Category: Devotion (Page 1 of 3)

A Thorough Evaluation

July 6, 2026 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

“And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.” (Nehemiah 1:3, KJV)

House flipping has become quite a lucrative enterprise in today’s real estate market. Anyone with a few basic skills and a little management savvy can buy an older or distressed house, make the needed repairs, then resell it at a handsome profit. The key to making this a successful business, though, begins with a thorough evaluation of the prospective house’s condition. Cleaning and painting might make for a quick resale, but if the house isn’t structurally sound, the new homeowner will be extremely disappointed and may take legal action against you. A prudent house flipper will hire a licensed inspector to investigate and report the home’s condition from the ground up.

Nehemiah understood this concept as he accepted his calling to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. When word reached him concerning the ruin of his homeland, he knew that a superficial patch-up wouldn’t suffice. As we study the book of Nehemiah, we can see God’s blueprint for rebuilding the broken walls and burned gates in our own lives.

The Condition: Assessing the Brokenness

While we may not be required to rebuild an ancient city, we are often called to rebuild broken relationships in our lives, broken lives due to some tragedy, or maybe even broken churches. Brokenness has a way of exposing the fragility of our own strength.

The first step in any restoration project is facing the damage honestly. Nehemiah did not minimize the report he received; he allowed the weight of Jerusalem’s condition to drive him to his knees. Before we can begin rebuilding, we must be willing to look directly at the rubble of our circumstances without pretending everything is fine.

The Inspection: Evaluating by the Word

Our first step in rebuilding the brokenness should always include a thorough evaluation in the light of God’s Word. Scripture serves as our divine inspector, revealing the hidden faults, compromised foundations, and structural weaknesses that we might otherwise overlook.

When we hold our broken situations up to the mirror of God’s truth, we are no longer guessing at how to fix them. The Word provides the exact measurements, standards, and wisdom required to construct something lasting. A thorough evaluation allows us to see where we have drifted from God’s design so we can begin the intentional work of structural alignment.

Rebuilding from the Ground Up

True restoration is never an overnight cosmetic job. It requires patience, obedience, and a lifelong commitment to God’s structural process. Do not let discouragement tempt you to settle for a quick, surface-level cover-up of deep-seated issues.

Stand firm in the knowledge that the Lord is the Master Builder. If you will allow Him to inspect your heart and lead the reconstruction, He will take what has been ruined by fire and transform it into a lasting testimony of His faithfulness.

Seed for Thought: What area of your life—whether a relationship, a personal habit, or a spiritual discipline—is currently experiencing brokenness? Take a moment right now to present this area before the Lord, asking Him to begin a thorough evaluation through His Word.

Reflect and Respond

Assessing the Condition: When faced with a crisis or a broken relationship, do you tend to rush into quick, cosmetic fixes, or do you take the time for an honest evaluation? Consider how acknowledging the true state of your circumstances is essential for genuine healing.
The Divine Standard: How often do you allow God’s Word to serve as the structural inspector of your heart? Reflect on how aligning your personal evaluation with Scripture changes your approach to rebuilding broken areas.
A Sound Foundation: Are you trying to rebuild a part of your life using your own management savvy, or are you relying on the ground-up restoration that only the Holy Spirit can provide? Commit today to building a spiritual foundation that will stand strong against the storms of life.

Stopping the Spiritual Drift

March 18, 2026 / Jeff Foster / 4 Comments

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:1-3)

In the rush of our daily routines, it is incredibly easy to find ourselves drifting. Hebrews 2:1 gives us a sobering nudge: we must give “earnest heed” to the truths we’ve heard, lest we let them slip. Think of a vessel with a tiny, unnoticed crack; it doesn’t empty all at once, but drop by drop, the living water escapes until the jar is dry. Our spiritual lives often follow a similar path. We don’t usually decide to abandon our faith in one giant leap; rather, we slowly lose our grip on the Word through simple inattention. When we stop prioritizing our time at the feet of Jesus, the vibrant truths of the Gospel begin to leak out of our hearts, leaving us vulnerable to the currents of the world around us.

This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a vital safeguard for our souls. The writer of Hebrews asks a piercing question: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Notice that the warning isn’t directed at those who reject Christ, but those who neglect Him. You don’t have to actively fight against God to lose your way; you only have to do nothing. This salvation was spoken by the Lord Himself and is far too precious to be treated as a background thought or a Sunday-only ritual. Today, let’s choose to tighten our grip on His promises. Let’s stop the drift by anchoring our hearts once again in the “so great” love that rescued us, making sure His Word isn’t just something we’ve heard, but something we are actively holding onto.

