I've been writing this devotional for over ten years, and for now at least, I feel led to continue to write it.
One thing I know: People are still reading it.
One thing I don't know: How God may be touching hearts through it.
I've said before that if I only wrote it for myself, that may be enough. But my gift of encouragement would like to think it's for others as well.
Would you please do me a favor? If you're being blessed, would you take a moment to send a quick email to: speakersauni@gmail.com? I promise I won't collect your email address and "spam" you 😉!
And if you are being blessed, would you mention this three-times-a-week devotional to a friend?
I'd be so grateful!
I pray for God's grace and mercy to shower you this day.
Monday, July 30, 2018
Friday, July 27, 2018
Call ... He'll Answer (Psalm 20:9)
Today's scripture: Psalm 20:9
I know I’ve written about this before, but I have to write again … the Lord of the universe, the Sovereign Creator, the Alpha and Omega listens to us! And He answers us when we call out to Him!
Even though we so often fail Him, even though we let our focus drift from Him, He still lovingly hears our cries. He hears our prayers for intercession or healing or provision. And He always—always—answers.
A few days ago, I wrote how God answers prayers—yes, no, and wait. There’s never a time when He ignores us. There’s never a moment when He says, “I don’t think I’ll listen to [insert your name] today.”
It’s another mystery to think that God hears millions of voices simultaneously, but He does. And your voice is just as precious to Him as any other crying out to Him.
Call out to Him today, this very moment. Tell Him what’s on your heart. Lay it all at the foot of His throne. Know—beyond doubt—that He’s listening. Know—beyond doubt—that He’ll answer your call.
I know I’ve written about this before, but I have to write again … the Lord of the universe, the Sovereign Creator, the Alpha and Omega listens to us! And He answers us when we call out to Him!
Even though we so often fail Him, even though we let our focus drift from Him, He still lovingly hears our cries. He hears our prayers for intercession or healing or provision. And He always—always—answers.
A few days ago, I wrote how God answers prayers—yes, no, and wait. There’s never a time when He ignores us. There’s never a moment when He says, “I don’t think I’ll listen to [insert your name] today.”
It’s another mystery to think that God hears millions of voices simultaneously, but He does. And your voice is just as precious to Him as any other crying out to Him.
Call out to Him today, this very moment. Tell Him what’s on your heart. Lay it all at the foot of His throne. Know—beyond doubt—that He’s listening. Know—beyond doubt—that He’ll answer your call.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Boast in the Lord (Psalm 20:7-8)
Today's scripture: Psalm 20:7-8
So many people believe that everything they’ve done—everything they will do—is of their own power. And everything they have is because of their work, their smarts, their abilities. And so they boast.
“I have the best house, car, career, marriage, children,” they say.
“Look what I have done,” they exclaim.
“How wonderful I am that I’ve done all this, that I have all this,” they preen.
And then, the stock market drops, and they lose half their investments. Or the housing market dips, and they’re suddenly upside down. Or their children go off to make their own lives, and they never hear from them.
What then? In what can they boast?
There is only one thing worth boasting in. One thing that will never fail, that will never desert, that will never forsake.
God and He alone is worth boasting about. His grace. His mercy. His righteousness. His justice. His guidance.
His love.
In what are you boasting? In what have you put your faith?
Join the psalmist and always “boast in the name of the LORD, our God.”
So many people believe that everything they’ve done—everything they will do—is of their own power. And everything they have is because of their work, their smarts, their abilities. And so they boast.
“I have the best house, car, career, marriage, children,” they say.
“Look what I have done,” they exclaim.
“How wonderful I am that I’ve done all this, that I have all this,” they preen.
And then, the stock market drops, and they lose half their investments. Or the housing market dips, and they’re suddenly upside down. Or their children go off to make their own lives, and they never hear from them.
What then? In what can they boast?
There is only one thing worth boasting in. One thing that will never fail, that will never desert, that will never forsake.
God and He alone is worth boasting about. His grace. His mercy. His righteousness. His justice. His guidance.
His love.
In what are you boasting? In what have you put your faith?
Join the psalmist and always “boast in the name of the LORD, our God.”
