Moments With God

Moments With God This page will be devoted to both written and verbal devotionals.

08/27/2026

Moments with God, August 27

Psalm 34:1-3 (NKJV) 1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.

The morning news was not good. Pres. Trump has changed tactics with what he calls an “Economic D-Day” against Iran by isolating the nation. Iran counters with its own threats that it can outlast the United States so that Trump will be defeated. The WNBA controversy continues as those in positions of authority have not been able to define what a “woman” is. Mobs of teens destroy stores, block traffic, raid neighborhoods, and have gun fights. Socialists continue to gain favor as people embrace its promise to make living free. The threat of AI holds promises but also serious concerns.

I must admit that after reading the news, especially about the war with Iran and the rise of socialism in our nation, I felt we were losing the war against Iran, decency, honesty, immorality, and more. My prayers seemed so inadequate that I felt like giving up. Why pray when the situation worsens each day? Then, I read David’s words that he chooses to bless the Lord at all times. He faced daunting trials that threatened his life and kingdom, yet He never lost faith in God. We do not ignore what is happening in our world. However, we should not focus more on what we can see than on what we cannot see. The Holy Spirit answered my question, “Why pray?” We pray because Jesus is above all. We pray because what we cannot see is more powerful than what we can see. We pray because that is what Jesus wants us to do. We pray because we have faith that no prayer will go unnoticed by our Lord and King. We pray to remind ourselves Who is truly in control. That reminder will change us.

08/26/2026

Moments with God. August 26

Genesis 37:3-4 (NKJV) 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also, he made him a tunic of many colors. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.

When we read the Old Testament, we discover that one Israel’s greatest sins was seeking idols instead of God. The nations around them placed idols in temples where people could pray together. In addition, every family or every person might have a personal idol that he/she carried with them. Rachel, Jacob’s wife, stole her father’s idols to take with her as they traveled back to Israel (Genesis 31:34). Idols were part of every culture, religion, and belief – except for those following Jesus.

It is easy to read such passages as past events as we seldom see physical idols in our world today. However, as Jesus did with the “law,” He explained that idolatry involved more than physical idols. Jesus explains that an idol is anything that one places above Him. Thus, one’s job can become an idol when it pushes Jesus to the side. Money, whether we have little or much, can rule our lives as one strives for it more than one worships Jesus. Sports, seeking fame, oneself, family, and even our children can become idols if we place any of them before Jesus. The true danger of idolatry is that one “worships” the very thing that Jesus gave to us as a blessing. I love my wife dearly and love being with her. Each day we grow closer and closer. For both us, we realize that our love for one another should never come before our love for Jesus as He is the One Who has united us.

08/25/2026

Moments with God, August 25

2 Timothy 1:9 (NASB) 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was granted to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

I can remember when I was very young being asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most children have been asked that question. My answer and theirs usually involved “jobs” that were featured on the news, stories, books, etc. At some point, like with me, we all reach a point where we know enough to pick a career. Likewise, sometimes a career will pick us through surrounding circumstances. Also, some are forced into a position because of the desires of those who have influence over them.

Paul states that no matter what profession we may choose, Jesus also has a calling for each of us. When we accept Jesus, He saves us through His shed blood. However, He does more for us. He gives us a holy calling that has nothing to do with our works or profession that we have chosen. “Holy” means to be set apart for His purposes. Sometimes that calling requires a change of professions. Most of the time, it means that our “jobs” become our calling, and we perform our responsibilities as unto Jesus. He gives each of His grace so “jobs” become holy callings which change us and those around us. No matter who we are, what our profession, what our education, or what our place in society, we can be assured that Jesus, Who has saved us, has given us a holy calling which enables us to bless those around us.

08/24/2026

Moments with God, August 24

Romans 8:1-2 (NIV) 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 10:17 (NKJV) 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Most of us at one time or another have received a “pep” talk when we felt unworthy or unable to continue. I can remember receiving such talks from my baseball coach, my high school math teacher, the advisor who gave me a second change at obtaining my degree, and my wife. Instead of hearing words of condemnation and/or ridicule, I heard words that lifted me up and encouraged me to keep trying and to keep believing. There is great power in HEARING such words.

Paul explains the reason that hearing such words are so empowering. We will hear words of correction from the Holy Spirit but never words of condemnation. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. We are to apply this truth to the way we talk to others AND to how we speak to ourselves. We should speak out loud to ourselves words of encouragement not belittlement. We should remind ourselves of Christ’s words that we are loved, forgiven, restored, and empowered. We should sing and worship out loud so we can encourage ourselves. We speak Christ’s words so we can hear His word so we can increase our faith.

08/23/2026

Moments with God, August 23

Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV) [Jesus said,] 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

We have been in a “dust bowl” in Oklahoma for several weeks. We have been experiencing 100+ degree weather for almost 3 weeks. The forecast called for at least 9 more days of temperatures ranging from 102º - 106º with no rain. Carol and I take turns praying at night. Two nights ago, it was Carol’s turn. Before ending her prayer, she asked the Lord for rain and cooler temperatures. My first reaction was a little doubt because of the recent weather and forecasts.

When Jesus tells us to ask, seek, and knock, He is describing having a relationship with Him that is real and personal. Some may limit their prayers to what they consider vital, important topics as we do not want to disturb Jesus with “simple” prayers. The morning after Carol prayed, it was overcast. When I arrived at school, the temperature was in the 70’s. Then, the rain began to fall. It was not a downpour but a gentle rain. As I stood in that rain thanking the Lord, I remembered Carol’s simple but earnest prayer. The Lord paid no attention to the forecast. Carol asked, and she received. Jesus was serious when He encourages us to ask, seek, and knock because He loves us. We are not to be selfish or self-serving with our prayers. We are to pray as God’s children to our Lord and King.

