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Great Expectations: More than Money

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And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. (Acts 3:4-6, Holy Bible, New King James)

A lame man lay near the temple gate asked those going inside for charity. When Peter and John saw him, Peter said, “Look at us,” and drew the beggar’s attention their way. How disappointing it must have been when Peter said he had no silver or gold. Then Peter offered the beggar something greater than money.

“And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.” (v 7-8).

When money can’t cure the problem, prayer and a helping hand are a miraculous combination.

Prayer: Thank You Lord for this bold example of Peter’s faith that brought a miraculous recovery to a destitute man. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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Second Chances

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Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples. (Matthew 26:35, Holy Bible, New King James)

Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the next sunrise. Peter assured Jesus he wouldn’t betray Him. Peter defended Jesus with a sword in Gethsemane. After Jesus was captured, Peter followed Jesus to the court of the high priest when the other disciples abandoned Jesus.

Peter warmed himself by a community fire as he kept watch outside. One by one, three maidens accused Peter of being a disciple of Jesus. “Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” (v. 74).

When the rooster crowed, that sound of approaching daybreak brought reality. Peter wept because of his failure. But his failure isn’t the end of Peter. A few days later, he is the brave keynote speaker at the Feast of Pentecost where thousands were baptized and converted to Christianity.

Prayer: Lord, You are a compassionate God. You forgive my mistakes and concentrate on my strengths to mold me into a strong disciple. Thank you for second chances. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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Worthy of Meditation

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…whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8, Holy Bible, New King James)

“Whatever” with the shrug of shoulders or an unconcerned look is a common response to a specific question in modern conversations. It implies complacency, a don’t care attitude. Apostle Paul’s use of “whatever” was the direct opposite. It was a positive word meaning whatsoever—a word that indicated specific sources of things worthy of meditation.

Prayer: Lord, shelter me from the don’t-care attitude. Let me meditate on things that are true, noble, pure, lovely, and good news. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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Joyful Worship

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Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. (Psalm 100:2, Holy Bible, New Living Translation).

How many times have you entered a sanctuary or a place of worship saddened by life’s situations? You may have been there from an obligatory sense of duty or attended from habit. Perhaps your intentions were good, but your prayers shifted to complaints, hoping that God would see how unfair life has been to you. Your problems made it difficult to immerse yourself in worship. Joy was absent.

When life is a downer, don’t wait for joy to find you. Try the opposite. Worship with gusto. Sing with joy even if you don’t feel it. Your positive attitude can make a difference in your life and be an example to others.

Prayer: Lord, I will lay aside my problems and complaints when I enter the sanctuary. I will remember the words of the Psalmist and worship You with gladness with songs of joy. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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Compromised

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Then we will no longer be like children, tossed around here and there upon ocean waves, picked up by every gust of religious teaching spoken by liars or swindlers or deceivers. (Ephesians 4:14, Holy Bible, The Voice Translation)

In modern terminology compromised often means your email or website has been hacked. Even worse, financial entities, medical facilities, and other vital records can be infiltrated. Your personal information may be used for deceitful purposes. Hackers can steal your identity and ruin your reputation.

Apostle Paul’s letter to the congregation suggests that deceivers had infiltrated the Christian congregation at Ephesus, trying to compromise their identity with Jesus. He tells them to be vigilant, stand strong, and be aware of deceivers. His message to the modern church might be interpreted as “Act like adults, and don’t be misled by those who would steal your Christian identity.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, in these times of nothing matters but sincerity in what one believes, I will not compromise. You are the Christ, my Savior. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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Bucket List

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A bucket list is described as a list of things a person wants to do before death. The adventurous aspire to climb the highest mountain, hike the roughest trail, swim the widest sea, or bike across the country. Others want to travel to exotic locations, tour historical buildings, or see work by renowned artists. Although different, they have a common link. All are self-centered desires.

Apostle Paul admonished the Christian church in Galatia to add something new to the top of their bucket lists.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10, Holy Bible, New King James).

Revisit your bucket list. Add “Be a do-gooder” to the top. It will keep your priorities straight.

Prayer: There are so many things I want to do, Lord. Help me forget my desires and arrange my priorities to first do good to those who serve You. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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Chosen

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Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:1-3, Holy Bible, New King James)

Jesus chose the twelve disciples, seemingly at random as he walked along the seashore and familiar places around Jerusalem. Jesus taught them to reach out to others. In this scene more than 30 years later, Antioch Christians about 300 miles from Jerusalem were serious about spreading the gospel. Five men considered prophets and teachers gathered in prayer and fasting. Some would serve the local congregation, but others would branch out in missionary work. Who would go? Barnabas and Saul were chosen.

If you’re serious about working for God, whether local or far away, pray until He shows you where you have been chosen to serve.

Prayer: Lord, let Your will be first in my life so I may serve where I have been chosen. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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Motivation for High Achievers

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Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31, Holy Bible, New International Version).

Each generation has produced motivational quotes for high achievers on their journey to success. Some were embraced. Others were cast aside for a new phrase. The main theme is to be different than others. Advice from the First Century A.D.—treat everybody like you want to be treated—is absent.

Imagine the impact a single individual can make in one generation by following this equality advice from Jesus, the master motivator.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for reminding me that actions are better motivators than words. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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My Shepherd

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The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1, Holy Bible, King James Version)

The twenty-third psalm is familiar to most of us. I memorized this full psalm at a young age. Over the years I’ve mellowed it from a clipped childhood cadence to a soothing recitation. I still delight in the scene it evokes when speaking it aloud. I meditate on this opening sentence when money is low or uncertainty overshadows my life. I cling to this verse as a promise that my needs will be provided.

Am I missing the Palmist’s focus? He opens with the phrase, “The LORD is my shepherd.” He focuses on why God provides. The Lord cares for His sheep who acknowledge Him.

Prayer: Lord, my prayers are often “give me.” Today, I ask for nothing. I offer thanks that I am one of Your sheep. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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