Devotionals
Worthy to Suffer
Persecution is part of being a follower of Jesus. He was “despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53). As His followers, we not only know the “power of His resurrection,” but also the “fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians 3:10). Stephen was a respected man in his community, filled with the Holy Spirit, wise, and one through whom miracles and wonders were manifest. Yet, the truth he spoke was fiercely rejected, resulting in his arrest and eventual death by stoning. Truth confronts. Many people reject truth because they don’t want to face their… Read More
God Does Not Forsake Us When We Fail
David was a hard-working shepherd. David was a passionate worshipper. David was a respected leader. However, David also committed adultery, had Uriah killed, and displeased the Lord on several occasions. You would think that these sinful actions would have forfeited any promise for a significant role in God’s kingdom. If your reputation is ruined, is your legacy doomed? David’s road was certainly not an easy one. Sin indeed demands payment and comes with consequences. David faced heartache in both his family and his kingdom. However, God brought him through, eventually redeeming David’s… Read More
I Believe It’s God’s Will to Heal
A declaration of faith, by Pastor Jack Hayford
The Transforming Power of Observing Dawn and Dusk
I often drove my kids to school when they were young. Through the years we developed particular rhythms, habits, and traditions. One tradition that remained throughout elementary, middle, and high school years was the quotation of this Scripture: “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” Psalms 113:3 ESV There are few things more beautiful and majestic than dawn and dusk. They happen every day, but we often take them for granted. We often plow through our daily and weekly schedules without… Read More
Discern Before You Declare
“And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.”” Revelation 10:4 ESV Several years ago I visited the island of Patmos and saw the cave believed to be where John resided after he was sentenced for his proclamation of Jesus Christ. He would have likely been in his nineties when he served time on this Alcatraz-type island. While there, John wrote letters to the seven primary churches… Read More
