They were simply offering the hospitality expected of them, but soon they realized they’d had an encounter like none other.

Sometimes we do not realize that we have in fact had an encounter with Jesus who is living inside of the person who helps us.

I need my friends. I highly value my friends. But none of them can offer me what Jesus brings.

We need to live each day understanding that it is but a moment in the eternity God is controlling. Build your confidence in his plan for the future as you read again some of the devotions posted this week.

It’s okay if you feel like you need to educate God the next time he gives you an assignment. But after you tell him everything you think he needs to understand, go ahead and do what he asked you to do. You might just be witness to another of God’s transformational miracles!

I love my routines. But Isaiah reminds us that God is doing a new thing, a new thing Jesus has ushered in for us to experience today.

The ultimate act of Jesus’ surrender is seen in his death on the cross. But he had been anticipating that moment since long before.

When the exiles finally heard hope that they one day could return home, maybe the news only overwhelmed them. Isaiah’s message to them can encourage us, too.

God’s plans, in the words of the prophet, are “faithful and sure.” And they’re far better than any of the progress humans can manufacture.

If giving thought to God’s Word leads us to good things and ultimately to God’s blessing, then reading scripture is an essential aspect of our lives.

It’s a daily thing, our walk with Jesus, our trust in God. Day by day by day we have the opportunity to confess our sins and renew our commitment to him. What new ways have you learned to walk with the Lord as you’ve pondered this week’s devotions?

Closing verses of Paul’s letter to the Colossians offer us practical advice for relating well to those who don’t follow Christ.

Those arresting Jesus came under cover of darkness, just as those pursuing evil today often work in the shadows. But God has told us how to bring light to every situation.

I have a love/hate relationship with planning, it’s true. But I’ve learned quite a bit from what the scripture says about it.

Our difficulties create opportunity for the enemy to distract and discourage, even going so far as to suggest that God surely is not with us. These are times when we must lean in on the promises of God. And these are the times when if we falter, we can discover the richness and beauty of repentance and restoration.

So who is in charge in your home? Your job? Your club? Your town or country? You may have a title that says you are at the top of the ladder, but are you?

As I write this, I feel as though I’m in a scene from the sequel to The Truman Show. This unreal rest I’m experiencing is great, but God promises something better.

It’s all about Jesus in our posts this week! What new have you learned by reading about him here? What old has brought you special comfort?

Even though we may feel overwhelmed by the burdens of grief we see all around us, we can extend the grace of Jesus to the mourners in our lives.

Wouldn’t it be great if we just knew how everything would turn out? But we don’t. And the disciples didn’t. But Jesus does.