HomeWord, with Jim Burns

As technology increasingly dominates our lives, many of us struggle to stay connected to God's power and guidance. By recognizing the spiritual parallels between our daily struggles with battery life and our need for divine empowerment, we can discover the simple yet profound truth that prayer, His Word, and His people are always available to recharge our spiritual batteries.

A busy day can quickly turn into a desperate cry for help, as the author of "Running on Empty" shares their personal experience of running out of gas and realizing they had neglected to fill up their spiritual tank. Through Psalm 42:1-2, Kelly McFadden reflects on the importance of prioritizing God in our lives, just as we would prioritize fuel for our physical bodies, to avoid feeling drained and helpless.

Francis of Assisi's profound encounter with a leper transformed his life, inspiring him to dedicate himself as an instrument of God's peace and love. This devotional explores the powerful prayer that Francis wrote, offering guidance on how to sow love, pardon, faith, hope, light, and joy in a world filled with darkness and despair.

A poor widow's selfless gift to the temple treasury is contrasted with the more ostentatious offerings of wealthy donors, highlighting the true nature of generosity and gratitude. By shifting our perspective from material wealth to spiritual abundance, we can discover a deeper sense of giving that brings joy and fulfillment to both ourselves and others.

Moses, a reluctant leader, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, despite his own fears and doubts. This powerful story reveals that our lives are not defined by monotony or safety, but by purpose and significance, and invites readers to consider their own calling from God.

The concept of a soul as the most valuable possession is central to understanding one's eternal significance, and Jesus' teachings emphasize that connecting with God is essential for investing in our souls and preparing for eternity. By prioritizing our spiritual well-being and feeding our souls through regular connection with God, we can stave off the reality of death and secure a place in His presence forever.

As the harvest season arrives, a powerful metaphor emerges in Kelly McFadden's devotional on being God's pumpkin, highlighting the transformative union with Christ Jesus that frees us from sin and empowers us to shine His light. By embracing our unique design as vessels of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome shame and reliance on our own strength, becoming beacons of hope for all to see.

This devotional explores the concept of authenticity in Christianity, drawing inspiration from A.A. Milne's classic tale "The Velveteen Rabbit." By examining the wisdom of the Skin Horse and applying its timeless advice to modern life, readers will discover a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly real and vulnerable about one's love for God.

Bach's habit of including prayers in his music serves as a powerful reminder to be intentional about seeking God's help and giving thanks, a practice that can bring much-needed perspective and humility to our daily lives. By embracing this mindset, we can cultivate a deeper dependence on the Lord and experience the transformative power of gratitude.

Fear is a natural and necessary part of human existence, but when it becomes unhealthy and paralyzes us, it can prevent us from living the life we were meant to live. By learning to replace old fears with new ones and cultivating a deeper relationship with God, we can overcome fear and discover a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

Most Christians struggle with guilt and comparison, feeling inadequate when they don't measure up to others' spiritual standards. By recognizing the destructive nature of comparison and embracing their unique wiring, individuals can break free from false guilt and cultivate a more authentic, intimate relationship with God.

The biblical story of Joseph serves as a powerful reminder that when faced with temptation, it's essential to recognize the temporary and deceptive nature of sin. By learning from Joseph's courageous decision to "run" from Potiphar's wife, readers can gain valuable insight into how to resist the allure of sin and instead choose a path of righteousness.

A marathon runner's inspiring finish in the 1968 Olympics serves as a powerful metaphor for perseverance and discipline, encouraging readers to choose the pain of discipline over the pain of regret in their own lives. By embracing this mindset, individuals can overcome obstacles and stay on track with their goals, just as the runner persevered despite his injuries to cross the finish line.

This devotional explores the concepts of mercy and grace, highlighting their significance in our lives as Christians. By examining biblical passages and personal anecdotes, it reveals how God's forgiveness and mercy can transform our ability to forgive others, offering practical guidance for extending mercy and grace to those around us.

The Bible teaches us that everyone has a structural weakness, whether it's greed, fear, lust, or pride, and that Jesus calls us to bind the wounds of others rather than exploiting their weaknesses. By acknowledging our own weaknesses and being willing to encourage those around us, we can become healing agents who restore and uplift others, as encouraged by Romans 8:26 and Matthew 7:3-4.