“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee” (Exodus 20:12 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). My youngest brother recently received a promotion in the Army. He is now a Lt. Colonel. At…
My husband has been reading a book entitled, “Branding Faith.” He read something to me that caught my attention. The Coca Cola Bottling Company wanted someone to design a bottle that could retain its distinction as a Coke even if it was crushed. In 1915 the Root Glass Company designed a bottle that would pass the crush test. Today, this bottle is the most recognized icon in the world; even in the dark. God designed His church to be the church regardless of what is happening around them. Jesus said, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for designing a church that will stand the test of time and remain the church.
Devotion by: Kaye Singleton
Years ago in a math class I discovered something that still helps me more than 50 years later. The teacher told the class that if you had a negative you could add a positive in the same amount and it would cancel out the negative. I have a friend who sings this little song to her children every day. “You’ve got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative. Latch on to the affirmative, Don’t mess with Mr. In-Between.” The positive is powerful. Satan knows it is and that’s why he wants to keep us dwelling in the negative.
Prayer: Lord, today I pray 2 Corinthians 10:5 “…and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” In Jesus’ Name I can control what I think about. When negative thoughts occur, I will throw in a positive one and zero out that negative thought. Positive is powerful!
Devotion by: Kaye Singleton
How often have we heard our children say, “I want one!” Regardless of what it was, they wanted it simply because someone else had one. The children of Israel thought they wanted one; a king that is.
“Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay, but we will have a king over us” (1 Samuel 8:19 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).
God knew they didn’t need an earthly king but allowed them to have one because they asked for it. Did it help their situation? Not at all. Samuel, the man of God, knew what was best for God’s people because he listened to God. Do you want something when God has already said, “No”? Listen to the man of God. God speaks through him to you.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be content with what You have given me. You know what’s best even when I want something that is not in Your will. Amen.
Devotion by: Kaye Singleton
“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).
Nothing angers God more than people who disrespect the House of Worship. To walk into the presence of God is an awesome thing. God still doesn’t put up with junk in His House today. It should be a place set apart and called the House of prayer.
Prayer: Help me never to enter Your House haphazardly. What a wonderful place to experience Your presence at the mention of Your Holy Name!
Devotion by: Kaye Singleton
“For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things” (I John 3:20 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).
Guilt? I know the feeling all too well. The only way to stop debilitating self-criticism is to show by my actions that I am truly obedient to Your Word. If I follow God’s commandments, I can have the assurance that I am pleasing to Him.
Prayer: Lord, You are greater than my accusing heart and You know me better than I know myself!
Devotion by Julie Long
We have a tendency to wander away from God, listening to the call of the world and turning aside to go our own way. When we feel lost, it’s important to remember that it’s God’s voice that will set us going in the right direction again.
“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).
Prayer: Keep me on the right road, I pray. If I do stray, remind me that You are ready and waiting to respond to my cry for help. Order my steps, Lord! Amen.
Devotion by Julie Long
“I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory” (Psalm 73:23-24 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).
Sometimes I feel like the child who wants a toy that another child has. I look around at others who appear to be blessed and prospering while I am suffering and destitute. Weighed down and even a little bitter, I come into God’s presence and there my eyes are opened to His faithfulness.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are my constant companion, seizing my hand and leading me in a life filled with purpose. With great wisdom and infinite tenderness, You guide me. Thank You, Lord!
Devotion by Julie Long
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).
Our society places great importance on self-reliance. We are encouraged to dream, scheme and plot our strategy for success. The truth is, no matter how independent I think I am, and despite my best laid plans, none of them will come to fruition without God’s approval. My ideas may sound good to me, but if they are not part of God’s will, they are flawed.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know where You want me to be today and tomorrow. Thank You, Lord, for Your guidance as I plan for the future. Amen.
Devotion by Julie Long