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Devotions

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Devotions

“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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“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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“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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“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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“And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.” (2 Chronicles 7:5 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible) Solomon had accomplished so much at the…

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“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” (Jeremiah 17:7 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.) Jeremiah’s prophecy was not all prophetic. He cautioned the Israelites not to misplace their confidence in the middle of their distresses. This is something…

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