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Anne Johnston

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Obey The Rules

2 Mins Read

“And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” II Timothy 2:5

Last week at our District Camp, the morning speaker was commenting on this chapter in II Timothy, speaking about the battle between flesh and spirit. This verse stood out to me.

I thought about so many stories we hear of athletes who are stripped of their medals or titles because they have taken drugs that they should not have to enhance their ability. Instead of depending on the strength and ability that came naturally, they wanted an easier way. What a sad thing it must be to have come first in an event, only to have the honour taken away from them because they had not obeyed the rules.

If we want to be the winner in the game of life, there are certain rules we must follow. The Scriptures lay down the path we must take in order to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. Sometimes our flesh will tempt us to take an easier way, to neglect Bible study and prayer, but we will soon find ourselves weak in our spiritual life if we do so.

I have known some young people who lived for God with all their heart, when they were facing opposition from family, and yet when they got out on their own, they neglected to seek God with all their heart and soon drifted away from their walk with the Lord. They started the race well, but lost out in the end.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we rely on you for our strength and help every day, help us to follow your guidance, and finish the race you have set before us.

Devotion by: Anne Johnston

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A Willing Offering

2 Mins Read

“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” I Chronicles 29:14, KJV

David desired to build a house for God, but the Lord showed him that he was not to be the one, but that his son Solomon would build the house. But David did everything he could to prepare the materials that would be needed. Even though it would be built after his death, he wanted to be part of it

Not only, did he gather materials, the Scriptures tell us he gave much from his own resources, and he also presented the need to the people, giving them an opportunity to donate as well. They offered willingly in response. In this verse, he expresses that everything he owns has been given to him by God, and he is only offering back what is God’s own.

God has given us so much, everything we have belongs to Him, so when we present our offerings and gifts to Him, we are just giving back what is His already. It is a privilege to be able to give to God. We may not be able to go to another country, but we can give to support those who are doing so. The Bible tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. Giving to the work of God is part of our worship, and the Lord blesses us abundantly in return.

Prayer: Jesus, we thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us and we cheerfully and willingly present our offerings to you.

Devotion by: Anne Johnston

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We Know

2 Mins Read

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28, KJV

Recently, I was reminiscing with some friends about our experiences at Harvey, NB, Camp Meeting when we were younger. There are so many memories: Bro. Dudley ringing the cowbell in the mornings to get us up for Prayer; gathering straw to make our beds in the dormitory over the dining hall; cleaning our teeth and washing our faces in the lake; meeting with friends that we only saw once a year; laughter and fun with other young people.

But the best memories are of the services, and the great men and women of God, who shared God’s Word with us. The missionary services were greatly appreciated, as those who had dedicated their lives to take the Gospel to other lands. They inspired us and helped us to make a decision to follow God’s call in our lives.

I especially remember Bro. Bill Drost, leading the singing and always singing “He Abides.” He would tell us that we belonged to the “We Know Club.” We know that we belong to Jesus, and that He abides in our hearts. We know that we have a hope of one day spending eternity in Heaven. I remember the year he was so sick, and it didn’t look like he and his family would be able to return to the Mission field. But God healed him and once again proved that all things work together for good, for those who put their trust in God.

I am so thankful that I know Jesus and I know that He is with me every step of the way, guiding my footsteps and meeting my needs.

Prayer: Jesus thank you that “we know” You and that You are always working all things together for our good.

Devotion by: Anne Johnston

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Step Out In Faith

2 Mins Read

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Romans 4:20-21 KJV

God chose Abraham to be the beginning of the Israelite nation, from which would eventually come the Messiah, who would not only redeem the Israelites but also those from all nations of the world. He was told to leave his country and journey to a place he had never seen before.

Abraham did not have the Scriptures to read about all the miracles God had performed for His people. He did not have other believers to tell him of the great things that God had done in their lives and what could be accomplished by faith.

But He knew God had spoken to him and given him a promise, so he stepped out boldly in faith, fully persuaded that God would lead and direct him and fulfill the promises he had been given.

Today, we have the Bible, many stories of God’s wondrous works and also the testimonies of fellow believers. How much more should we step out in faith, trusting God to answer our prayers, meet our every need and perform miracles on our behalf.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, our faith is often weak when we compare it to Abraham’s. Help us to trust you and be obedient to Your voice.

Devotion by: Anne Johnston

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Morning Glory

1 Min Read

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalm 5:3

The morning glory lifts its face as a new day has begun.
The petals slowly open to catch the morning sun.

