NorMel House Devotions

Read Psalm 1 (see bottom). The book of Psalms opens with a profound, foundational truth: true joy is found in obeying God. As a collection of wisdom, poetry, and truth, the Psalms teach us how to live and remind us to turn to God in every situation. To walk in this joy, we must be mindful of our influences. The people we surround ourselves with shape our character and our faith. If we closely associate with those who mock God or ridicule His Word, their worldview can easily skew our own, tempting us to drift from the truth. Instead, we should actively seek friendships that build our faith—friends who encourage us to draw closer to God and walk in His ways. Following God requires knowing His heart, which comes from intentionally engaging with Scripture. Meditating on His Word, searching the scriptures, and studying His commands allow us to apply biblical truth to our daily lives. Just as a tree soaks up water to bear good fruit, we must soak up God’s Word to align our minds and acti...

"When it rains, it pours." Ever heard that expression? Ever felt like that expression describes your life? Sometimes in life, we get hit hard, and then it seems the hits just keep on coming. One thing after another.... after another... after another. Every time you try to "get back up" again, something else hits and keeps you down. It's like the shoe fell, but then more shoes just keep on falling! As Christians, we know that there will be trials and suffering in this life, but God's word is filled with comfort and promises to give us strength. Matthew 11:22-30      Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.    Isaiah 41:10      Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my ri...

Some days, the words just flow through my fingers and onto the page. I feel like a conduit, not a writer. But then there are days when the words just don't seem to come; when there's so much on my heart, but I just can't seem to put it into words. Grief can have that effect sometimes. There are no words that will truly express my thoughts and feelings right now, so I'll let God's Word speak for itself: No more shall there be in it     an infant who lives but a few days,     or an old man who does not fill out his days Isaiah 65:20 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. Revelation 21:4 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.                           ...

Waiting is hard, waiting for something you long for, even more so. There are so many things we wait for in life, but waiting for someone to fulfill their promises can be frustrating and make us impatient. As Christians, our waiting should look a little different; the Bible teaches us that even in our waiting, we must remain faithful to God and be patient. God is faithful and trustworthy; He always keeps His promises. Are you willing to wait patiently? Could you remain faithful, steadfast, and patient even if it took 45 years for someone to fulfill their promise? Or an entire lifetime? Turning to the book of Joshua, we can see an example of true faith and patience. Caleb, of the tribe of Judah, son of Jephunneh, was chosen to be sent out as a spy into the land of Canaan. God had brought His people out of the land of Egypt, as He had promised He would. When they drew near to the land of Canaan, the Lord commanded Moses , “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to ...

  Have you ever thought, “Wow, it’s a good thing others can’t hear my thoughts right now!” I know I definitely have, more often than I’d care to admit. So often, throughout the day, my thoughts are not in line with what the Bible teaches us they should be. As Paul says in Romans 7:15, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” It’s a constant struggle and battle to control not only our actions but also our thoughts! By the Spirit, we may be able to hold our tongues and keep our thoughts to ourselves, but our thoughts matter to God! I am a Christian, not because I am perfect, I’m not. I am a Christian because I know I need Christ! Part of knowing my need for God is recognizing how important it is to have a living, active relationship with Him. Prayers are a vitally important part of living out your faith and being a Christian. Prayer is part of how we commune with our heavenly Father, and therefore, vital to our relat...

Right now you’re struggling, but I see you. More importantly, God sees you. Turn to the Bible           “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”  Psalm 34:8 When your body has taken so much of your freedom, and you feel like you’ve lost another one, it’s easy to feel sad and disappointed. Maybe today just sucks, but you will be ok when you find your refuge in Him, in His Word.           “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 You feel like your body has betrayed you, let you down. But remember, God is good, and His plan for us is good. Right now, it may be hard to feel that, to hear the words that should bring comfort. Read them once, and then again, and again until His Words echo in your mind.           “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for ...