“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted.” (Isaiah 53:4 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.) Isaiah was prophetically speaking of the death of our Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ came to earth for…
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.) I have received packages at the Post Office that did not have my name on them. They were…
“If God doesn’t build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn’t guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to…
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105, NLT) We have all read this scripture and many of us can probably even quote it. We know that God’s word provides us with direction. Why is it that so often we find ourselves…
A devout life does bring wealth, but it’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that’s enough. (1 Timothy 6:6-7, The Message) Money can very easily…
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
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
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
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