “Jabez” because “[she] bore him in pain” (1 Chronicles 4:9).

It was common in those days to give names related to certain circumstances. But imagine the shame Jabez might have endured for having “pain” for a name. As an honorable man, he didn’t want to be associated with pain.

So Jabez went to the Lord in prayer. He asked God to bless him and expand his land and livelihood; he asked God to be with him and keep him from being a source of pain to others.

And God granted his request. We know nothing more about Jabez except he exchanged his fear for God’s blessing.

God will do the same for you. If there is any shame or fear you live with, ask God to remove it and grant you His blessing.

Come, thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace. Robert Robinson

316Judith

Tuesday, May 14

Rest and Refresh

Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.”
John 7:37

They were nuns, monks, hermits, and ascetics, and were known as the Desert Fathers (or Desert Mothers, for nuns).

Beginning with Anthony the Great who moved to the Middle Eastern desert around A.D. 270, thousands of others followed in his footsteps, seeking spiritual purity, enlightenment, solitude, and perfection.

Bible Reading:
Matthew 11:28-30

Their pattern of retreating contributed to today’s practice of taking a retreat to refresh oneself spiritually.

Thankfully, it’s not necessary to retreat to the desert or a mountaintop, either temporarily or permanently, to find spiritual refreshment.

Jesus said if we would but come to Him—for living water or for rest (Matthew 11:28-30)—we would find it in abundance.

We can create that place of rest in a place of prayer or Bible study or meditation or worship, anywhere we can retreat from the cares and busyness of life.

When we turn over those cares to God in prayer through Christ, His peace will guard our heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7).

If you can retreat to a serene spot in nature—wonderful! If that’s not possible, retreat with Jesus wherever you can. He will meet you there.

You made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless till they rest in you. Augustine

316Judith

Wednesday, May 15

Not All Days Are Like This!

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving. Psalm 147:7

Alexander Whyte, a famous Scottish preacher, was known by his people as a man who was very optimistic and positive.

He always prayed and devoted the first two or three sentences of his prayer to gratitude and thanksgiving to God.

Bible Reading:
Psalm 147

On one particularly miserable Sunday in his church, about ninety percent of the congregation could not even get to the service because the weather was so bad. Rain, snow, wind, and ice were howling around the church.

Dr. Whyte got up to pray, and his people wondered what he could possibly say that would be positive in his prayer that day.

“We thank Thee, O Lord,” he prayed, “that it is not always like it is today.”

Perhaps you’re having trouble feeling thankful today. Regardless of your circumstances and mood, you can lighten your heart today—and bless God’s heart—by developing your own personal thanksgiving prayer.

Make a mental list. Think of things for which you’ve never before expressed gratitude.

Thanksgiving is a great antidote for self-pity, and it’s an effective cure for the blues!

Count your blessings, name them one by one; and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. Johnson Oatman, Jr.

316Judith

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Walking With God

Enoch walked with God. Genesis 5:24

What does it mean to walk with God?

There’s a clue in Hebrews 11:5: “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

Bible Reading:
Genesis 5:21-24

To walk with God is to please God, and we please God by trusting Him with our troubles.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

As we worship this powerful God we know, we should be encouraged in our walk with Him. We should come to know God better—His omnipotence, His holiness, His ever-present nature, His faithfulness and truthfulness, His justice and love.

By coming to know Him better, we trust Him more. By trusting Him more, we please Him. By pleasing Him, we walk with Him as Enoch did.

Is there a burden you need to entrust into God’s care? Do it now, trust Him fully, and enjoy walking with Him through the ups and downs of life.

Day by day, morning by morning, begin your walk
with Him in the calm trust that God is at work in everything. Anne Ortlund

316Judith

Friday, May 17

Tell God Everything

I cry out to the Lord with my voice; with my voice to the Lord I make my supplication.
Psalm 142:1

When reading the New Testament, we sometimes wonder: “Was the apostle Paul thinking of such-and-such Old Testament event when he wrote those words?” That could be the case when we see an example (Old Testament) and exhortation (New Testament) to pour out our concerns to God.

Bible Reading:
Philippians 4:6-7

When David was anointed king, King Saul tried to kill David to block his ascension to the throne. On one occasion, David hid in “the cave of Adullam” (1 Samuel 22:1) to escape the murderous Saul.

In Psalm 142, we have a record of David’s prayer to God while he was hiding from Saul. And what a prayer!

Surely it is an example of what Paul wrote about in Philippians 4:6-7—don’t be anxious, but through prayers and supplications let your concerns be made known to God.

And just as David was guarded in a “stronghold” while he prayed (1 Samuel 22:4), so the believer is guarded by the peace of God as we commit our concerns to Him (Philippians 4:7).

