March 23, 2008
Haven’t You Been There?
A Good Friday meditation on Christ’s trial as a story of power, sin, and our own hearts—inviting us to ask who is truly on trial and what verdict we render with our lives.
Devotionals
Devotionals gathers Christian Standard articles designed to encourage daily faithfulness through Scripture, prayer, and reflection. Here you’ll find short, accessible readings that connect God’s Word to everyday life—offering wisdom for discipleship, comfort in hardship, and reminders of the hope found in Christ. These devotionals aim to help readers stay rooted in the gospel, grow in spiritual maturity, and practice consistent habits of worship and obedience.
February 3, 2008
God and Your Average Joe: Lessons from the Life of Isaac
Isaac may seem ordinary beside other Bible figures, but Hebrews 11 honors him as an example of faith, reminding everyday believers that God measures the heart.
December 30, 2007
More Than All We Ask or Imagine!
We love before-and-after stories, but God’s transforming work is the most breathtaking. Jackina Stark reflects on Scripture and real-life examples of renewed minds, mended relationships, and Spirit-enabled courage to do what we cannot.
December 23, 2007
The Sign of Peace
Christmas can be filled with conflict and strain, but Scripture points to true peace through Christ. Pursue peace with others as you’re able, and rest in God’s presence even when circumstances don’t quickly change.
December 19, 2007
The Price of War, the Promise of Peace
As war’s toll weighs heavily, this Christmas reflection considers peace through the stories of a former child soldier and an Army chaplain, then points to Jesus’ promise: “I have overcome the world.”
December 16, 2007
Messy Christmas!
By Jeff Walling One of the delights of the Christmas season is receiving cards from friends across the country. My wife displays the prettiest ones and leaves the rest in a basket on our kitchen table so we can cruise the photos and say, “Oh! Look how BIG he”s gotten!” about our newest nephew or my largest brother-in-law. Many have the classic nativity scenes, with adoring shepherds, a smiling Mary, and a glowing baby Jesus. It is these that I used to love the most until I came across an uncomfortable truth: Those Christmas cards are completely unbiblical. And what”s
November 14, 2007
While We Are Waiting
Everyday delays expose what’s happening in our hearts. This devotional contrasts frustrated waiting with Scripture’s call to wait patiently for the Lord—expecting his help, trusting his goodness, and refusing to quit too soon.
November 4, 2007
Weeping With David
By Jackina Stark Mercy, there are a lot of reasons to cry. I went in not so long ago and talked to Ozark Christian College Academic Dean Mark Scott about cutting back my teaching load. I wanted more time to travel, to write, to see the grandchildren and my aging parents. Necessarily, our talk moved to when I would retire altogether, and of course, at that point I started crying. I”m sure he wished I”d just sent a letter. Well, for goodness” sake, he must have thought, what do you want? I want more time to travel, to write, to
October 28, 2007
Extraordinary Living
A birthday reflection and a memorial service lead Lisa Jernigan to consider what makes a life extraordinary. Through Vera’s example, she points to unconditional love, sacrificial living, and a giving heart shaped by Christ.
October 21, 2007
It Does Get Better Than This!
A child’s blunt honesty about Heaven sparks a devotional reflection on why eternity can feel distant when life is good—and why hope grows stronger as we gain perspective, mature, and face suffering.
August 26, 2007
The Power to Go the Distance
Marathon training reveals a surprising truth: finishing is less about muscles than motivation. This devotional contrasts fear, reward, and love—and points to Christ’s love as the strength that helps believers go the distance.
June 24, 2007
It’s All in the Name
Tim Harlow reflects on God’s name “I AM” in Exodus 3 and why it changes how we carry responsibility. If God is I AM, we are “I AM NOT”—and that’s good news for weary hearts.
June 17, 2007
Meeting Jesus in Baggage Claim
Jeff Walling reflects on Paul’s honest confession in 1 Corinthians 15:9, inviting Christians to claim their spiritual baggage and hand it to Christ.
May 6, 2007
Demas Has Forsaken Me
A reflection on Demas’s desertion, Paul’s final imprisonment, and the quiet pull of “the world.” Learn why setting heart and mind on things above is essential—and how John Mark’s story offers hope.
April 8, 2007
Our Overwhelming Victory (from the new book, Free Refill)
When faith feels empty, the resurrection offers a true refill. Mark Atteberry reflects on Mary Magdalene’s dawn encounter and shares three faith-filling truths: Jesus’ victory over death was complete, conspicuous, and shared on one condition.
December 24, 2006
‘Tis the Season
Christmas awakens a restless longing in many—through perfectionism, loneliness, grief, or escape. Like the Magi, people seek what they can’t fully name. This reflection calls believers to notice that longing and reach out.
December 24, 2006
The Insignificant in Christmas
Mark Scott reflects on Luke’s Christmas narrative, showing how God fills ordinary places, people, and events with profound meaning. From Bethlehem’s fields to the shepherds’ surprise, Christmas announces good news for outsiders, too.
December 20, 2006
The Path of Peace
A Christmas reflection on the promised peace Christ brings—illustrated through Bill Pile’s response to terminal cancer—and a reminder that joy and peace grow when we stop focusing on ourselves and obey God.
December 17, 2006
Still Unto Us
A reflection on Christmas amid a world marked by anger and violence. Through Matthew’s birth narrative and Isaiah’s promise, we remember the Prince of Peace and the steady settling-in of shalom.
November 15, 2006
Courage for a Reluctant Leader
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Moses’ reluctance and God’s persistent patience, showing how God equips hesitant leaders and calls them to trust and obey when the task feels impossible.
