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Devotions

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Devotions

Complete Forgiveness

1 Min Read

As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12, Holy Bible, New King James Version)

Transgression is synonymous with disobedience, misbehavior, wrongdoings, offenses, and indiscretions. Most of us try to forget unpleasant events that hint at transgressions. The Psalmist could have measured the distance to the sun or the moon, but seeing them would remind us of our sins. Instead, he speaks symbolically with the greatest distance he can imagine, from east to west, so far that our past sins are invisible.

Apostle Paul makes an even stronger statement of how God, the great forgiver, sees our past.

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:12, NKJV)

Now that’s complete forgiveness.

Prayer: Lord, when I remember my transgressions before Your forgiveness, I rejoice that You do not. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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The Heart Surgeon

1 Min Read

He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3, Holy Bible, New King James Version)

The human body has a natural healing process. Cut your finger and within days, new skin forms to seal the open wound. Deeper cuts may need stitches but still heal within a few weeks. Break a bone and the knitting process initializes to seal the gap and regrow the bone. Severe breaks or shattered bone may need surgery, but even then, the natural process is at work to strengthen the bones.

Healing a broken heart, unlike physical wounds, can be a slow and painful journey with the absence of specific healing properties to rush to the injured area. No ointment can soothe the pain. Counselors can help, but emotional well-being needs a touch from the Great Healer.

The Voice translation says “He… heals the sorrows of their hearts.” When the wound is too deep, God is there for you.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for emotional healing. Your touch has healed the sorrows of my heart. Amen.

Devotion by Violet Carr Moore

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Devotions

Great Expectations: More than Money

1 Min Read

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

2 Mins Read

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

1 Min Read

…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

1 Min Read

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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New Every Morning

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“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
The failures and mistakes of yesterday are behind us. We face a new day with confidence and determination to follow the Lord every step we take.
There may be decisions we have to make today, but we can trust the Lord to give us the wisdom and direction we need. All we have to do is call out His Name, Jesus, and He is there to meet us.
We may face sorrow and discouragement, but He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. His mercies are new every morning, a fresh supply.
We may have times of joy and happiness and we will rejoice and praise God for that. The One we serve delights in giving us good things.
Whatever today holds, our life is in His hands, and He is in control. We can safely trust in Him because He is faithful and His Word is forever settled.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, whatever today holds, we know you are with us and work everything for our good.
Devotion by Anne Johnston

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Fear of God Brings Prosperity

2 Mins Read

“Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.” Psalm 112:1
The Psalmist declares that the man/woman who fears the Lord and obeys His Word will be blessed. In verses 4 to 9, he shows us how a person who does this will react.
He is gracious and full of compassion. He shows favour and lends to others. He uses discretion in everything he does. His heart is fixed on the Lord, so the evil that is present in the world does not affect him. He gives to the poor. His righteousness endures – he is the same no matter what circumstances he faces.
Verse 3 says that wealth and riches are in his house and his righteousness endures for ever. He may not be rich as far as the world is concerned, but true riches come from serving God faithfully.
It is far better to have the riches God bestows, rather than be rich according to the world’s standards. We are storing up riches in heaven, and one day will share in all that the Lord has prepared for His people.
Prayer: Thank you Lord, for all the blessings you bestow upon us and for the hope of one day spending eternity with you.
Devotion by Anne Johnston

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Wise Behaviour

2 Mins Read

“And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.” I Samuel 18:14.
As we read the account of David’s life after he had slain Goliath, we see why he was called a man after God’s own heart. David, no doubt, was completely aware that he had been chosen to be the next king, yet he submitted himself to Saul and obeyed him.
Saul plotted to have him slain by the Philistines, and even by his own son Jonathan. But, in all instances, God provided a way of escape. Saul lied to David by promising to him his oldest daughter as wife, and when he later gave him the younger daughter it was meant to trap him. Through it all, David remained humble and obedient to Saul.
Eventually, David had to flee from Saul, but even in his time of exile, he still was submitted, even giving up a couple of chances to kill Saul. He was submitted to God and loyal to the one who God had anointed. He was willing to wait for God’s timing to fulfill His plan. In due time, God gave him the kingdom.
How often we get impatient and are not willing to wait for God to work out His plans for our life. Like David, we must be faithful, and trust God for His timing.
Prayer: Lord, may we live each day faithful to you, and trusting your guidance and direction.
Devotion by Anne Johnston

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