Who Is Brush Arbor Devotions?
In a world rushing forward with ever-changing values and vanishing spiritual depth, there is a great need to return to the foundational truths that once shaped lives, homes, and entire communities. Brush Arbor Devotions was born from this burden – a desire to revive the flame of personal and family worship, and to restore the hunger for holiness and heartfelt communion with God. We believe that the God who moved powerfully in generations past still speaks today, and He is calling His people to return to Him with undivided hearts.
The purpose of this ministry is simple yet profound: to provide weekly devotionals that bring the soul into direct encounter with the truth of God’s Word. These devotions are more than words on a page; they are echoes from the brush arbors of old, reminders of a time when revival fire burned hot, and the fear of the Lord shaped daily living. Rooted in the heritage of Holiness and Pentecostal preaching, each devotional is crafted to stir the spirit, strengthen the believer, and glorify Christ.
To understand who we are and what we do, we invite you to reflect with us on the spiritual heritage that birthed this ministry and the sacred practice that fuels it still: the brush arbor and daily devotions.
What Is a Brush Arbor?
A brush arbor was a simple, yet spiritually significant structure used in early American revival history. Built from wooden poles and covered with a roof of brush, leaves, or branches, these makeshift shelters were erected primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries throughout rural America. In places where church buildings were few and far between, believers gathered under these rustic arbors for extended periods of worship, prayer, and preaching.
These brush arbor meetings were more than just a convenience, they became a crucible of spiritual transformation. Often located in open fields or forest clearings, they laid the groundwork for what would later become large-scale camp meetings. Many of these gatherings gave rise to the Holiness and Pentecostal movements, particularly throughout the American South, where the thirst for revival and a deeper experience with God was strong.
Under these leafy canopies, evangelists preached with boldness and fervency, proclaiming the Word of God under the unction of the Holy Spirit. Their messages called sinners to repentance and exhorted the saints toward holy living, echoing the call of 1 Peter 1:15-16: “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
The atmosphere in these gatherings was often charged with spiritual intensity. People sang from the depths of their souls, prayed earnestly, and responded passionately to the preached Word. The power of the Holy Spirit moved freely among the people, confirming the truth of Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Thus, the brush arbor came to symbolize more than a physical location, it represented revival, simplicity, and the manifest presence of God. It reflected a return to the basics of the Christian faith: open-air worship, the authority of God’s Word, and lives transformed by the gospel. It stood as a testament to what could happen when hearts were hungry, and the Spirit of God was free to move.
What Are Devotions?
Devotions refer to the personal and often family-based practice of setting aside time for spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Scripture reading, meditation, and worship. These are sacred moments outside of the formal church gathering in which believers seek to draw near to God and deepen their walk with Him.
The word devotion is derived from the Latin devotio, meaning “a solemn dedication or consecration.” This conveys the essence of what devotions truly are: a heart inclined toward God, seeking daily communion and transformation through His Word and Spirit. Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed man whose “delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
Historically, devotions have long been a vital part of Christian life. In many homes, parents would gather their children to read Scripture, sing hymns, and discuss spiritual truths. This practice grounded families in biblical teaching and moral integrity, fulfilling the command of Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children…”
With the advent of the printing press and increased access to the Bible, personal devotions became more widespread, particularly in Protestant and evangelical circles. Spiritual classics like Charles Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening and Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest helped shape the devotional lives of countless believers, offering daily wisdom drawn from the Scriptures.
Yet, devotions are not mere religious rituals or checkboxes—they are an expression of love, reverence, and obedience to God. Romans 12:1 calls us to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Whether a believer spends five minutes in the morning or an hour before bed, the heart of devotion is the same: to sanctify the day, renew the mind, and align the soul with the will of God.
Through regular devotions, Christians are reminded of God’s promises, convicted of sin, strengthened in faith, and encouraged in holiness. It is here, in the quiet moments with God, that lives are shaped and destinies altered.
About Brush Arbor Devotions
Brush Arbor Devotions is a ministry born out of a desire to reclaim the spiritual fervor of revival and renew the call to holiness through the practice of daily devotion. Inspired by the legacy of the brush arbor, those sacred spaces of early American revival, this ministry seeks to carry the spirit of those gatherings into today’s world through weekly, Scripture-based devotionals drawn from Holiness and Pentecostal preaching.
We believe that the message which once rang out from pine-covered shelters is still the message the world needs today: Repent, believe, and live holy before God. Just as the brush arbor represented a return to simplicity and spiritual sincerity, Brush Arbor Devotions offers a return to gospel-centered truth and spiritual depth in a time when many are spiritually malnourished.
Each devotional is carefully crafted from sermons rooted in the Holiness tradition, emphasizing personal sanctification, the power of the Holy Spirit, and living a life consecrated to God. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts us to “follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” These devotionals aim not only to inspire but also to exhort believers toward that high calling.
Our mission is not only to distribute written devotionals but to create moments of divine encounter—to help men and women, young and old, meet with God in the stillness of morning, the quiet of the evening, or the busyness of the day. Whether you are a seasoned saint or a new believer, the devotional experience is meant to stir your heart, renew your mind, and challenge your soul.
Brush Arbor Devotions exists to:
- Revive interest in the rich spiritual heritage of the Holiness and Pentecostal movements.
- Provide sound, Spirit-led devotional content to churches, individuals, and families.
- Encourage a lifestyle of daily devotion as a vital discipline in the Christian walk.
- Support ministries and gospel outreach through the licensing and distribution of devotional materials.
Like those who once gathered under the open sky, seeking the fire of God to fall, we invite you to draw near—to the Word, to the Spirit, and to the Savior. In a world filled with noise and distraction, Brush Arbor Devotions is a call to stillness, sanctity, and spiritual awakening. It is an invitation to experience once again what it means to meet with God where the fire still falls.
As Jeremiah 20:9 reminds us: “His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones… and I could not stay.” May these devotionals fan the flame in your heart and call you back to a place of earnest, life-changing communion with the Lord.