Today's Verse: By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, ~Hebrews 11:17 The word "sterling" is typically associated with silver and implies the very best quality. It speaks of gold or silver that meets the highest available standard. Something sterling is the standard by which other things must measure up. It is the benchmark of all that is excellent. We are looking at the faith of Abraham w

Today's Verse: Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. ~Hebrews 11:11 As we get older, we become more knowledgeable about things in life. We know that getting older means there are certain things we could do in our youth that we cannot do as adults. Our eyesight changes to the point where reading glasses are necessary. Unless we exercise daily, ou

Today's Verse: As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle; ~Job 29:4 A secret is something that is hidden from the view and understanding of others. It is a hidden answer, fact, idea, or solution. We sometimes refer to a secret pathway to a destination as a path that only a few know about. We sometimes refer to secret plans as plans that are hidden from other people. Job referred to the secret of God. By this, he was speaking of the privi

Today's Verse: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. ~Ephesians 2:13 One of the great doctrines of the Bible is the efficacious power of the blood of Christ. When we read through the Bible, it is so clear that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. Take away the shed blood of Christ, and our salvation is incomplete and insufficient. Let us see this morning the power in the blood of Christ. We see

Today's Verse: And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; ~1 Thessalonians 4:11 High school is a daunting time for students. Their lives revolve around getting excellent grades, taking as many advanced classes as possible, being involved in sports and community service and being top-notch achievers. Top achievers know that they have to manage their time very well, stay focused, and go the extra mile when

Today's Verse: But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. ~Micah 3:8 Algebra is an advanced and abstract study of mathematics. Algebra is the study of mathematical symbols and the rules for manipulating these symbols (Wikipedia). As a student works through complex equations and word problems, the ultimate goal is to arrive at the answer. The answer is a result that is

Today's Verse: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ~Philippians 2:12 One of the favorite phrases of our generation is said when someone has finished an exercise regimen. He will say after he completes this regimen, “I just had a good workout.” It implies that he did a number of exercises that worked various muscles in his body and put his heart to wo

Today's Verse: But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee. ~Ezekiel 2:8 When I see the dentist, he or the hygienist will always say, “Please open wide your mouth.” When we feed little children, we frequently must tell them, “Open your mouth. God in His wisdom knows we are like little children and must give us a similar instruction. Let us see three times when God instructs us t

Today's Verse: Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. ~Philippians 4:11 On November 4, 2010, Eunice Sandborn became the world’s oldest living person. She celebrated her 114th birthday on July, 20, 2010, at her church, First Baptist, in Jacksonville, Texas. Eunice says that she not only loves everything about her life, but she also has “no complaints” (Source: Houston Chronicle, November 5, 2010). At the age

Today's Verse: And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. ~2 Kings 2:6 We live in a very transient society. It seems like people are in a state of flux with most things in their lives. People relocate to different cities and states for more affordable housing. People change jobs for what they perceive to be higher pay, better opp

Today's Verse: For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. ~Romans 12:3 Our devotion this morning is what I call "food for thought." It is about a necessary characteristic of spiritual living that needs to be active in us all the time. Paul admonishes believers to think soberly. Let us see this mornin

Today's Verse: Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. ~Psalm 103:5 Eagles are considered the most majestic of bird species. They are a wonderful spectacle to behold in the sky. They are considered masters of both sky and land. Eagles are mentioned 34 times in Scripture. Psalm 103 is a psalm of praise. David was praising the Lord with all his soul for God’s mercies, forgiveness, and care. In Psalm 103:5, he says that God’s ca

Today's Verse: And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. ~Genesis 18:13-14 Have you ever laughed about something at the wrong moment? If you have, you know the embarrassing feeling associated with it. Sarah laughed when she heard the incredible promise that she wo

Today's Verse: And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. ~Genesis 17:1 The names of God in Scripture reveal to us His attributes. Each name by which He reveals Himself tells us something important about how God loves us, deals with us, and wants us to experience His working in our lives. God revealed Himself to Abraham as Elohim, the one and only sovereign Creator G

Today's Verse: For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? ~2 Corinthians 2:15-16 Does it pass the smell test? This is a phrase that is used to determine if something or someone passes the test of integrity and trustworthiness. It is an informal means of determining the credibility, authen

Today's Verse: After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. ~Genesis 15:1 When I think of a reward, what comes to mind is compensation for finding something or someone that was missing. Law enforcement agencies will offer a substantial reward that leads to the finding and arrest of a wanted criminal. People who lose a valuable item offer a reward for its finding. This morning, l

Today's Verse: But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? ~Galatians 4:9 One of our favorite traditional hymns is “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” The chorus of this hymn declares, “No turning back, no turning back.” Turning back implies going back on a good decision. It means you have second thoughts and buyer’s remorse, and you changed your mind. The be

Today's Verse: And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words? ~2 Kings 1:7 Our church has been blessed by God with weekly visitors for many years. It is a blessing to look out among the congregation and see many new faces. Oftentimes, I will ask one of our core leaders, “Do you know who that man or woman is?” They will reply, “Which man or woman are you referring to?” I then try to distinguish the visitor by whom they mi

Today's Verse: A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof. ~Proverbs 21:22 Strategic planning occurs when a person or a committee of people write out a plan of action for the accomplishment of a stated goal or assignment. This plan assigns responsibilities, establishes processes and timelines, and identifies the people who will get it done. It thinks through the what, the how, and the when. It takes something that start

Today's Verse: But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. ~1 Timothy 6:11-12 Lifeguards are individuals who have been trained to rescue people who are at risk of drowning. Their duty is to monitor and be alert for anyone showing signs of distress in the