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Showing posts from June, 2025

Devotional 6.27.25

The Dwelling Place of God is With His People   Revelation 21:3–4 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”   Scripture Reading – Psalm 76   Revelation 21:3–4 offers a breathtaking promise: God will dwell with His people, wipe away every tear, and bring an end to death, mourning, and pain. This is not only a future hope but the fulfillment of God's desire from the beginning—to be with us. Psalm 76 reminds us that God is not distant. He is the defender of the humble and the One who breaks the weapons of war. In both judgment and mercy, He is present. As we await heaven, we find strength in knowing God is already near to the brokenhearted and pro...

Devotional 6.19.25

  June 19, 2025 – Rooted in Love   Deuteronomy 7:9  Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations .   Scripture Reading - Ephesians   This weekend will be Lakeside’s fourth annual retreat at Beulah Beach. Our theme this year is  Worship: To the Praise of His Glory . The focus will be Paul’s letter to the Ephesians as we reflect on the who, what, why and how we worship God, and what that means for us as believers and followers of Christ. Ephesians is a complex book. It’s six chapters could be a year’s worth of sermons in the details, nuances and themes that Paul presents, and yet it’s practical and accessible to each and every one of us.   One of those themes is an undercurrent throughout the book that the entire message hinges on being rooted in love. Consider the following:  ·        In ...

Devotional 6.13.25

Victory in the Risen Christ 1 Corinthians 15:55–57 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.   Scripture Reading – Psalm 74   Psalm 74 shows us a world marked by violence and desecration, where God’s people cry out for justice. Yet even in turmoil, we are reminded that God is King from of old, working salvation in the earth. “Where, O death, is your victory?” Paul’s triumphant cry in 1 Corinthians 15 echoes through the ages. In Christ, sin’s curse and death’s power are defeated. We no longer fear the grave, for the resurrection has secured our eternal hope. Jesus’ resurrection is our assurance that suffering won’t have the last word. He gives us victory—not through our strength, but through His finished work on the cross and empty tomb.   These songs help us live into resurrection truth with both awe and ...

Devotional 6.6.25

June 6, 2025 - God is Worthy of All Praise Romans 11:33-36 33  Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!  34  “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”   35  “Or who has given a gift to him   that he might be repaid?”  36  For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen .   Scripture Reading – Psalm 73   The psalmist is struggling to understand the prosperity of the wicked, and even goes so far as to admit being envious of them (v. 16, 3). What was a turning point for him? He  went into the sanctuary of God  (v. 17). God has never not been with him, nor has he changed, but there is a distinct change in the psalmist when he comes to this realization. He expresses both a confession and a praise in verse 26 –  My flesh and my heart may fail,...