Don’t be afraid to tell God your deepest needs and concerns. By example and exhortation, the Bible encourages that very thing.

Anxiety and prayer are more opposed to each other than fire and water. J. A. Bengel

316Judith

Saturday, May 18, 2024

A Fascinating Few: Josiah

Now before [Josiah] there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him. 2 Kings 23:25

Bible Reading:
2 Kings 23:1-3

No king before Josiah, king of Judah, or after him, was as obedient or faithful. Josiah became king when he was 8 years old. His father and grandfather had been idol-worshiping kings, but Josiah’s 31-year reign was a stark contrast.

When Josiah was 26 years old, he set about to restore the temple in Jerusalem which had fallen into disrepair due to lack of use.

During the restoration, the high priest discovered a copy of “the Book of the Law” given through Moses—something Josiah was seemingly unfamiliar with (2 Kings 22:8).

When it was read to him, he mourned over how Judah had failed to obey the Lord. He called the people together and renewed the covenant with them after reading them God’s Word.

He then undertook a thorough cleansing of Jerusalem and Judah from the vile, pagan, idolatrous practices that had been allowed.

Josiah not only read God’s Word; he put it into practice.

Purpose not only to hear the Word but also to do what it says (James 1:23-25).

Beware of reasoning about God’s Word—obey it! Oswald Chambers

316Judith

May 19, 2024

Psalms 65:6 Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power.

Todd's teacher talked about the mountains he had visited just the summer before. The teacher said that thousands of years ago, the mountains weren't nearly so high.

With each passing year, they jutted higher and higher. Amazing power pushed them skyward.

Todd had walked along the ridge of one mountain, taking for granted that it had always been there. The world was a really fascinating place.

It is wonderful to think of our God as the creator of all that is. There is so much that truly is fascinating, and we cannot begin to understand it all.

God set the mountains in their places, and He changes them ever so slightly all the time.

A God powerful enough to do all that is a God worthy of our praise and devotion.

Put your faith in God, and you will be moved no more easily than a mountain can be.

Prayer: Lord, You have done so many wonderful things.

Your power is beyond imagining. Send that power to me, that I might stand fast in my faith and be unmoved in a world full of temptation. Amen.

316Judith

Monday, May 20

Secret Hero

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26

We try so hard to be self-sufficient. Although we delight in helping others out of our strength, it takes a giant swallow of our pride to accept help.

We avoid feelings of brokenness and dependence. We would rather struggle for months on end before admitting we need help.

This tendency stunts our growth because it rejects the help and power God has provided.

Bible Reading:
Romans 8:26-39

Although unseen, the Holy Spirit is the invisible hero dwelling within us. God knows our weakness and provides the Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and sustain us. The Spirit comes to our rescue time and again.

We are loved, and our weakness is never mocked. When God calls us, we can rest assured that the Holy Spirit will equip us through His insight and power. The evidence is clear in both the life of Christ and the lives of His followers.

The first thing that accounts for God’s using D. L. Moody so mightily was that he was a fully surrendered man. Every ounce of that two-hundred-and-eighty-pound body of his belonged to God; everything he was and everything he had, belonged wholly to God. R. A. Torrey

316Judith

Tuesday, May 21

The Cushion of the Sea

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

A number of years ago, a submarine being tested had to be submerged for several hours.

Upon returning to harbour, the captain was asked, “How did that terrible storm last night affect you?”

Surprised, the captain exclaimed, “Storm? We didn’t even know there was one!”

Their submarine had been so far beneath the surface that it had reached what sailors refer to as “the cushion of the sea”—a depth in the ocean where the waters below are never stirred despite any commotion on the surface.

Bible Reading:
Psalm 23:1-3

In our fast-paced world, it is a challenge to slow down and remember that God is in control.

We are a society of “do-everything,” “go-everywhere,” “get-it-done” people who mistakenly believe we can handle everything if we just keep going.

In reality, we need to become so submerged in God’s peace that no matter what’s happening in our life, we are able to remain as calm as “the cushion of the sea.”

If you feel overwhelmed, bogged down, or burnt out, add one more activity to your daily schedule:

Spend time with Almighty God. It is the only way to reach the depth needed to find true calm in the midst of any storm.

In the name of Jesus Christ, who was never in a hurry, we pray, O God, that You will slow us down, for we know that we live too fast. Peter Marshall

316Judith

Wednesday, May 22

The God You Can Believe

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20

When you went to bed last night, how long did you lie awake wondering if the sun was going to come up this morning? Before you flipped the switch in the kitchen, how much thought did you give to whether the lights would work? And how confident do you feel that you will indeed have to file an income tax report at the end of this year?

