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Devotions

Live Your Life

January 4, 2012 admin 1 Min Read

“The center of the word “life” is if? If I get that promotion… If my husband doesn’t get sick… If my children behave… If I had a bigger house… If it doesn’t rain tomorrow…

Life is full of uncertainties. Instead of enjoying life, we often tread water, wallowing in worries about the future. We delay enjoying our spouses, children, homes, and friends until the perfect time that may never come.

Why take a vacation, if it’s not the perfect vacation? My furniture is worn, I can’t possibly entertain! I’m overweight, no one wants to be my friend.

Life doesn’t come with guarantees. Until we can be happy in the middle of the “if’s,” we will never really experience life.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You’ve told us to be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5). Thank you for each blessing. We want to really “live” our lives. With Your help, we can.

Devotion by Bonnie Peacock

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Love the Senior Saints

January 3, 2012 admin 1 Min Read

“There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.” Acts 21:16 (King James Version of the Holy Bible).

I love the senior saints who still enjoy fellowship and excercise the gift of hospitality. According to Barnes’ Notes the rites of hospitality were shown in a distinguished manner by the early Christians. Adam Clarke’s Commentary states that his being an old disciple may either refer to his having been a very early convert, probably one of those on the Day of Pentecost, or to his being now an old man. Either way Mnason was a mature Christian and it is evident that what he received from God was still active in his life. The gift of hospitality is still important for Christians to share today.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that age will never squelch my love for fellowship with others of like precious faith. There is nothing like the family of God!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Undeserving

January 2, 2012 admin 1 Min Read

“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” Psalm 103:10 (New International Version).

We humans have trouble when it comes to payback. Over the years I remember altercations my children had and one of them would say, “They deserved it, they were mean to me.” God doesn’t think like we do and I’m so glad He doesn’t. His love graciously forgives and forgets when we ask His forgiveness.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for not keeping score on me. I don’t deserve Your forgiveness but I’m thankful for Your goodness and mercy to me.

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Devotions

This is a Warning

January 1, 2012 admin 1 Min Read

“I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people. I don’t want you to lose your own secure footing.” 2 Peter 3:17 (New Living Translation).

In the Southern United States, we have tornado warnings that make us aware of tornadoes in the area. So, I understand the concept of hearing and responding to a warning. A new year is upon us and the warning from the Apostle Peter in our devotional verse is still relevant to Christians today. Peter realized his death was eminent and he was warning the followers of Christ that they needed to be extra vigilant of wicked people who could lead them away from the Truth of God’s Word.

Prayer: Jesus, please help me to stay alert to the tricks of Satan. As the old song says, “Keep me true Lord Jesus, keep me true. There’s a race that I must run, there are victories to be won. Every hour by thy power, keep me true.” Amen.

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Unfailing Love

December 31, 2011 admin 1 Min Read

“How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7 (New International Version)

Love is a wonderful thing. To have someone love you with unfailing love is what God does for us. According to this Scripture, our status in life doesn’t matter for all can find refuge in Him. He doesn’t pick and choose who He loves, but He loves all of us the same. I need not worry about His love today or tomorrow for it will remain the same. How priceless is God’s unfailing love!

Prayer: Lord, You’ve never failed me and even better still is the knowledge that You never will!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Stars

December 30, 2011 admin 1 Min Read

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” Philippians 2:14-15 (New International Version of the Holy Bible)

This time of year brings out the worst and the best in people. Go shopping on “Black Friday” and you will experience the worst in people arguing over who gets a limited quantity sale item. It’s ridiculous to say the least. There are some people who stir up trouble everywhere they go.

Those of us who have chosen not to complain and argue stand out like stars in the sky. I would much rather shine than be part of this crooked world system. So, if you’ve dreamed of being a star here’s your chance to shine!

Prayer: I thank You, Lord, for allowing me to shine with Your glory. What a difference Your Spirit makes!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Calculated Steps

December 29, 2011 admin 1 Min Read

I helped a blind lady each week for several years and was amazed how she got around in her home. She lived alone and knew how many steps from her bedroom to any room in her home. She had calculated her steps. When in unknown territory whoever was walking beside her would instruct her on steps and whether they are higher than normal or how the doors open. She relied on that person heavily to get where she was going.

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.” (Ephesians 5:15 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

I looked up the word circumspect and found that it meant to look about; careful to consider all related circumstances before acting, judging, deciding; cautious; careful.

Prayer: Lord, I realize more than ever that I need You leading me. As the songwriter put it, “I can’t even walk without You holding my hand.” I want to be wise and calculate my steps.

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Acceptance

December 28, 2011 admin 1 Min Read

“And when these days are expired, it shall be, that upon the eight day, and so forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings upon the altar, and your peace offerings, and I will accept you, saith the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 43:27 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Acceptance is one thing we all crave. Young people want to be accepted by their peers and will do almost anything to receive their approval. However, to be accepted by God is the ultimate acceptance we should all strive for. Burnt offerings were something that God required in the Old Testament. Jesus Christ was the ultimate sacrifice and we no longer sacrifice animals; we bring ourselves to Him and offer a sacrifice of praise. Have you been to an altar and willingly given yourself to God? That’s what He’s looking for. Then and only then can we know what true acceptance is.

Prayer: Lord, today I give all myself to You. I offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for Your glory and honor. I desire to be accepted by my peers but have a greater desire to be accepted by You. Amen!

Devotion by Kaye Singleton

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Looking for the King

December 27, 2011 violetcarrmoore 1 Min Read

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him,” (Matthew 2:10, Holy Bible, New King James).

Prayer

Violet Carr Moore

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