Dewdrops glisten on each bloom, perfume fills the air.
The vines stretch upward to the sun, their beauty with us to share.

How wonderful to start each day with arms outstretched in praise.
The gentle presence of the Lord reflecting on our face.

Awakened from a night of rest we seek His grace and love,
And peace descends upon our hearts like showers from above.

To share His beauty to the world is the task that He has given.
May His glory shine through us to lead someone to Heaven.

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for another new day, guide my steps and make me a blessing to someone today.

Devotion by Anne Johnston

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Make It Count

2 Mins Read

MAKE IT COUNT
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. “Psalm 118:24

The other day I saw this little saying: “You will never have this day again, so make it count.”

Do you ever come to the end of your day, and realize that you did not accomplish everything you wanted? Maybe you had a to-do list, and there just weren’t enough hours in the day to do everything you had on it. Maybe you started something and were interrupted by a phone call or a visit from a friend. You look back and realize that you wasted some minutes doing things that were not necessary. I realize that taking time for rest, relaxing, and doing some things you enjoy are important items on our list, and are not wasting time.

Those days come to all of us, I am sure. No matter the tasks that we should perform, the most important thing is that we spend some part of our day with the Lord. Daily prayer and Bible reading is important if we are going to make our day count. The other things on our list will still be awaiting us tomorrow, but if we miss a day of communicating with the Lord, we cannot regain that time.

I live alone, so can mostly decide how I am going to spend my time. I have found that taking time for the Lord first thing in the morning before I do anything else, makes my whole day go better. All through the day, there is a sense of His presence and I can talk to Him about the things I am doing, and ask for His guidance in even the little things.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this day that you have given us, help us to make it count for you.

Devotion by Anne Johnston

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This Thing is From Me

2 Mins Read

“Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me.” I Kings 12:24
After Solomon’s death, Israel had made king Jeroboam their king, and thus divided the kingdom into two parts. Rehoboam who ruled over Judah was going to send an army against them and endeavour to bring the kingdom back together again.
God sent a message to Rehoboam that he should not fight against Israel because what had happened was all part of His plan.
When we see the way things are going in our world today, we sometimes wonder just why certain rulers, etc., are in the positions they are. But we need to remember that God rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whosoever He will. Everything that happens is in His hands and part of His plan for our world. Through it all, He is working all things together to fulfill His perfect plan. We just need to trust Him and trust in His Divine leading.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we know that you are in complete control. Help us to trust you in all things.
Devotion by Anne Johnston

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God’s Perfect Gifts

2 Mins Read

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11
My daily Bible reading lately has been in I Kings and it is interesting to see the comments about each king that reigned: “he did right in the eyes of the Lord, as did David his father” or “and he did evil in the sight of the Lord,
They each had a decision to make when they became king, would they do good and follow God’s law, or would they do evil and worship the idols of others. Depending on which they decided, God either blessed them or caused judgment to come upon them. How different the history of Israel would read if each king that succeeded David had followed in His footsteps and honoured God. The nation would have been blessed and they would have lived in peace.
God gives each person on earth a choice today, we can serve God or turn our backs on Him. When we serve Him with all our heart, we can trust Him to shower us with grace and glory. He doesn’t give us everything we think we need, but He chooses what is best for our lives. He promised us wisdom, peace, victory, healing, joy and so many other blessings. May it be said of each one of us, that we walk uprightly, and are blessed by God.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to walk uprightly before you and trust you to give us what is needed in our lives.
Devotion by Anne Johnston

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No Turning Back

2 Mins Read

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62
Jesus made this statement in response to some people who said they wanted to follow Him but had other things they wished to do first, like spend more time with their friends, or wait until their parents were dead. They claimed they wanted to follow Jesus and be His disciples, but they wanted to do it on their terms.
How often people today are moved in a service, convicted of their sins, and cry out to the Lord for forgiveness. But when faced with trials and discouragements, or when realizing they must give up some things to follow Jesus, they are not willing to pay the full price.
To fully follow Jesus, we must be willing to lay aside everything else, and give ourselves wholly to Him. It’s all or nothing with Him. But when we learn to love Him with all our hearts, it is no sacrifice to give all to Him.
There is no turning back, once we have decided to follow Him. There will be obstacles and discouragements, but we can rest assured, that He will always be there for us, giving us the strength that we need.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to never look back, but follow you fully.
Devotion by Anne Johnston

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