Monday, July 23, 2018
In His Holy Heaven (Psalm 20:6)
Today's scripture: Psalm 20:6
Oh, how I love the confidence we can have knowing that our Lord hears our prayers! And He always answers.
You’ve probably heard this before, but God always answers our prayers with either a “yes,” a “no,” or a “wait.” And if we pray within His will, we can be certain that His answer is perfect for us.
After I recommitted my life to Christ over 24 years ago, I prayed for months for a baby. And it seemed—to me, at least—God was saying “wait.” Well, that’s what my heart wanted to believe. It was only when I changed my prayer to “Lord, please give me a child or give me peace” that God answered with a decided “yes.” He gave me peace about remaining childless.
Since then, I’ve prayed for many things: healing, provision, my husband’s salvation.
Sometimes, God has answered “yes.” When we decided to become a one-income family several years ago, God blessed us with ample provision—and He continues to bless us.
Sometimes, God has answered “no.” I’ve written before that I suffer from several chronic health issues. It’s become clear to me over the years that God chooses not to heal me. But there’s also a “yes” because I daily experience the “saving strength of His right hand.”
And sometimes, God has answered “wait.” This is the answer I truly, deep-in-my-heart hope about my husband’s salvation. I pray he’s seeking truth, and I pray he’ll one day come to know the joy of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Yes, God indeed “answers from His holy heaven.” And what a wonderful assurance it is to know how very true that is.
Oh, how I love the confidence we can have knowing that our Lord hears our prayers! And He always answers.
You’ve probably heard this before, but God always answers our prayers with either a “yes,” a “no,” or a “wait.” And if we pray within His will, we can be certain that His answer is perfect for us.
After I recommitted my life to Christ over 24 years ago, I prayed for months for a baby. And it seemed—to me, at least—God was saying “wait.” Well, that’s what my heart wanted to believe. It was only when I changed my prayer to “Lord, please give me a child or give me peace” that God answered with a decided “yes.” He gave me peace about remaining childless.
Since then, I’ve prayed for many things: healing, provision, my husband’s salvation.
Sometimes, God has answered “yes.” When we decided to become a one-income family several years ago, God blessed us with ample provision—and He continues to bless us.
Sometimes, God has answered “no.” I’ve written before that I suffer from several chronic health issues. It’s become clear to me over the years that God chooses not to heal me. But there’s also a “yes” because I daily experience the “saving strength of His right hand.”
And sometimes, God has answered “wait.” This is the answer I truly, deep-in-my-heart hope about my husband’s salvation. I pray he’s seeking truth, and I pray he’ll one day come to know the joy of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Yes, God indeed “answers from His holy heaven.” And what a wonderful assurance it is to know how very true that is.
Friday, July 20, 2018
A Mighty Choir (Psalm 20:5)
Today's scripture: Psalm 20:5
One of my favorite ways to praise and worship my Lord is through song. Sometimes the words of a favorite praise chorus or hymn say so much more than my own words ever could. And I love when songwriters put the scriptures to music, like old standards such as “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and newer songs like “Unchanging” by Chris Tomlin. Both take that wonderful verse from Lamentations 3:23 and put it to music.
Someday, all of God’s children will raise their voices as one to praise and worship our God—face-to-face. We will joyfully sing of His victory over the enemy and sin. We will lift our hands or fall to our knees in utter awe of His greatness.
Can you imagine it? Millions and millions of love-filled voices. And I believe that each of us will have heaven-touched vocal chords. This certainly isn’t found anywhere in scripture, but I like the idea that even those who were only able to “make a joyful shout” (Psalm 66:1) on earth will be endowed with perfect pitch and crystal clear tone. And why not? After all, we know there will be no pain in heaven (Revelation 21:4)!
So while we linger, let’s continue to praise and worship in song, knowing that this is just the rehearsal for a mighty choir!
One of my favorite ways to praise and worship my Lord is through song. Sometimes the words of a favorite praise chorus or hymn say so much more than my own words ever could. And I love when songwriters put the scriptures to music, like old standards such as “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and newer songs like “Unchanging” by Chris Tomlin. Both take that wonderful verse from Lamentations 3:23 and put it to music.