A Prayer for an Anchored Heart

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the “so great salvation” You have poured into my life through Jesus. Forgive me for the times I’ve treated Your grace as a background noise rather than the very air I breathe. Lord, I don’t want to be a drifter. I don’t want to let the precious truths of Your Word slip through the cracks of a busy schedule or a distracted mind. Today, I ask for the grace to give “earnest heed” to Your voice. Anchor my soul in Your promises so that no matter how hard the winds of life blow, I remain tethered to You. Keep my heart soft, my eyes open, and my spirit attentive to Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Cultivating the Heart: Reflection Questions

In the spirit of “Seed Sowing,” use these questions to examine the current state of your spiritual garden.

• Identifying the Leak: If you feel “dry” spiritually, look at your daily routine. What are the “cracks” (distractions, habits, or anxieties) that are causing the living water of the Word to leak out of your heart?
• The Difference Between Hearing and Heeding: We often hear a sermon or read a verse and then immediately move on. What is one specific truth from Hebrews 2 that you can move from your head to your hands—acting on it today rather than just thinking about it?
• Defining “Neglect”: Neglect isn’t usually a loud rebellion; it’s a quiet forgetting. Is there a part of your relationship with God—like prayer, fellowship, or study—that has become a “Sunday-only” ritual? How can you move it back to the center of your Monday-through-Saturday life?
• The Weight of the Gift: Spend a few minutes meditating on the phrase “so great salvation.” If you truly viewed your salvation as the most valuable treasure you owned, how would your “earnest heed” change this week?

Purpose

August 8, 2025 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (Dan 1:8)

The young Daniel we read about here has been taken into captivity in Babylon. Like Daniel, we are held captive to this world. While we cannot change this circumstance, we can set ourselves apart from our captor. Daniel chose to hold on to his faith in God rather than conform to his ungodly environment. As Christians, we are to follow Daniel’s example by living our life with intention to please God, not men.

God rewarded Daniel for his faith by elevating his status in the eyes of his captors. While he was severely tested at times, he held the favor of the king of Babylon for most of his life. We are not promised the same treatment in our captivity. However, when we purpose in our heart to be faithful Jesus our Savior, we are promised that one day the chains that hold us captive to this world will be broken. The world holds no power over the promises of God. Simply trusting in Jesus assures us according to His word that nothing can pluck us out of His hand.

Today, let’s reaffirm our purpose; follow God; allow Him to transform us to His will rather than conform to this world.

Prayer of Surrender

July 2, 2025 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

LORD Jesus,

In this chaos that is my life, I only find peace in Your salvation. My feet are firmly planted on You, my Rock, held not by my trembling bones, but firmly by Your strong arm. By Your Word, I walk steadfastly, for it provides the direction for my path. Your Word is everlasting and true. Your mercy is sweet as honey to my wretched soul. In Your grace I find my purpose in working to build Your kingdom. Though my flesh is weak and faltering, my soul rests beneath Your protective wings. LORD, I pray, use my hands, my feet, my tongue, my being, to lift up and glorify Your name. Whatever situation or circumstance I find myself, I pray You shine Your light through me. I surrender my life to You again today. Use it according to Your divine will.

In Your name, for Your glory, Amen.

Wait Upon the LORD

May 13, 2024 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

The phrase “wait upon” means to eagerly look for or linger in expectation. Waiting on the Lord renews our strength by compelling us to rely on God’s power. In the haste of life, we can often neglect time with God. We fill our schedules, rushing from one task to the next, yet we wonder why we feel drained, weary, and disconnected from God.

What we need is to slow down, wait on the Lord, and spend time with Him in prayer. When we wait on God, we open our hearts to receive His strength and peace. As we meditate on His Word, we are refreshed and renewed. Our minds are no longer cluttered with the cares of this world. We experience the presence of God as we surrender our agendas to Him.

Waiting on God through prayer deepens our relationship with Him. It realigns our priorities to what matters most – connecting with our Creator. When we regularly devote time to seek God’s face, we are transformed and our spiritual strength is renewed.

Let’s determine to build our prayer life through daily quiet times with God. Whether it’s 20 minutes in the morning, an hour walk with Him in the evening, or breath prayers throughout the day, time with God nourishes our soul. As we wait on Him, God renews us to walk faithfully with Him.

Lord, we desire to know You more. Teach us to regularly wait on You, to be still before You in prayer. Renew our strength as we seek Your face. Help us prioritize time with You, for apart from You we can do nothing. Fill us with Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Fostering a Grateful Character

October 18, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

Scripture Text: Psalm 118:1-29

Key Verse: Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 should be committed to our memory and be our first thought before our feet hit the floor every morning. It is a beautiful reminder that every day is a gift from God, and we should cherish it and make the most of it. While we can never adequately repay our Lord for the day, we should strive to be good stewards of our allotted time. As we go about our day, we need to keep our eyes and ears open, watching and listening for opportunities to serve God.

