2 FEB 25 Coffee with Chaps Devotional

Seeking Wisdom Like Treasure

“If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” — Proverbs 2:4-5

True wisdom isn’t gained casually; it requires diligent pursuit, like searching for hidden treasure. Just as people invest time and effort to find wealth, we must passionately seek God’s wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and obedience. When we prioritize His understanding above worldly gain, He reveals Himself to us. The fear of the Lord—reverence and awe—becomes the foundation of our knowledge. As we seek Him daily, He grants discernment, guiding our paths and enriching our lives with eternal riches. Pursue His wisdom wholeheartedly, and you will find the greatest treasure—God Himself.

Prayer for Wisdom

Heavenly Father,

Help me to seek Your wisdom as I would search for hidden treasure. Give me a heart that longs for Your understanding and a mind that desires Your truth. Open my eyes to see the riches of Your Word and guide me to walk in reverence and awe of You. Teach me to value Your knowledge above all else, that I may grow in faith and walk in Your ways.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1 FEB 25 Coffee with Chaps Devtional

The Fear of the Lord

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

True wisdom starts with reverence for God. When we acknowledge Him as the source of all understanding, we open our hearts to His guidance. The world offers knowledge, but only God gives wisdom that leads to life. To fear the Lord is to grapple with his magnitude awesomeness and in light of that honor, trust, and obey Him. Those who reject His wisdom walk in darkness, but those who seek Him gain insight and discernment. Today, let us humbly submit to God’s wisdom, seeking His truth in every decision. In Him, we find the foundation for a life of purpose and peace.

Heavenly Father, you are an all consuming fire, holy, and we are not able to fully grasp who you are. In your mercy, you have revealed yourself through the prophets and your Son. As we surrender to you, may we trust and obey you, in Jesus name amen.

20 OCT 24 Coffee with Chaps Devotional: Walking through anxiety and worry Day 6

 Day 6: What now?

“I prayed to the Lord and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 NLT

Fear is a very powerful emotion that can cause lots of anxiety and also can stop us from moving on. It can enter our lives at any point, whether young or old. For example, when we are younger, we feel invincible but as we age our mind says “yes” but our body says “no”. Or there might be an injury, illness, or the death of someone close to you that causes you to question just about everything. It strikes fear into the heart and expresses itself in a variety of emotions, whether sadness, anger, panic, or worry.

The psalmist shows his vulnerability by describing his inability to help himself. Some problems are too big for us which shifts the direction of our lives and fear steps in to cripple or paralyze our minds. You might be feeling this now and ask, what now?

The good news is that fear can change us for the better and strengthen our relationship with the Lord.  We need to talk to God about it and hand it over. God knows we will face challenges in life and desires to walk with you through them.  He can free you from the fears that weigh you down and give you the ability to be at peace and be strong.  

Merciful Father, I’m facing an uncertain time in my life which has changed my life and I don’t know what to do. I know that you hear my prayer and that you care for me. Free me from this fear and guide me to your will. Help me to trust in your goodness and comfort me in this difficult time. In Jesus’ name, amen.

30 SEP 24 Coffee with Chaps Devotional: Walking through axniety and worry Day 5

 Day 5: Does doubt create a noisy mind and a fear of the unknown?

“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 94:19

From time to time when things don’t go our way, we can begin to doubt our future. Maybe you lost your job or got injured and cannot work. Bills and daily needs can cause you to spiral and get overwhelmed not knowing what to do. Others may be in that year of retirement and are looking ahead to what is next, but are fearful of embracing the unknown after years of job security. These fears are common for many people, but some may find they need a way to clear the fog of doubt that is creating a noisy mind.  

David had many challenges before becoming king, and even more so while he was king. He racked his brain to figure out what to do when the trials of life smacked him in the face. When you read the Psalms, you find accounts of his solution. He took his problems to the throne (God) before he took to the phone (other people). As he poured out his heart and mind to God, he experienced a clear mind, peace in his heart, and a renewed sense of hope and joy followed. If it seems simple and a bit mysterious, it is, but it works. I’m not asking you to trust me, I’m asking you to trust God and release your doubts over to him.  

Heavenly Father, you have known me from before the foundation of the world. You have made known in your word the reality of this life and the problems that will come my way. The fears and doubts I face can be overwhelming but help me to remember that I only have to turn to you for all that I need. Please take any worries that I have for tomorrow and give me the strength I need to endure today. Amen.

14 JUL 24 Sunday SOAPS Daily Office Devotional

 14 JUL 24 Sunday SOAPS Daily Office Devotional

Daily Office: Year 2 Week of the Eighth Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 10)

(Scripture, Observation, Apply, Pray, Share)

Reading Plan: Psalm 148, 149, 150; Joshua 1:1-18; Acts 21:3-15; Mark 1:21-27

Are you obeying Jesus?

S- “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8

O- The call and command on disciples of God has not changed from Genesis to Revelation and even today.  We are told to hear, obey, and give it away.  Many of those who claim to be believers do not obey the Lord.  Jesus said that if you do not obey what he says then you do not belong to him.  Sounds harsh? If he is Lord or Master of your life then you refuse to do what he tells you.  

A- I will obey Jesus as my Lord and Master of my life.  

P- Master, Savior, Jesus, my life belongs to you.  I am not my own and desire to do you will instead of my own.  Let my obedience be a demonstration of my love for you.  Empower me to follow you when it is not convenient, difficult, or costly.  Amen.

S- A, S, C