Someday, all of God’s children will raise their voices as one to praise and worship our God—face-to-face. We will joyfully sing of His victory over the enemy and sin. We will lift our hands or fall to our knees in utter awe of His greatness.
Can you imagine it? Millions and millions of love-filled voices. And I believe that each of us will have heaven-touched vocal chords. This certainly isn’t found anywhere in scripture, but I like the idea that even those who were only able to “make a joyful shout” (Psalm 66:1) on earth will be endowed with perfect pitch and crystal clear tone. And why not? After all, we know there will be no pain in heaven (Revelation 21:4)!
So while we linger, let’s continue to praise and worship in song, knowing that this is just the rehearsal for a mighty choir!
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Our Hearts' Desire (Psalm 20:3-4)
Today's scripture: Psalm 20:3-4
The Bible references this idea of God’s giving us our “heart’s desire” many times. And this can be taken either too lightly—God is the cosmic gumball machine where I can get anything I want—or without complete understanding. I wrote the following in my book, The Best Laid Plans. It seems quite appropriate today:
The Bible references this idea of God’s giving us our “heart’s desire” many times. And this can be taken either too lightly—God is the cosmic gumball machine where I can get anything I want—or without complete understanding. I wrote the following in my book, The Best Laid Plans. It seems quite appropriate today:
Many people point to certain verses they claim state that God will answer every prayer exactly the way they desire. They recite verses like Mark 11:24 where Jesus says, “whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” They memorize Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7-8 and state, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
Yes, people read and memorize and recite these words, and then, when they don’t get the answer they wanted, they claim that God isn’t who He says He is. This is very dangerous territory. Yes, these verses and others do speak to asking and receiving, but it is so important, even crucial, that every prayer be uttered with the words, “Your will be done, Lord." (© Sauni Rinehart 2005)When you focus on God and truly want His will for your life, His desires will be yours. He then will "grant you your heart's desire" ... because your desires will be His.
Monday, July 16, 2018
Nobody Knows My Sorrow (Psalm 20:1-2)
Today's scripture: Psalm 20:1-2
“Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.
Nobody knows my sorrow.
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.
Glory hallelujah.”
The words from this old spiritual seem contradictory. Nobody knew the writer’s trouble and sorrow, but the he could still sing “glory hallelujah.”
Why? How?
Perhaps he was familiar with psalms such as the 20th. Perhaps he knew his God would answer in the “day of trouble” and would hold him “securely on high.”
I’m so grateful to know that my God hears my prayers and cries for help in the days of trouble. When I’m in pain, He holds my hand … and sometimes He carries me. When my last ounce of energy is depleted, He gives me supernatural strength. And when I grieve, He wipes my tears.
The old spiritual may be right. Maybe nobody does know your trouble, your sorrow. Nobody on earth, that is.
But I kind of like the alternate lyrics:
“Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.
Nobody knows but Jesus.
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.
Glory hallelujah.”
“Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.
Nobody knows my sorrow.
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.
Glory hallelujah.”
The words from this old spiritual seem contradictory. Nobody knew the writer’s trouble and sorrow, but the he could still sing “glory hallelujah.”
Why? How?
Perhaps he was familiar with psalms such as the 20th. Perhaps he knew his God would answer in the “day of trouble” and would hold him “securely on high.”
I’m so grateful to know that my God hears my prayers and cries for help in the days of trouble. When I’m in pain, He holds my hand … and sometimes He carries me. When my last ounce of energy is depleted, He gives me supernatural strength. And when I grieve, He wipes my tears.
The old spiritual may be right. Maybe nobody does know your trouble, your sorrow. Nobody on earth, that is.
But I kind of like the alternate lyrics:
“Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.
Nobody knows but Jesus.
Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.
Glory hallelujah.”
Friday, July 13, 2018
Taming the Tongue (Psalm 19:14)
Today's scripture: Psalm 19:14
Today's verses reminded me so much of James 3:8-10:
"But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way."
This is so very, very true.
Warning: I'm climbing up on my soapbox ... We should always use words that glorify God. I see people who call themselves Christians using vulgarities and saying hateful things about others. How does this in any way glorify God? Or as James says, "these things ought not to be this way."