It can be easy to get frustrated with the stresses and worries of life, but we must remember that God is in control and is always with us. When a moment seems too much to bear, we can reflect on how God has helped us in the past, drawing encouragement from His presence during those times. We can trust in Him and find joy in each moment, even during difficult circumstances.

Let us take a moment to pause and reflect on all the blessings in our lives. Even in situations that may seem hopeless, we can always find something to be thankful for. The people we love, the opportunities we have, the beauty of nature around us. Let us give thanks to God for all these things and more.

And as we go about our day, let us strive to be a light to those around us. Let us show kindness and compassion, sharing the love of Christ with those we encounter. May our actions and words reflect the joy we have in our hearts because of our faith in God.

Dear Lord, we thank you for this day and for all the blessings You have given us. Help us to remember to rejoice and be glad in every moment, and to trust in Your plan for our lives. Cultivate our minds Lord, guiding us to live each day with grateful hearts. May we always be a light to those around us and share Your love with others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Embracing Forgiveness and Kindness

August 21, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: (32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

In the bustling fabric of our lives, we often find ourselves tangled in the web of negative emotions. Bitterness, anger, and resentment can gradually seep into our hearts, crippling our relationships and hindering our spiritual growth. In Ephesians 4:31-32, the Apostle Paul reminds us to let go of these toxic emotions and encourages us to embrace forgiveness and kindness instead.

Bitterness acts as a poison within us, clouding our judgment, and suffocating our potential for joy and peace. The weight of bitterness hinders our ability to love others genuinely. As believers, we are called to discern the destructive nature of bitterness and release it from our hearts through the power of Christ. Let us surrender our bitterness to God and allow His transformative love to heal and restore us.

Rage and anger, like a consuming fire, can often consume us and leave behind a trail of brokenness. It is paramount that we seek to gain control over these destructive emotions rather than allowing them to control us. Remember, God’s desire is for us to be agents of reconciliation, bearing His image as we extend love and kindness to others. By relying on the Holy Spirit and seeking God’s wisdom, we can navigate difficult situations with grace.

Moreover, Paul urges us to be kind and compassionate towards one another. Kindness is an expression of Christ’s love working through us, demonstrating our willingness to extend grace and mercy to those around us. Compassion opens our eyes to the struggles of others, leading us to offer understanding, empathy, and support. When we choose kindness and compassion, we become instruments of God’s love in a world that desperately needs it.

In the same vein, forgiveness plays a vital role in our spiritual journey. Just as Christ forgave us, enabling us to be reconciled with God, we are called to forgive others. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is essential for our own well-being and for fostering healthy relationships. As we forgive, we release the burden of carrying grudges and allow God’s healing power to flow through our lives.

Let us remember that forgiveness does not justify or condone wrong actions, but it frees us from the chains of resentment and offers an opportunity for redemption and healing. As we forgive, we reflect the grace and mercy we have received from our Heavenly Father.

Today, let us prayerfully reflect on our hearts and examine if there is any bitterness, anger, or malice within us. May we invite the Holy Spirit to help us embrace forgiveness and kindness, allowing God’s transformative power to make us vessels of His love. By walking in forgiveness and extending kindness to others, may we draw closer to God, building a community where His love and grace abound.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a humble heart, acknowledging the areas in my life where bitterness and anger have taken root. Please forgive me for holding onto these negative emotions. Help me, Lord, to let go of all bitterness, rage, and anger. Fill me with Your love and kindness so that I may be a reflection of Your grace in this world. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me; and help me extend compassion to those around me. May Your transformative power work in me and through me, bringing healing and reconciliation. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Trust His Plan

August 20, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

Don’t be afraid of the storms in your life, for they are temporary. Trust in God’s steadfast love and guidance to carry you through. #FaithOverFear

Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

In the midst of life’s storms, remember that you have the power to calm the chaos within. Just like in Mark 4:39, you can rise above any adversity and bring peace to your soul.When the winds of doubt and fear try to shake your foundation, rebuke them with unwavering faith and speak words of tranquility. Embrace the stillness that lies within you.

Believe in your ability to overcome any challenge that comes your way. Let this verse be a reminder that even in the face of turmoil, you have the strength to create a great calm.

So, take a deep breath, hear the voice of the Holy Spirit within you, and let it radiate outwards. You are capable of bringing serenity not only to yourself but also to those around you. Embrace this power and let it guide you towards a life filled with tranquility and fulfillment.

