Tag Archives: VineWords: Devotions and More

I’ve Forgiven But Why Am I Still Upset?

VineWords Devotions and More

“I’ve forgiven, but why am I still upset?” Why do I feel the same pain? The Pain of Unforgiveness These questions hit me every time someone hurts me. The emotions tear me down, giving me a heavy heart, even after I have forgiven. But God commands us to forgive because He has forgiven us. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of … Continue reading →

Not a Liar

VineWords Devotions and More

The Accusation “He said that I’m a liar.” My grandson’s eyes widened. “I’m not a liar!” he said, scuffing his foot across the grass. “What’s a liar?” Hiding a smile, I bent and spoke into his little ear, “When we say things that are untrue, that is lying. Is what you said the truth, or did you make it up?” “No, I didn’t make it up. It was true. He’s just being mean to me.” “Well, if you were speaking … Continue reading →

Troubling Times

VineWords Devotions and More

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. ~2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT We are experiencing troubling times. The Bad News These are times of uncertainty. Bad news lurks on every front. COVID-19 hasn’t gone away. Inflation is through the roof. Fuel costs are reaching unprecedented highs, and food costs continue to rise. Wars and rumors of wars are the recent headlines. At times like this, however, it … Continue reading →

The Flexible Ones

VineWords Devotions and More

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law … so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law … so as to win those not having the law. To … Continue reading →

A Double Blessing

VineWords Devotions and More

After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy. ~1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 NLT When my two daughters were young, I attended all the group presentations in which they participated. I noticed the other parents. When their child was next to do a solo or recitation, the parents’ anticipation rose. Shortly, they were … Continue reading →

Across the Airwaves

VineWords Devotions and More

By day the LORD commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. ~Psalm 42:8 ESV When a friend, a first-grade teacher, invited me to help her with some back-to-school preparation, I eagerly accepted. Before we assembled the binders for her students, she asked her teenage daughter to find music online for us to listen to. The young lady asked for suggestions. I asked for instrumental Hawaiian. She quickly … Continue reading →

Giving Day

VineWords Devotions and More

Not what I will, but what You will. ~Mark 14:36 NKJV The aroma of horsehair overwhelmed me as I buried my face in Princess’ mane. I knew there wasn’t much time. Princess grasped my ponytail scrunchie with her muzzle, slid it off, and waved it triumphantly. If a horse could laugh, she did. This was a deliberate move to cheer me up. I would have joined her celebratory disposition, but I knew we only had days together. I was moving … Continue reading →

The Encounter

VineWords Devotions and More

Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout its interior. ~Genesis 6:14 NLT The encounter was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Several years ago, my wife and I had planned to visit the Ark Encounter in Kentucky, but those plans fell through. Then, my school entered a five-year training program—one of which involved teacher-training conferences and tours at the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum. Although my wife couldn’t … Continue reading →

The Awe of Creation

VineWords Devotions and More

He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. ~Psalm 147:4-5 ESV God’s Stars When I look up at the night sky, the awe of creation overtakes me. Innumerable stars fill the expanse, and yet God has given all of them names. What an incredible wonder. God didn’t need to create the stars, yet He placed value on giving each star … Continue reading →

Fully Forgiven

VineWords Devotions and More

God There’s not one totally good person on earth, not one who is truly pure and sinless.  ~Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭20‬ ‭MSG‬‬ The enemy wants us to think that we are alone in our sin, the worst human being ever to live. He wants us to forget that we are fully forgiven. God’s Offer Social media presents us with snapshots of others’ lives that look pulled together. It can make us feel alone, worthless, and like a failure. So, we beat ourselves … Continue reading →