I've found Philippians 4:8 to be a wonderful "litmus test" regarding what I think, say, and do. I don't always succeed, but I find if my focus is on those things that are just, pure, true, and praiseworthy, I'm much more likely to think, say, and do things that glorify the Lord.
We really should pray that our words are "acceptable" in the sight of God.
Today's verses reminded me so much of James 3:8-10:
"But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way."
This is so very, very true.
Warning: I'm climbing up on my soapbox ... We should always use words that glorify God. I see people who call themselves Christians using vulgarities and saying hateful things about others. How does this in any way glorify God? Or as James says, "these things ought not to be this way."
I've found Philippians 4:8 to be a wonderful "litmus test" regarding what I think, say, and do. I don't always succeed, but I find if my focus is on those things that are just, pure, true, and praiseworthy, I'm much more likely to think, say, and do things that glorify the Lord.
We really should pray that our words are "acceptable" in the sight of God.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Secret Faults ... (Psalm 19:12-13)
Today's
scripture: Psalm 19:12-13
We live in a world of gray. So many people say that if it doesn't hurt anyone, then it's okay. Cheating is okay unless you get caught. Sex with anyone at anytime is fine if it's "consensual." Lying is just par for the course. Anger held in the quiet recesses of our heart doesn't matter.
Yet, the Bible is clear. Sin is sin. Sin that the world can see and also those "secret faults."
If we claim to follow Christ, we should pray today's verses every day:
We live in a world of gray. So many people say that if it doesn't hurt anyone, then it's okay. Cheating is okay unless you get caught. Sex with anyone at anytime is fine if it's "consensual." Lying is just par for the course. Anger held in the quiet recesses of our heart doesn't matter.
Yet, the Bible is clear. Sin is sin. Sin that the world can see and also those "secret faults."
If we claim to follow Christ, we should pray today's verses every day:
Cleanse me from secret faults.Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;Let them not have dominion over me.We should stand firm on what the Bible says is wrong. We should, instead, focus on living fully surrendered to glorifying God—in all things and at all times.
I believe if we got up every day with the single desire to glorify God each moment of that day, we would live very, very differently.
I'm not sure where I read it, but an author wrote of his grandmother. They wanted to take her to see a popular movie, and she declined. She didn't object to the content. She merely said, "Jesus is going to come back, and I'd rather be doing something for Him."
This may be extreme, but it's food for thought. What do I want to be doing when Jesus returns? Secret faults? Presumptuous sins?
No. I'd rather be doing something that pleases Him. Wouldn't you?
Monday, July 09, 2018
God's Amazing Word (Psalm 19:7-11)
Today's
scripture: Psalm 19:7-11
Have I mentioned how much I love, love, love God's word? I don't know why I'm continually amazed how it speaks to me in new ways even though I've read it all the way through each year for years and even though I've studied books, chapters, and verses over and over again.
Then, this morning, I meditated on today's scripture, and tears filled my eyes. I've read these verses many, many times. I've read them in different versions. And they still touch my heart deeply.
May I encourage you to read through them again? And again? Maybe in a few different versions (I especially love NLT and CEV paraphrases)?
God's word is such an amazing gift. It encourages, affirms, educates, edifies, convicts, teaches ... sometimes all at the same time. I encourage you to spend time, real time, in it every day. Meditate on its truths. Revel in its encouragement. Learn from its conviction.
And delight in the knowledge that your God loves you so very much that He left a written document ... just for you!
Have I mentioned how much I love, love, love God's word? I don't know why I'm continually amazed how it speaks to me in new ways even though I've read it all the way through each year for years and even though I've studied books, chapters, and verses over and over again.
Then, this morning, I meditated on today's scripture, and tears filled my eyes. I've read these verses many, many times. I've read them in different versions. And they still touch my heart deeply.
May I encourage you to read through them again? And again? Maybe in a few different versions (I especially love NLT and CEV paraphrases)?
God's word is such an amazing gift. It encourages, affirms, educates, edifies, convicts, teaches ... sometimes all at the same time. I encourage you to spend time, real time, in it every day. Meditate on its truths. Revel in its encouragement. Learn from its conviction.
And delight in the knowledge that your God loves you so very much that He left a written document ... just for you!
