Carter Conlon | Daily Devotionals

To new believers—you may have finally found what you’ve been searching for: a relationship with God that brings peace and abundance. However, like David in Psalm 23 , you will face challenges.  In verse 4 , he walks through the valley of the shadow of death , feeling uncertain and hunted by an insane king. Every Christian faces trials, and in these seasons, it’s easy to feel as though God’s promis...

Whatever God is saying to you, take the time to listen and obey. Start there, and you’ll be amazed at the transformation that follows.  I can promise you this: in a week, a month, or even a year from now, you will find yourself filled with joy, eager for worship to continue, because you have made the right choices. You’ll be standing at the right altar, connected with God, with the promise of fini...

The Apostle Paul speaks of a peace that surpasses understanding—a profound sense of well-being that often has little to do with our external circumstances. As the hymn goes, “It is well with my soul,” this can become your song, no matter what we face or hear in the news.  You and I can find comfort in knowing that Christ restores our souls. We all make mistakes, and our lives can become tangled, b...

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” ( Romans 8:28 )  This encompasses all things—not just the pleasant or the easy moments, but every experience that you and I encounter. Each situation contributes to our growth and development as believers in Christ.  Even if the challenges we have faced were solely to bring...

God is always watching over us. We are the thought in His heart and the apple of His eye. He cares for you today and every day.  If we turn to Him and let Him be our Shepherd, you and I will not lack for provision or a sense of well-being. As David once said, “He makes me to lie down in green pastures.”   When I first came to faith, I began reading the Word of God and was grateful for the 66 books...

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. ( Psalm 23:1-3 )  Psalm 23, written by King David, beautifully illustrates that God is our Shepherd. David, having cared for his father’s sheep, understood the deep compassion and responsibility of a shepherd. He recognized that just as he looked after his flock,...

It’s troubling to do devotions at home while your life doesn’t reflect those beliefs—especially in front of your children. Many children turn away from God for this very reason.  We all need to pray for hearts that align with our faith, and this responsibility is for every one of us. If you seek change, be ready to walk away from anything that doesn’t honor God. Solomon’s choices led him to person...

When I was just beginning my ministry and wholeheartedly serving God, my oldest son was severely burned in a fire. I found myself in the hospital, uncertain whether he would regain full use of his hand or suffer permanent scarring.  We also lost everything twice—once to a fire and once to a flood. I jokingly told Pastor Teresa that the only thing left for us was an earthquake, but I immediately re...

The voice of the Lord is above the waters; the God of glory thunders; the Lord is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. ( Psalm 29:3-4 )  Even though the sounds of the world may seem confusing, ferocious, and even deafening, God is saying to you, “My voice is above the noise.” All those destructive voices and sounds that have tried to attach...

For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. ( Psalm 95:3-5 )  If you’ve ever had one of those weeks when it seemed like everything that could go wrong did, thank God for the knowledge that He holds all things in the palm of Hi...

When you face betrayal and struggles in your life, you may encounter moments when you feel you lack the strength to move forward. You might even want to throw in the towel or call it quits, but these challenges are inevitable.  However, Jesus assures us, “I have overcome the world.” And every tongue that rises against you, you can condemn, for you’ve been given a righteousness that no one can take...

Let’s avoid ending our lives bitter and disillusioned. This can happen to anyone, even the wisest among us. If we think it can’t happen to us, then we’re being naive.  We may not fully understand what actually lies in our hearts, and if we become complacent in studying God’s Word or begin to neglect our prayer life, we risk missing vital insights—even in the church we attend. Instead of thinking,...

I’ve been deeply burdened for the people of God, especially for the younger generation. Many of you are new in your faith and may not yet fully understand what your journey will entail. You might have formed an impression of what the Christian life looks like, and while it may seem good, it might not be complete or entirely accurate.  You may find yourself overwhelmed by your own weaknesses, diffi...

Psalm 22 begins with these words: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”   King David felt overwhelmed, asking God, “Why are You so far from helping me?” Have you ever prayed like that? He continued, “I cry out to You in the daytime, but You do not hear me.” ( Psalm 22:2 )  David was saying, in a sense, “I’m doing my part—where are You, God?” Have you ever sat in church, hearing others share...

1 Kings 22:29-30 “So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, went up to Ramoth Gilead. And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, ‘I will disguise myself and go into battle; but you put on your robes.’ So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle.”   Are you someone who disguises your conversation, your actions, and your behavior when you go into the house of God or...

In a world filled with darkness and confusion, it’s easy to feel disheartened. However, we can find hope knowing that God has a plan for these last days. He has promised to prosper us, to give us hope and a future.  As believers, you and I are called to embrace God’s plan and be active participants in His divine purpose. We must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit within us to overcome every obst...

King David didn’t end his journey surrounded by despair, fear, or ungodliness. In Psalm 18:36 , he declares, “You enlarged my path under me, so that my feet did not slip.”   In other words, God provided a way where there seemed to be none. David reminds us that God leads us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  When facing uncertainty—whether it’s returning to a challenging job, a diffic...

I remember sitting in church 45 years ago, on the edge of my seat, wondering if it could be true. Could it be possible that there’s something greater for my life than what I had planned for myself? Could it be that God had thoughts and plans for me beyond everything else that had ever been said to define me?  There comes a moment in your life—just as it did in mine—when you simply accept that God’...

1 Kings 20:32 “So they wore sackcloth around their waists and put ropes around their heads and came to the king of Israel and said, ‘Your servant Ben-Hadad says, “Please let me live.”’ And he said, ’Is he still alive? He is my brother.”   There are many who are moved but not moved enough to bring a total change of lifestyle to their lives. Deception is going to increase in the coming days, and tho...

Psalm 6:9-10 “The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled; let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly.”   Walking in victory requires honesty. True and lasting victory comes from a humble heart. The Bible says that God draws near to the contrite and the brokenhearted. God draws near to the man or woman who says, “I’m sorry...

When the Israelites reached the border of the Promised Land, ten spies brought back what the Bible refers to as an evil report. The people embraced this report because it aligned with their preexisting doubts and fears. These spies simply confirmed the negative beliefs the people had held all along.  They believed they were not capable, not strong enough, and lacked the necessary skills to conquer...

Just read the news, and you’ll see that godliness is lacking in our generation. Like a snowball rolling downhill, godlessness is growing larger.  David felt similarly when he said, “The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; in my distress, I called upon the Lord.” ( Psalm 18:5-6 ) I imagine his cry was much like my own. Sometimes I pray, “Jesus, help me.” Sometimes, we can’t even manage that—just a desp...

When you lay your head on the pillow at night or wake up in the morning, there’s a persistent thought that enters your heart—the realization that your life is destined for something more than you thought it was. Even if your current circumstances seem great, this thought still lingers.  Let’s take inspiration from the story of Nehemiah. He was focused on building a wall, but others tried to divert...

1 Timothy 2:1 “Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.”   There are people out there, believe it or not, who are sick of sin, hopelessness, and addictions—sick of looking for entertainment, sick of being in the field eating pig’s food like prodigals.  If you and I would have the courage to pray—not just some ambiguous p...

Acts 12:4-5 “So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.”   Have you noticed that there is a death passing over this nation—a death to civility, unity, morality, and even a sense of...