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Devotions

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Devotions

Choosing a Name

1 Min Read

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21, Holy Bible, New King James).

    Baby name selection is one of the first things young parents think of—maybe long before a baby is expected. Prefer Victorian for your baby girl? Maybe you’re searching for unusual names for identical twin boys that evoke courage and strength. Perhaps you want to include grandparent names. Mary had none of these options. An angel announced the name of her Holy-Spirit conceived child to Joseph. Jesus, a name above all names, selected in heaven, received on earth, etched into eternity. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved,” (Acts 4:12, Holy Bible, New King James).
    Prayer : Lord Jesus, Your name continues to bring salvation to a needy world. Amen.
    Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
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The Expectation of Hope

2 Mins Read
    Some would think me fortunate to have drawn the Christmas week for devotionals. Piece of cake, right? Wrong. Everything that could be said about that first Christmas—the day Jesus was born in Bethlehem—has been told, retold and debated for two millenniums. Christians devoted to this blessed event along with skeptics who view the same crèche admit the main characters are always Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus surrounded by animals. An angel heralds the event to shepherds working in the fields who make their way to find the Christ child. Certainly not a great opening scene by today’s book-publishing expectations. But this is not the beginning of a story. It’s the focus of the prophet Isaiah, the culmination of the angelic annunciation to Mary that a child conceived of the Holy Spirit would bring eternal life to all. It is the unchangeable story of Christmas.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace,” (Isaiah 9:6, Holy Bible, King James).

    Prayer: Lord Jesus, many babies have been born since the beginning of time, but you are the only one who brought the expectation of hope to all humanity. Amen.
    Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
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Humble Human Hearts

1 Min Read

“He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree” (Luke 1:51-52 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Pride has no value. It gives a false sense of self-importance that exists only in the imagination of the heart. When God was looking for a human vessel to accomplish His will, He bypassed all of the high profile candidates and chose a humble young woman who was “powerless” in the eyes of society. God demonstrated that His favor rested upon those who followed Him in spite of the world. Though God handpicked her from all of the women on the face of the earth, Mary did not claim any glory from it.

Prayer: Lord, You value faithfulness, trust, and obedience above everything. Teach me these essential qualities and help me to never claim glory for myself. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Magnificent Mercy

1 Min Read

“For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation” (Luke 1:49-50 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Mary understood that she did not merit the tremendous honor God had given her as the mother of the Saviour. All she had done for her part was live in obedience to God’s commandments and followed Him to the best of her ability. Throughout Scripture the Israelites constantly vacillated between faithful obedience and wayward disobedience, but God’s mercy was always available when they turned their back on sin. Today, God extends His faithful, loving, mercy to everyone who follows Him.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the great blessings in my life. May I always walk with You and never leave the protection of Your abundant mercy.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Impossible Prayers

1 Min Read

“And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:36-37 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

The angel, Gabriel, used the miraculous pregnancy of Mary’s cousin, Elisabeth, to illustrate to her that God could indeed do anything! I often pray for the impossible to happen in my own life and the lives of family and friends. I believe God has answered every prayer I’ve prayed. Sometimes the answer is “No”, sometimes it’s “Not now” and at other times God says, “Yes!”

Prayer: Mighty God, When I believe for the impossible today, I know that You are fully capable of making it a reality. If the time is right, and the answer is in Your will for my life, it will be accomplished! Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Indescribable Gift

1 Min Read

“Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

The next time I feel unimportant or overlooked in some way, I will remember that God gave me an indescribable gift – the gift of Himself! Of all the gifts I will ever receive, none will compare to the gift of living a life that is free from sin and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Many people today think of the birth and death of Jesus Christ as only a story with a tragic ending, but those who have received Your gift are truly living a life of unspeakable joy!

Devotion by Julie Long

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Significant Insignificance

1 Min Read

“My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:46-48 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Incredibly, God chose a young lady who was insignificant by the worlds standards to bear the Savior of the world. Mary recognized the great honor that was granted to her and responded with a heart of full of worship. Mary’s role in God’s plan to redeem mankind would be remembered forever. She gladly accepted the responsibility and expressed her joy at being chosen.

Prayer: Lord, I too have been chosen to fulfill a special purpose in Your Kingdom. I pray today that my reaction to this wonderful privilege of bearing Your Name will be one of thanksgiving. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Asking for Good Gifts

2 Mins Read

“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” (Matthew 7:11 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible)

Where does that irresistible urge to buy gifts for children come from? It’s almost an uncontrollable desire to shower little ones with wonderful treasures for their enjoyment. We would do anything to see a child’s eyes light up with pleasure. If I feel that way about my own children, how much more does our Heavenly Father desire to pour out abundant blessings on us? All of heaven’s bounty awaits the child of God. It’s ours to enjoy if we will ask for it!

Prayer: As the time for exchanging Christmas gifts approaches, I can’t help but think of the many wonderful gifts You have given me through the years. Gifts of forgiveness, family and friendship. There are too many blessings to name! And, yet, there are more requests on my wishlist this year…the gift of healing for a friend; the gift of peace for a loved one; the gift of salvation for a neighbor. I’ll keep on asking, Lord, for these good gifts. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Wonder and Worship

1 Min Read

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

Who, but God, would think of such an incredible way to save the world? He wrapped Himself in human flesh and made His home among us. It’s too amazing for me to comprehend that kind of unfailing love and faithfulness to sinful creation. The only fitting response is to fall on my knees in awestruck wonder and authentic worship.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for exchanging Your heavenly robe for a human robe so my relationship with You could be restored!

Devotion by Julie Long

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