Bible Reading:
2 Corinthians 1:18-22

Some things in life are givens, aren’t they? We don’t spend time wondering whether they are going to happen. On the other hand, there are many things that are question marks each and every day—things which we can only hope and pray will happen: success in our job, continued good health, and happy and productive relationships within our family. Some things in life are relatively certain; other things are not certain at all.

Sadly, many believers put God and His promises in the latter category—as if God’s promises can’t really be trusted. But God is faithful, and the evidence is His Son Jesus Christ.

If there is a promise of God you are struggling to believe, look at Jesus. He is the sure sign that all the promises of God will be kept.

Because of all that Jesus has done, I can look at
him and say, “Yes, Lord, I will trust you. ”Randy Alcorn

316Judith

Friday, May 24

Worshiping in the Darkness

I will praise You with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing praises to You. Psalm 138:1

The nineteenth-century South African pastor and writer Andrew Murray was feeling unwell one day when he wrote down a few paragraphs in his journal. The last line he wrote was a summary: “I am here (1) by God’s appointment, (2) in His keeping, (3) under His training, (4) for His time.”1

Bible Reading:
Job 42:1-6

In short, Andrew Murray wrote down four reasons for worshiping God even in times of trouble. If we are where we are by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, and for His time, what could we possibly have to worry about?

Those four points are usually what we think when things are going well, when we really feel like worshiping God. But if they are true all the time, even when things are hard, why wouldn’t we worship God in those times as well? We agree with Job: “Shall we indeed accept good from God and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10)

We don’t worship God because things are good or otherwise. We worship Him because of His sovereign oversight and care for our life.

Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light. V. Raymond Edman

316Judith

Sunday May 26

A Fascinating Few: Mordecai

For Mordecai the Jew was second to King
Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen. Esther 10:3

Bible Reading:
Proverbs 16:9

One of the most familiar verses from the Old Testament is Esther 4:14—the words of Mordecai to his young cousin, Esther: “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” The older Mordecai had served as mentor and counselor to Esther, guiding her into the queenship in Persia where the Jews had been taken into captivity.

Esther’s influence on the king saved the Jews from destruction. While Mordecai’s words applied to Esther, they could easily apply to Mordecai as well. Without his guidance and counsel to Esther, the plan to save the Jews would not have happened.

The story of Esther and Mordecai is an example of trusting in the providence and protection of God—a story of doing the next right thing and trusting God for the results. Mordecai’s courage and counsel resulted in the deliverance of the Jews in Persia.

We make plans, but the Lord determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9).

Like Mordecai, we are called to be wise and brave—and faithful.

God does not give us everything we want. But He does fulfill His promises, leading us along the best and straightest paths to Himself. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

316Judith

Monday May 27, 2024

Great Is His Faithfulness

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Everyone has done it—gone to bed with the weight of the world on our shoulders over a sin committed during the day.

It’s certainly destined to be a long night if we didn’t settle accounts with God and others quickly (Ephesians 4:26).

But even if we confessed our sin to God (1 John 1:9) and received His forgiveness, there is the discouragement factor.

No one likes to disappoint a good friend, especially that Good Friend. How could we have been so (arrogant, foolish, disobedient)?

How can we face the Lord Jesus in the morning after failing to be loyal to Him today?

Feeling like Peter on the night of his three betrayals of Christ (Matthew 26), we toss and turn through a fitful night with minimal sleep.

Bible Reading:
Lamentations 3:22-23

With the morning’s light it dawns on us—“The Lord is righteous in her midst, He will do no unrighteousness.

Every morning He brings His justice to light; He never fails” (Zephaniah 3:5).

All night God has been true to His promise not to leave us or forsake us and to greet us with unfailing mercy with every new morn.

Never forget: Though we may fail Him, He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13).

His mercies never fail.

Great is His faithfulness!

Let God’s promises shine on your problems. Corrie ten Boom

316Judith

Wednesday, May 29

Overcoming Memories

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

When Joshua was preparing to take the Israelites into the Promised Land, God gave him a promise: “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” It wasn’t just the task that had Joshua worried. It was also a 38-year-old memory.

Bible Reading:
Numbers 13:26–14:9

Two years after the exodus from Egypt, the nation arrived at Kadesh where Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan.

After forty days, the spies returned burdened with the fruit of the land—and burdened about the warlike nature of the inhabitants.

Ten of the spies warned Moses not to try to take the land because the giants that lived there would surely defeat them.

To their credit, Joshua and Caleb disagreed, saying God would give them victory.

For rebelling against God at Kadesh, the nation wandered in the wilderness 38 years until that generation died off.

Now Joshua would lead the second generation of Israelites against the next generation of Canaanite giants and their iron chariots.

Memories are powerful things. If God is calling you to do something, don’t let a bad memory stand in your way—“for the Lord your God is with you.”

Take courage. We walk in the wilderness today and in the Promised Land tomorrow. Dwight L. Moody