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violet carr moore

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ul> 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
    “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding,” (Proverbs 3:5, Holy Bible, New Living Translation). Some modernists have become so entangled in the independent do-it-yourself mode that it’s encroached into Christianity. While self-sufficiency may be an option for wallpapering a home or maintaining a yard, the writer of Proverbs does not recommend it for heart maintenance. His instruction is total dependence on the Lord.
    Prayer: Lord, in my struggle for self-sufficiency, I try to work things out alone before I talk it over with You. Teach me to trust completely in You. Amen.
    Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
    “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it,” (Matthew 13:45-46 from the Holy Bible New King James). This parable is a reminder that natural pearls were valued beyond other treasures in ancient times. Formed by irritations caused by foreign particles, wild mollusks or oysters produced rare natural gems with incomparable beauty. Mass produced cultured pearls from controlled environments are common look-alikes, often the same size, shape and color of lesser value. Christians cultivated in a sheltered atmosphere without life’s intrusions are like cultured pearls. They can’t match the beauty and strength of those who conquered circumstances and became priceless treasures.
    Prayer: Eternal God, give me strength to weather the storms in my life so I will shine with Your natural glow. Amen.
    Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

    “But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding,” (Job 32:8 in the Holy Bible, New King James). Inspiration is often used to suggest an idea that provokes action by the recipient. It’s offered as an endorsement for a motivational speaker. The least common definitions of “intake” or “breathing in air” are my favorites. Nothing compares to the exhilarating feeling of inhaling mountain air on a cool morning, or watching the chest of a sick child rising and falling in restful sleep. A sidebar to these definitions on a popular dictionary website was accompanied by this biblical quote from 2 Timothy 3:16 which I’ve used for years as my source of inspiration. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” God-breathed inspiration. It doesn’t get any better than that.

        Prayer: Eternal God, as I breathe air into my lungs for survival, let holy Scriptures bring spiritual life to my soul. Amen.
        Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

    “Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,” (John 6:67-68 Holy Bible, New King James). Many followers of Jesus became discouraged and left. After all, he was a transient leader with no designated meeting place, teaching in the desert, the seashore, the marketplace. Apostle Peter’s question and statement is often referred to as his declaration of faith because of the astounding simplicity. He understood that Jesus had the words of eternal life. There was no better place to go.
    Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being all I need. Amen.
    Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
    The U.S. Navy ordered ships to leave Norfolk and other Virginia ports before the landfall of Hurricane Irene, saying ships at sea can weather storms better than ships in port. Having survived several hurricanes on land with great apprehension, I must admit that being on a ship at sea isn’t my idea of a safe place to weather a hurricane. But what about that first-century storm where Jesus and His disciples were endangered in a small boat? “And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm,” (Mark 4:36-39, Holy Bible, King James Version). No matter how rough the storm, Jesus is there when you need him.
    Prayer: Lord, no matter what storms I face, I trust You to take care of me. Amen.
    Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
    The “Me First” mentality has always existed, although it seems more widespread today because of social networking. What’s in it for me? is a plank in the Me platform. Coupons, perks, benefits. It’s human nature to go with the best deal. If the perks don’t match the effort, the job seeker looks elsewhere. Christianity has taken a step in the Me direction, asking for a description of perks before a commitment to be a disciple of Jesus. Scripture answers with “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” (Psalm 103:2, Holy Bible, King James Version). Beyond that, Jesus said these are more than lifetime benefits—they extend into eternity. “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also,” (John 14:2-3, Holy Bible, New King James). What’s in it for me? Eternal life.
    Prayer: Lord Jesus, no matter what ups and downs may come, I will follow You. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 100:3, Holy Bible, New Living Translation

I watched a shepherd relocate his large flock from a depleted pasture to a more nourishing grazing area. The sheep were not distracted by the line of impatient drivers as they crossed the paved road toward greener pastures. They recognized him as their master and followed through unfamiliar territory without fear.

The Lord cares for us as a tender shepherd. When we recognize His sovereignty―that He is the God who created us―then we, like those sheep, will understand that traveling through unfamiliar territory and rough terrain may be His way to guide us on an uncertain journey.

Prayer:  Lord, when I struggle on the rocky trails of the unexpected, I will trust You, my shepherd, to bring me to a place of quiet rest. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

Adapted from Moments of Meditation by Violet Carr Moore, copyright 2007.

Have you ever visited with an extended family where laughing children’s play was interrupted by a sharp cry of pain? That child’s voice was recognized by the parent who responded immediately to the situation.

Our relationship with God has to be this close. God knows your voice when in distress or when you offer prayers in good times.

To him the doorkeeper opens,
and the sheep hear his voice,
and he calls his own sheep by name
and leads them out.

John 10:3 New American Standard Bible

Prayer: Everlasting God of heaven and earth, You will hear me when I call because I am one of Your sheep. You know my name. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

Adapted from Moments of Meditation by Violet Carr Moore, copyright 2007-2015.