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Evidence of the Holy Spirit

Posted in Forgotten God on July 30, 2014 by Dusty Rayburn

What does the presence of the Holy Spirit look like? What is the evidence of His involvement in our lives and gatherings? What is not proof of His moving?

Filled with Awe of His Wonders

Posted in Poetry on July 29, 2014 by Dusty Rayburn

Have you witnessed God’s wonders? Even today, are you filled with awe at the workings of His hands? Are you joyous because of His evident presence?

Apart from God

Posted in Bible Studies on July 28, 2014 by Dusty Rayburn

As Christians, God is our life source, our stamina, and our strength. He is our ability and wisdom. He is our reason. Apart from God, we can do nothing.

Finding Rest in the Night

Posted in Poetry on July 24, 2014 by Dusty Rayburn

Troubling dreams wake us in the middle of the night. Sleep is hard pressed to be found afterwards. So we toss and turn in desperate pursuit of finding rest.

Radical Need, Radical Follow

Posted in Forgotten God on July 23, 2014 by Dusty Rayburn

To truly follow Christ is to live out the radical change He has made in our life. To follow His Way, we need the Holy Spirit to fill us and guide us today. Radical Need […]

Absolute Truth and Morality

Posted in Mere Christianity on July 22, 2014 by Dusty Rayburn

Through the years, absolute truth and morality have been the subject of debate. The arguments have been polarized and heated. We all have our opinions.

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