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A Time to Pray

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Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. (Acts 3:1-3 Holy Bible, King James Version)

Peter and John were creatures of habit. That afternoon, about three o’clock, they made their usual trek to the temple in Jerusalem. They encountered a lame man begging at the gate. Nothing different there either. The difference came when Peter spoke in boldness. “Look on us.” That confidence in his new experience of being Holy Ghost filled at Pentecost emblazoned Peter with faith.

“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (v. 6)

The crippled man leaped up and praised God. And it all happened because Peter and John took time to pray.

Prayer: Lord, help me to follow Peter’s example and set aside a time to pray. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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A Measuring Stick of Faith

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Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. (Romans 12:3, Holy Bible, New Living Translation)

A smooth yardstick rested between the refrigerator and the kitchen cabinet in my young years. The flat wood bore marks in increments up to twelve inches repeated three times. Those black marks, from short to long, meant nothing when separated. Combined, printed on a straight edge, they functioned as a standard measurement.

How do we measure ourselves? Is the song leader greater in God’s eyes than the person who sweeps the front steps? Are those who welcome visitors on Sunday morning greater than the one who empties the trash? Apostle Paul’s ancient words are a reminder today that measuring our worth is not by human guidelines. True worth must be measured by faith.

Prayer: Lord, when I think my contributions to Your kingdom measure my success, Scripture reminds me that we are all measured by faith. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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Hurry, Hurry, Hurry

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Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O LORD! (Psalm 70:1, Holy Bible, New King James Version)

My prayers often mimic the psalmist’s plea. I speak the modern words for “make haste,” and say, “Hurry, hurry, hurry.” I wait, but nothing happens. Then the situation gets worse. “Don’t You care, God?” are my next prayers. The Scriptures answer me.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31, King James Version)

I will trust in God and wait. Waiting will make me strong.

Prayer: Eternal God, I will trust in You, and wait. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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Surrounded by Praise

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And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ in the highest!” (Matthew 21:8-10, Holy Bible, New King James Version)

The disciples were fearful when Jesus insisted on returning to Jerusalem for Passover week. They were puzzled when he told them to fetch a young donkey for His arrival. But what a jubilant celebration they encountered when they entered the city.

Matthew describes the greeters as “a very great multitude.” They honored Jesus by laying clothing and tree branches in His pathway as they chanted Scripture that fulfilled prophecy.

Today, we honor God with hosannas of song and praise. We surround Him with worship.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we can’t pave Your way with palm branches on this celebrated day, but we lift our hands in adoration to You, the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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Follow the Leader

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Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6, Holy Bible, New King James Version)

An old children’s game was Follow the Leader. If the leader hopped, every child hopped. If the leader’s arms mimicked a flying bird, every child’s arms flapped. Those games seem to be long gone, replaced by technology, but the principle is still present.

A grocery where I shop recognizes the needs of teaching children to pattern after adults. A sign affixed to a miniature shopping cart identifies each of the young ones as a “Future Shopper in Training.” Those eager children push the tiny carts alongside the larger ones maneuvered by parents. A wise adult distributes the products between both carts, taking care to talk about the items placed in the tiny cart.

“Future Christian in Training” signs might be appropriate for young ones with dedicated parents or other adults who follow this proverb. They are providing miniature “shopping carts” for children to learn how to participate in prayer and worship.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for parents, grandparents, foster parents, Sunday School teachers, and others dedicated to training children to love You. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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God’s Messengers

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And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:15-16, Holy Bible, New King James).

Jesus instructed a small group of disciples to spread the Gospel to the entire world. They accomplished the task without a personal trainer or a “how-to” travel workshop. Jesus and his disciples walked to Samaria. Phillip caught a ride in a nonbeliever’s chariot. Apostle Paul journeyed by ship.

Since that commandment, missionaries have traveled by every conceivable mode of transportation from jets to snow skis. Today, I share the Gospel via computer. It’s your opportunity—your responsibility—to be God’s messenger and pass it on.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, bless each one who receives Your Gospel and passes it on to others. Amen.

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God’s Decisions

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Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! (Romans 11:33, Holy Bible, New Living Translation).

When unexpected things bring abrupt changes to my life, I question whether I have made a wrong turn in my Christian journey. Then I realize it is a crossroads, a divine interception, designed by God. In His infinite wisdom, He has recognized my need when I cannot choose the right plan for my future.

Prayer: Eternal God, I don’t understand the detours You have placed in my life,but I know this is the path You have chosen for me. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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Searching for Answers

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“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, Holy Bible, New King James Version)

When you need answers, where do you go? In our high technology world, it’s easy to key in a question online and view a list of responses. Clicks on social media websites connect you to online friends who offer their advice. You accept what others say—what sounds good—only to have your expectations crushed when you’ve placed your confidence in unreliable sources.

The writer of this proverb offers a triangle of advice. Don’t trust what you know. Put God first. Wait for His direction.

Prayer: Lord, You have all the answers. No matter what others says, I will trust in You for direction.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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