08/22/2026

Moments with God, August 22

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV) 1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Every day I scan the Internet for the news. I look at the national and world stories, sports, and technology. Interspersed among these categories are news reports that give us good look at our society. A new dress is the world’s favorite after a princess was seen wearing it. New hairstyles seen in a popular movie are the rage all over the country. A new diet plan is a must simply because an actress has returned to her post-birth figure. People flock to buy a new sports shoe because a popular athlete wore a pair in a game. All these stories reveal an interesting aspect of human nature: we are imitators.

The world is constantly striving to get us to imitate its standards. Now, there is nothing wrong with buying that popular dress or wearing the latest fad in shoes. However, the world does not stop with our outward appearances. The world bombards us with “examples” who disdain marriage, who see morals as a hindrance to happiness, who feel popularity makes them special, and who care little for others. Navigating these attempts to mold us into the world’s image can be difficult, especially for our children. However, as usual, Jesus has the answer. He tells us that we are to be imitators of God. We can avoid the world’s attempts to shape us by focusing on God, on His character, and on His word. For us to imitate God, we must know Him. To imitate our Father, we have to spend time with Him. To imitate our Creator, we must immerse ourselves in His word. Every person is an imitator of someone or something. Being an imitator of God is a choice based upon the truth that we will find no better example than Jesus.

08/21/2026

Moments with God, August 21

Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

The Lord speaks to us in many ways. He has told us that His Word is a living word, so interacting with that Word is having a conversation with the Lord. When reading this verse from Isaiah, the Lord said to pay attention to the first word, “When.”

This verse speaks of God’s protection as we walk through life. His comfort and guidance will always be with us. The “when” at the beginning, however, removes all doubt that we can escape these troubles. The Lord lists walking through floods and fires. These are not minor problems. These are situations that can threaten our lives, futures, and peace of mind. There is no “if” involved. God’s promise clearly tells us that WHEN we face such events, He will be with us and will see us through them. We may get wet. The fires may scorch our clothes. We, however, will emerge stronger and in body, mind, and spirit.

08/20/2026

Moments with God, August 20

Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) 10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

A woman who works with children made an interesting discovery recently. As she was progressing through their daily routine, she stopped and told the children they were going to do something different. She took then outside and gave them one simple instruction, “Go play!” The children just stood there, not knowing what to do. She encouraged them again only to see them slowly walking around. She realized that they did not know how to play and enjoy themselves.

The joy of the Lord is our strength. Yes, walking that narrow road with Jesus is trying but should also be filled with joy. Years ago, after Sunday services, a group of adults and children would gather for a volleyball or softball game. We would play along with the children all afternoon. Today, as with those children above, many have become so busy that we no longer have to play. Life and challenges keep us so busy and demand attention that “playing” seems a waste of time. When we, adults and children, take time to enjoy life, we are honoring Jesus and trusting Him to redeem our time. We are to obey God in all things. He has told us to enjoy life because that joy in the midst of a troubled world is our strength.

08/19/2026

Moments with God, August 19

Genesis 18:27-28 (NIV) 27 Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, 28 what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five people?” “If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.” Matthew 5:44 (AMP) [Jesus said,] 44 But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

I had always focused on the interaction between Abraham and God. Imagine having a personal conversation with God Himself. Abraham was bold but humble and respectful of God. During the conversation, God was not changing His mind. He was acknowledging Abraham’s intercession for the people of S***m and Gomorrah. I was amazed at such a personal interaction, but recently the Holy Spirit placed my focus on Abraham.

Abraham knew that S***m was a wicked place. That may be the main reason he was not residing there. The people were so wicked that God came down to judge them. Yet, Abraham interceded for them. Abraham started with 50 righteous people but apparently knew in his heart that was not going to happen. Therefore, he kept interceding with God on behalf of this wicked city until he reached only 10 righteous people. Why did he care so much for such a wicked place. Later, Jesus tells us to love (care for, seek the best) our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. Instead of praying for revenge, we are to pray for mercy as did Abraham. We are not to seek their destruction but their salvation. When we do, we leave the result in God’s hands, and He will act righteously. Abraham set an example for us during these turbulent, dark times.

08/18/2026

Moments with God, August 18

Joshua 1:8 (NIV) 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Matthew 25:21 (NIV) [Jesus said,] 21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

In addition to news about the volatile situations in the world, we read daily of the achievements of those who have been deemed successful. We find football players being offered millions of dollars to join a specified team. This occurs on the college level as well. Actors are reported to achieve and new level of success when their movie reaches a financial milestone. People in all walks of life who have numerous followers and who claim to be influencers are idolized by many. From acting, sports, politics, entertainment, etc., the world has identified those as being successful.

According to the world’s standards, most of us would never qualify as being successful. Our lives are too ordinary, dull, and insignificant to garner the attention of the world. Seeking the success of the world could cause one to bemoan his/her life. However, Jesus has come to show us a new level of success, one that reaches into eternity. It is a success we reach not by works but by faith in Jesus Christ. If we embrace the Word , allow it to guide us, and strive to live it, we will be successful in God’s eyes. Our names will be recorded in the book of the faithful. We will be called good and faithful by Jesus Himself. We will walk in a peace and happiness that cannot be found in this world. Most amazing, our “success” is not a result of our works, stature, or ability. It is the result of Jesus’ work in our lives and our willingness to obey Him.

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