Today a lot of people will be making resolutions, planning to accomplish so much with their life in this new year. Statistics show us that most of them will be abandoned before many days have passed.
As followers of the Lord, our only resolution should be to draw closer to the Lord. From all the things that are happening in our world, we know that His coming draws very near. Our aim and goal is to be ready for His coming and to help and encourage others to be ready also.
Daily prayer and Bible reading are very important if we are stay close to the Lord and live the way He wants us to live. My son encourages his congregation to have “a slot and a spot” every day. Meeting the Lord in the same place at the same time helps us to maintain our relationship with Him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we know your coming is close and this could be the year you return. Help us to be ready and to help others to be ready also.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let…
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. (Isaiah 41:12, KJV) Every day I am surrounded by 20 four year old’s who often use the phrase, “But Miss Melinda, I can’t…” and it drives me crazy. In most recent…
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42, Holy Bible, New King James)
This follows the scene of the magnitude conversion of 3,000 people in one day at the Jewish celebration of Pentecost. Apostle Peter had made it plain to those who witnessed the gift of the Holy Ghost falling on believers who had gathered in an upper room that this new covenant was the promise of Jesus.
The new converts were attentive to the apostles’ teaching and prayed together in steadfast fellowship. It kept them strong then. It will keep you strong now.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for those who teach and pray with likeminded believers who follow the apostles’ doctrine. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more. (Psalm 71:14, Holy Bible, New King James Version)
You’ve heard it all.
• “Never lose hope.”
• “Hope will make a way.”
• “Don’t give up. There’s still hope.”
• “When hope is gone, there’s nothing left.”
What is hope? It’s the expectation that when we can’t fix things ourselves and faith fails, God will bridge the gap so we can praise Him even more.
Prayer: Lord, my hope is in You. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
For those who say “Yes,” from ushers to Bible teachers, overload comes because we are humans with physical limitations. We often encourage each other with “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not,” (Galatians 6:9, King James Version). These may be empty words to the ones who have fallen from carrying the load of constant volunteerism. Apostle Paul gave the Corinthian congregation a stronger motive.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58, Holy Bible, New King James)
We say yes because it makes a difference to others and to God.
Prayer: Lord, give me a steadfast attitude so my labor for You will produce positive results. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10, Holy Bible, New King James)
At the beginning of each new year, resolutions are made that won’t be kept. Decisions are made that won’t be completed. Commitments are made that won’t be honored. All because a steadfast spirit is absent.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines steadfast as immovable; not subject to change; firm in belief, determination, or adherence. Steadfast embodies nothing less than total commitment.
Pray this ancient Scripture for a clean heart, but realize it takes a steadfast spirit to maintain that holiness.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that you will give me a clean heart to begin this new year. Renew a steadfast spirit within me that I will keep my commitments to You. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
In a couple of days, this year will come to an end, and we enter a brand new one. As we look back for the past months, we can see where the Lord has been with us, guiding our footsteps, and providing our every need.
We look forward to the New Year with confidence that the Lord is in control. Our world is in turmoil, but peace fills our hearts as we realize this means we are that much closer to the Lord’s return.
We do not know what the future holds, but we know who holds our future, and we have no fear. Trouble and strife may rock our world, but we are safe in those everlasting arms.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the peace you give us and the hope that one day soon we will see you face to face. Keep us faithful to you in the coming year.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
“In thy presence is fullness of joy” Psalm 16:11
Christmas is over for another year. The tree will be taken town, and the decorations packed away until next year. We look at the cards we received one more time, and then tuck them out of sight.
But the greatest gift of Christmas is Jesus and He will not be packed away. The presents we received will soon be forgotten, as we prepare for a new year.
But the presence of Jesus Christ will remain with us every day, as we take time to read His Word, spend time with Him in prayer each day, and meditate upon the love and mercy He has shown us.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the joy that Christmas brings, but most of all I thank you for your presence with us every day of the year.
Devotion by Anne Johnston