Friday, July 06, 2018
Our Creator God (Psalm 19:4-6)
Today's scripture: Psalm 19:4-6
On Monday, I wrote about nighttime skies full of stars. Today's verses bring us to the sky at day.
I think the existence of the sun and its precise placement is one of the greatest testaments to a Creator. I've read that if the sun were in any other place than its exact position, life on the earth would not be sustainable. I'm not a scientist, so I visited The Institute for Creation Research's website. In language I don't fully understand (it's been many, many moons since I took a science class!), the ICR states:
The spiral-shaped galaxy in which the earth is located is called the Milky Way. The spiraling arms and center of this galaxy contain many stars set close together, giving off its characteristic brightness.Some stars explode into supernovas, causing deadly radiation to flow through nearby stars and planets.The center and arms of galaxies are flooded with high amounts of radiation. Most stars are located in places with too much harmful energy for life.Our solar system is located about two-thirds of the way out toward the edge of the Milky Way, where we are least likely to suffer collisions with other stars. Most of the stars in our galaxy are in the larger spiral arms or in the center. Because there are few stars near us, there is a low amount of radiation surrounding our solar system and we can observe the rest of the universe and our own galaxy much better.
So, when we look toward the sun (not at it because that's not good for our eyes!), we can remember yet again the awesomeness of our Creator God.
Wednesday, July 04, 2018
Happy Independence Day!
I don’t care what your political affiliation is. I don’t care what your country of origin is. I don’t care what state you live in. I don’t care what religion you embrace.
If you’re a citizen of the United States, today is all about one thing: our country’s independence from the rule of another country.
We live in a free country. F-R-E-E.
Free.
We have so many abundant blessings. Education. Occupation. Vocation.
We can live where we want. We can experience the beauty of our nation. We can vote for our leaders.
Free.
So today, whatever you do to celebrate, do just that: Celebrate your freedom.
And thank God that you can …
Monday, July 02, 2018
God's Handiwork (Psalm 19:1-4)
Today's
scripture: Psalm 19:1-4
We live in an amazing, amazing world. So much beauty. So much diversity.
My husband and I love to travel, and one way we especially love is taking road trips. We've traveled up and down the west coast several times. We've headed east through Arizona and New Mexico, and up into Utah. We even flew into Anchorage a few years ago and then took a road trip north to Denali and south to Seward.
We've enjoyed cruises that took us to parts of Mexico, eastern Canada, and islands in the Caribbean, and when I was younger, I traveled to Europe and the South Pacific.
Everywhere I've had the privilege to travel, I've marveled at the awesome beauty of this planet. Snow-capped mountains. Raging rivers. Powerful oceans. Mysterious deserts.
Every place so different and unique.
And I love being out in the country away from city lights. Looking up and seeing an expanse of sky, full of stars. I may not be able to pick out one constellation from another, but there is something both majestic and reverent when it is quiet and all I can see are stars upon stars. In those moments, I truly feel like the "heavens [are] declar[ing] the glory of God ..."
His creation is awesome. This universe we live in is a testimony to His greatness and creativity.
So we too can declare His glory and delight in His handiwork.
We live in an amazing, amazing world. So much beauty. So much diversity.
My husband and I love to travel, and one way we especially love is taking road trips. We've traveled up and down the west coast several times. We've headed east through Arizona and New Mexico, and up into Utah. We even flew into Anchorage a few years ago and then took a road trip north to Denali and south to Seward.
We've enjoyed cruises that took us to parts of Mexico, eastern Canada, and islands in the Caribbean, and when I was younger, I traveled to Europe and the South Pacific.
Everywhere I've had the privilege to travel, I've marveled at the awesome beauty of this planet. Snow-capped mountains. Raging rivers. Powerful oceans. Mysterious deserts.
Every place so different and unique.
And I love being out in the country away from city lights. Looking up and seeing an expanse of sky, full of stars. I may not be able to pick out one constellation from another, but there is something both majestic and reverent when it is quiet and all I can see are stars upon stars. In those moments, I truly feel like the "heavens [are] declar[ing] the glory of God ..."
His creation is awesome. This universe we live in is a testimony to His greatness and creativity.
So we too can declare His glory and delight in His handiwork.
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