#PonderingGodsWord

Joy in the Trials

August 14, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

Amid life’s trials and tribulations, it can be difficult to find joy. But it is in these very moments of affliction that we have the opportunity to experience a profound transformation. God uses our difficult circumstances as a means to teach us patience and strengthen our faith.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (James 1:2-3)

God has a way of using our trials to teach us patience and strengthen our faith. It is through these very challenges that we are able to grow and develop into the individuals He has called us to be. Just like a storm that tests the strength of a ship, our trials test the depth of our character. It is through these storms that we learn to navigate the turbulent waters with grace and resilience. In times of sickness or adversity, we are given an opportunity to lean on God’s strength and find solace in His presence.

Our circumstances may seem overwhelming at times, but they are not without purpose. They serve as tests that refine us, molding us into individuals who are steadfast in their faith. It is during these moments that we discover the true depth of our convictions and develop an unwavering trust in God’s plan for our lives. Our tests become testimonies; our afflictions become opportunities for growth. We learn to lean on Him for strength and find solace in His promises. As we navigate through life’s storms, we discover an unwavering joy that surpasses all understanding.

Patience is not easily acquired; it is cultivated through perseverance in the face of adversity. As we endure trials, we learn to wait upon the Lord with hopeful expectation, knowing that He will provide for us in His perfect timing. Our faith grows stronger as we witness His faithfulness even amidst the darkest storms.

So let us embrace our trials with open hearts and minds, knowing that they are opportunities for growth and transformation. Let us hold onto our hope and trust in God’s plan for our lives. In every circumstance, may we find joy – not because of what we are going through but because of who walks beside us every step of the way. Let us find joy in knowing that God uses every circumstance for our ultimate good. May we emerge from these trials with a deeper understanding of ourselves, a strengthened faith, and an unshakable joy that surpasses all understanding.

Start a Gratitude Journal

August 11, 2023 / Jeff Foster / 0 Comments

O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalms 107:1)

If you’ve become used to thinking of the things that bring you joy and contentment, why not take it one step further and start writing them down? You don’t need to be a master wordsmith to jot down three sentences about what you’re grateful for and it doesn’t have to take up too much of your valuable time either. In fact, there’s lots of amazing benefits that come from making your appreciation official on paper! So, let’s see if we can make this practice less intimidating and more enjoyable.

More About Gratitude Journals

A gratitude journal isn’t just a journal – it’s a tool for finding joy. You can use it to keep track of things that make you feel lucky each day, which can bring more good luck into your life. Writing about what you’re thankful for keeps you in the mindset of appreciation. It helps bring out all the positive stuff you may have missed before and provides motivation during tough times. Plus, when you need a pick-me-up, you’ll always have this record of happy memories to look back on.

Benefits of a Gratitude Journal

Keeping a gratitude journal is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It’s like diving into an ocean of positivity, even when life throws some curveballs your way. Not only will writing down what you’re grateful for help to reduce stress, it can also be therapeutic and provide clarity in areas where you might feel stuck. You might just find yourself looking at life from a different lens, spotting patterns and opportunities that seemed invisible before.

Tips for Using Your Journal

When it comes to journaling, consistency is key. Some people like to write twice a day and some just once. Either way, the most important thing is that you create a habit of writing regularly. To make sure you want to keep up with your journal, choose something that speaks to you. Maybe that’s a beautiful journal or maybe it’s an electronic one. Just pick what works for you. When doing this, make it accessible; have it by your bedside or somewhere easily accessed on your phone or computer. Transform it into a ritual too; while writing, grab a warm cup of coffee or light some candles with nice aromas. Make the process yours and give your inner self what it needs: a gratitude journal that nourishes the soul.

A gratitude journal can be an insightful and life-changing tool. Remember, you only have to write three simple things you’re grateful for. There’s no need to make it complicated. Start your record keeping practice today and see what it can do for you.

Category: Devotion (Page 1 of 3)

A Thorough Evaluation

The Condition: Assessing the Brokenness

The Inspection: Evaluating by the Word

Rebuilding from the Ground Up

Reflect and Respond

Stopping the Spiritual Drift

A Prayer for an Anchored Heart

Cultivating the Heart: Reflection Questions

Purpose

Prayer of Surrender

Wait Upon the LORD

Fostering a Grateful Character

Scripture Text: Psalm 118:1-29

Key Verse: Psalm 118:24

Embracing Forgiveness and Kindness

Trust His Plan

Joy in the Trials

Start a Gratitude Journal

More About Gratitude Journals

Benefits of a Gratitude Journal

Tips for Using Your Journal

Recent Posts

Friends of SeedSowing.org

The Condition: Assessing the Brokenness

The Inspection: Evaluating by the Word

Rebuilding from the Ground Up

Reflect and Respond

A Prayer for an Anchored Heart

Cultivating the Heart: Reflection Questions

Scripture Text: Psalm 118:1-29

Key Verse: Psalm 118:24

More About Gratitude Journals

Benefits of a Gratitude Journal

Tips for Using Your Journal

Recent Posts

Tags

Friends of SeedSowing.org