August Devotionals

Published by The Secret Place

Title: Calm Neglect

Quote: There is not a heart but has its moments of longing, yearning for something better. –Henry Ward Beecher

Colossians 2:7

It was one of the last days of our vacation. The sun hid behind some clouds. We decorated sand castles at the beach and romped in the waves until I noticed pale red on my daughter’s neck. I hadn’t put suntan lotion on her. The less-intense sun had lulled me into laziness. A shirt kept the burn from increasing but the incident made me think about how I often neglect my spiritual side when my life is in less-intense mode.

I read my Bible but with a “let’s get it over with” attitude. I pray but perfunctorily. I minister without a cheerful attitude.

The squalls bring us to our knees but so should the calm.

Lord, help me every day to remember how much I need you.

Title: Dose of Hope

Quote: The future is as bright as the promises of God.-Adoniram Judson

1 Thessalonians 5:14

While Henry Ford was working on his gas engine, he met Thomas Edison. Ford admitted later that he was discouraged because he was going against the models of his colleagues and other inventors and had received very little encouragement.

Edison told Ford that he was on the right track and not to give up. From a man like Edison, who had already revolutionized the world with his inventions, this was big praise. The two became close friends and the families often camped and vacationed together.

Does someone you know need a fresh dose of hope? Perhaps a colleague is frustrated by a new project. Maybe a family member feels like she can’t do anything right. Why don’t you be the one to give that encouragement? It might be the start of something big.

Title: Lazy River Christians

Quote: Resolved: To live with all might while I do live. –Jonathon Edwards

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
The Lazy River is a popular attraction at Water Parks around the country. The current is just strong enough to propel your tube but not so strong that you can’t easily get in and out of the river. But you will know the current is there especially if you get out of your tube and try to stand still. Other tubers become a little angry when you struggle against the current and you might inadvertently bump into them as you go upstream.
When believers go against the Lazy River Approach by taking a stand for Christ, they will feel uncomfortable. As they attempt to go against this culture’s beliefs, the stream will tempt them to kick their feet back and do nothing.
But this planet with its sweeping current is not even to be compared with what is awaiting us as believers. Does it seem like you are going upstream in a downstream world? Get used to it. Going against the flow isn’t easy but the retirement benefits are out of this world.

Title: The Great Love

Quote: Love is the only service that power cannot command and money cannot buy.-Author Unknown

John 15:12-13

I held my four-year-old’s tiny hand as we walked down the hospital corridor. In a few hours, she would be having eye surgery. I had explained as much as I could but there was no way that I could truly prepare her. After the surgery, my heart ached as she cried but by the next morning, she had almost forgotten all she had been through.

But my pain was nothing compared to how Abraham and Sarah must have felt as they packed for Abraham’s trip to sacrifice their son. What relief Abraham must have felt when God stayed his hand.

One day, God led His own Son to the cross. God had full knowledge of the suffering that would occur and yet His great love for mankind compelled Him.
This love cannot be comprehended or understood. But we can live our lives letting that love overwhelm and cleanse us.

Lord, Your great love motivates me to give you my best.

Title: Light Pole Faith

Quote: Fear looks; faith jumps!-Smith Wigglesworth

Hebrews 11:3

Terry Kelly clung to the light pole, the only solid thing in his universe. His parents had brought the family to New York City for a vacation and in the craziness of the subway station, the twelve-year-old had become separated from his parents. Dyslexia kept him from being able to read the signs around him. In the agonizing two hours that followed, he heard his name several times on the intercom but was scared to move. His mother found him, probably because he stayed in one place.

Sometimes in our lives, we don’t know where to go or where to turn. We feel lost, confused and alone. We can only cling to the light pole of God’s Word knowing our consistency comes from Him. No matter where we are, our Heavenly Father’s love and care never changes.

Lord, help me to live in the light of your Word even when the world around me doesn’t make sense.

Title: Alternate Ministry

Quote: When ye are able to do good, defer it not. -Polycarp

Ephesians 6:5-7

A routine test when Kim Abraham was thirteen revealed kidney disease. Although her sister, Pam, was only eight-years-old, she was convinced that one day she would give Kim a kidney. The disease went into remission and all seemed well when later, Kim married John.

Kim’s condition worsened and it was a sad day for Pam when she realized she couldn’t do what she had always wanted because their blood types didn’t match. But John’s did. Kim was so thankful that her new kidney took right away. It was then Pam realized her true destiny. In the difficult days following the surgery, Pam found herself rushing from hospital room to hospital room to help her sister and brother-in-law. Kim knows she and John couldn’t have made it through without her sister.

Have you always desired a certain job or ministry but instead find yourself doing something else? Rest content knowing God will use you wherever you are. Hang in there. You might be surprised at what God’s true plans are for you.