“I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.” Genesis 9:13 As we begin reading the Bible through for another year, it seems no matter how often we have read these familiar stories, something new…
“Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:” (2 Corinthians 3:2 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).
The city of Corinth was an exceedingly immoral and abandoned place according to Barnes’ Commentary. In spite of the condition of this city a large number had been converted to Christianity and a church was organized. The news had spread abroad. Paul was proud of them and wanted the Corinthians to know their conversions had made a difference. There is nothing better than being a testimony of what God has done in your life. A testimony is not what is said necessarily but what is lived out in our lives. Regardless of how rough your neighborhood is someone is reading your life page by page and deciding if they want to embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ; it’s the Gospel according to you! Don’t forget, actions speak louder than words!
Prayer: Lord, let my life be a testimony that others are drawn to by my actions. Let others see Jesus in me. My city needs You and I can lead them to You.
Devotion by Kaye Singleton
“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). In the corporate world the profit and loss statement is reviewed often to make sure the company is on target and that adjustments are made properly. I only wish the same amount of diligence was given to our souls. According to this Bible verse, the soul is the most valuable asset we have. When was the last time you looked at your own spiritual profit and loss statement from God’s perspective?
Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to make sure that I am laying up treasures in Heaven. The whole world is of no value if I lose my soul.
Devotion by Kaye Singleton
“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46:4). Recently I read a perfect illustration of trust. Have you ever noticed the expression of an infant being carried on the shoulder of his mother or father? The baby’s face is a study in total relaxation and trust. While the parent sees where the two are headed, the child can see only where they have been. The infant is not worried about being at least five feet in the air because he trusts the one that is holding him. God promises to carry us for a lifetime.
Prayer: Lord, I want to trust You more. I want to continue leaning on my Father’s shoulder knowing that He knows the way to take me. I am dependent on Your care.
Devotion by Kaye Singleton
Paul did not want the church at Ephesus to think that living for God was a piece of cake; he wanted them to know the truth of the matter – they are in a fight to the finish. He told them in order to win the battle they must put on the whole armor of God. The Message version of the Bible puts it this way, “Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them through your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon” (Ephesians 6:13-17).
Prayer: I know that it’s a fight to the finish and that’s what I intend to do. Lord, I put on the armor so that I can withstand the enemy of my soul. You are my protection. Amen!
Devotion by Kaye Singleton
“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day. I also, and my maidens will fast likewise, and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: …
“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped. And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the…
“Let brotherly love continue.” (Hebrews 13:1 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)
I recently saw a church sign that read, “Attitudes are contagious!” How true. I would go one step further and say, “Attitudes are highly contagious!”
Observe those around you wherever you go today. We affect each other in ways we are not even aware of. A smile will cause the next person to smile. Grumbling about the produce will cause others to join in and only make matters worse.
I often told my children that their attitudes were showing. Believe you me it’s worse than having your slip hanging below your skirt! Watch the way one child reacts when another child takes his toy. The fight is on; pulling and screaming ensues.
Prayer: Jesus, help me to be quick to pass on love and peace that comes from You. Thank You for the love that exist in the church. Don’t let this love ever be interrupted but let it continue. In the midst of chaos let me breathe Your name. Amen!
Devotion by Kaye Singleton
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him. (Genesis 37:3-4, NKJV)…