“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 Over the past few days we have looked at different characters involved in what today we call “The Christmas Story”. We have seen how different…
“And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.”…
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years,” (Genesis 1:14, English Standard Version of the Holy Bible).
Triple-digit summer temperatures peaked electrical performance. Warnings to keep babies and inactive elderly hydrated and away from the hot sun were given, but emergency rooms were overrun with those experiencing heat exposure and dehydration. Cool fall temperatures have replaced the scorching heat. Soon winter will bring heavy rains, snow, and ice. Then, spring will blossom again with gentle warmth and the beauty of fresh new foliage.
Only when we experience all the seasons do we realize God is in control. As He manages the seasons with symmetry, you can trust Him to be in control of your life.
Pray: Heavenly Father, You established times and seasons and days and nights in the beginning. As each arrives, you give me new seasons of purpose. Once I was young, like spring, now I am in the fall of my life. I trust that You will bring me through the winter to my eternal destiny. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Life is uncertain. The winds and waves of everyday situations and experiences can leave us struggling to cope with the changes that…
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7, Holy Bible, King James Version)
“Take a deep breath,” my cardiologist says at each checkup. He skillfully moves a stethoscope and listens to the rhythmic heartbeat that declares life is present. Next he says, “Now regular breathing.” The cardiologist doesn’t stop there. He reads the electrocardiogram to see if my heart rhythms are regular.
When death claims my human body, my soul, the greatest treasure, will live forever.
Prayer: Eternal God, When my life has no earthly presence, my soul will live eternally with you. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
A time to be born, and a time to die (Ecclesiastes 3:2, Holy Bible, King James Version)
“When is my baby due?” an expectant mother joyfully asks her physician. At the birth of her child, a new life is celebrated and treasured through the years. When the pendulum of life swings far to the other side, a different question might be heard from this aging mother. “How much time do I have, Doctor?”
As she relives special memories, she sees how her life has touched her family, friends and community. More importantly, she is content because she has invested her life toward shaping her own eternal destiny.
Prayer: Eternal God, You chose my birthday and have set my departure date from this earthly life. You have given me charge over using the rest of the time. I serve you, waiting for the day my earthly time clock stops and eternal life begins with You. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
Adapted from In the Right Place: A Gallery of Treasured Moments (Carr Twins & Co., 2006) © Violet Carr Moore
Baby takes its first breath, lungs filling with air and cries at being thrust from the safety of the womb into bright light. That first cry brings life, hope and dreams. When the baby’s mother is wheeled to the curb at the hospital, going home, optimism blossoms. She visualizes her baby in the future. First tooth. First steps. A smiling kindergartner in cap and gown. She sees happy days with a bright future, not thoughts of tragedy awaiting the warm bundle of life cradled in her arms. Although death begins at the moment of birth, the mother acknowledges only life and hope. Jesus, recognizing His destiny to die, said “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly,” (John 10:10, Holy Bible, King James Version).
Prayer : Eternal God, between the first breaths of life and the last before death, there is hope for each of Your children to make a difference. I pray for an expectant mother who has little hope to dream big, pray and nurture her child to be a winner for you. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore