Immediately

(View this devotional thought on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/SoO6b4svKC4) One little word–“immediately.” I read it, read past it, and then the Holy Spirit prompted me to back it up and read it again. Like a bolt of lightning, my heart leapt within me, and my soul was charged. “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid…Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him…’” (Matthew 14:27, 31). We know the story from Matthew–the disciples were alone on the sea while Jesus was away praying. A storm came up and tossed the… Continue reading

Again I Say, Rejoice!

I learned something new from the Bible this morning: the phrase “rejoice in the Lord” is only found twice in the New Testament (Philippians 3:1 and 4:4). Also, did you know that Philippians 3:1 and 4:4 are a command? You can put the words “You shall” before “rejoice in the Lord” based on the language of the words. “It’s a command to obey. It’s a part of obedience and righteousness, and neglecting it is a sin.”* Paul’s letters indicate that he likely suffered from anxiety to some extent, so to come to the point of telling us to rejoice in… Continue reading