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Adjust My Sight — A Prayer of Faith

Posted in Motions of Faith, Poetry on April 18, 2014 by Dusty Rayburn

Faith changes our point of view. It allows us to move our focus from our own desperation and into the Hope that originates with God. Adjust my sight Lord!

Feeling Forsaken

Posted in Poetry on April 17, 2014 by Dusty Rayburn

In the last moments of earthly life, Jesus cried out: ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ Even feeling forsaken, He voiced a promise conveying hope.

Evident Gentleness

Posted in Bible Studies on April 16, 2014 by Dusty Rayburn

As followers of Christ, we are called to live in evident gentleness. Scripture teaches us this is so. Jesus modeled it in His life and death. Be gentle!

The Lamb of God — Jesus

Posted in Bible Studies on April 15, 2014 by Dusty Rayburn

Jesus was and is the Lamb of God. He died that you and I might live…and not just any life, but eternal life freed from the condemnation of our sin.

Easter: What Does it Mean to You?

Posted in Bible Studies on April 14, 2014 by Dusty Rayburn

This is a re-post of one of my most popular articles, originally posted in March of 2011. As we celebrate this Easter, let’s ask the question once more.

Without God All is Vain

Posted in Bible Studies on April 11, 2014 by Dusty Rayburn

Without God all is vain. If we want to be a part of something that is meaningful, something that will transcend time and death, it is only possible in God.

This site is devoted to God and strives to create a conversation with both believers and non-believers regarding how God’s Word, the Bible, impacts our lives. Paul wrote:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17, New International Version

What Will You Find?

Devoted Conversations strives to use and share Scripture for exactly that purpose. Three to five times a week I post an article based on issues that God is guiding me through in my own life. These ‘devotions’ take the form of Bible Studies, Poetry, and Book Discussions. The comments section is always open so feel free to join in the conversations.

Why Should You Read?

I am not a seminary graduate. I am not even employed by a church. So, why do I think anyone should read my writings?

Frankly, It amazes me that people do.

I did not start writing because I thought I was a writer. I did not even start because I thought I could do it better than anyone else. Quite the contrary in fact.

I started this blog for one reason:

I was looking for a way to journal my daily walk with Christ and what He is teaching me.

Putting my thoughts down in this fashion has changed my relationship with Him. I am growing. I am being stretched. I am being rebuked and corrected.

So why would you care? Why would you spend time reading my “Spiritual Journal”?

My hope is that as I share what God is speaking to me, it might also speak to you. My aim is to glorify God and recognize Him as Lord of my life.

What Do I Believe?

Some may ask what my beliefs are or what denominational beliefs live behind the curtain of this blog. Well, I attend and am active in a Southern Baptist Church, but I try my best to not bring denominational politics and prejudices to these pages. Denominations are man’s creation and not God’s. It is my hope to focus on Biblical Teachings and Glorifying God. That said, I do hold to the following basic beliefs:

God is Sovereign
Man on his own cannot achieve redemption.
Salvation is only found in Jesus Christ.
The Bible is accurate and true.

Have no fear, my beliefs consist of more than those four statements, but all else is built upon them and tested constantly against the Scriptures.

I hope you will join me! I would love to hear your thoughts and reactions via the comments.

May God Bless You!

I am not perfect, but God’s grace has affected me. I want you to know it and experience it for yourself.

So who am I?

I am a person no different or better than anyone else.

I am a husband and a father. I am a son and a brother. I am a neighbor and friend.

I am imperfect. I have a temper. I can be arrogant. Pride has consumed me. I interrupt when others speak. If mad enough, I curse. Sometimes, I am lazy. I can be judgmental. I am stubborn.

I am a licensed minister in the state of Alabama. I am an ordained deacon. I sing in the choir. On occasion, I teach Bible study groups.

Sometimes, I skip church in order to beat the Sunday rush to Cracker Barrel… and I do not feel guilty about it. I enjoy watching sci-fi and fantasy movies…and never consider them as a theological statement. I play violent video games in order to relieve stress…I figure it is better than actually harming someone.

I am a Starbuck’s addict.

Now you know a little more about me (but not all). I share this not to celebrate what is wrong in my living. I share it to say I am a human just like you. I do plenty in my life that for some are contradictions and failures. I sin (gasp!).

I am dependent upon God’s grace and mercy. I know this with every breath I take. I realize the extent of forgiveness and love that has been showered upon me. I know I do not deserve it…and yet, He has freely given it.

God’s grace has so affected who I am that I want you to know it and experience it for yourself. No. I am not perfect, but My God Is!

About the Author: Dusty Rayburn Photo

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.
1 Cor. 15:10 | New International Version