“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 in the New International Version of the Holy Bible) The Word of God gives us hope. Reading the Bible encourages us to…
Nightingales are famous for their exquisite melodies sung in the night hours. Did you know that another meaning for the word “burden” is a chorus, melody, song, tune? Burden is also a musical term. Our bag of burdens has a song in it! The Bible makes several references to songs…
(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations;…
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. I Corinthians 9:25, NIV “Of all the battles a SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) must fight, none…
“Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?” Matthew 25:44 (King James Version of the Holy Bible)
My Mother had been in the hospital in Burbank, California for several days and was becoming depressed. She didn’t hear well and could only guess what was really going on. One day the church secretary, Cynthia, decided she would have a tea party with her in her hospital room. With permission from the nursing staff, she marched into the room with a beautiful tray, lace doily, lovely tea pot and two china cups for her and Mom. I think she had some small cookies and they had a tea party. The gesture instantly elevated Mom’s mood. Maybe you know someone who needs encouragement; try having a tea party! The Bible tells us that by doing so you are in fact ministering to God.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for friends who are sensitive to the needs of those around them. How often I have myself been encouraged by the kindness of someone in the body of Christ.
Devotion by Kaye Singleton
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“And I will give thee the treasures of darkness..” (Isaiah 45:3).
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At first glance, John’s banishment to the Isle of Patmos for his allegiance to the Lord seems a pretty dismal scenario. But on the contrary, in a moment when reality on the outside seemed darkest, John slipped into the reality of the Spirit and received a powerful revelation! God gave John a treasure in the darkness. He showed him the whole picture.
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If you are experiencing this kind of darkness, I encourage you to get into the Spirit. Start reading the back of God’s book and remind yourself that we are on the winning side! Remember that the captain of our salvation is the Alpha and Omega-the Beginning AND the End. If we will stay in Him He will see us through every dark place until that great and glorious day when we see him face to face! Hallelujah! What a thought!
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Prayer: Lord, when I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me”, help me to see that even the night shall be light about me; that with you the night shines as the day!
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Devotion by Anne Richardson
“The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.” (Psalms 118:14 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). Do you know of anybody who sings or hums a whole lot? I just read a quote on a bulletin board that grabbed my attention this morning. John Anglund wrote, “Birds don’t sing because they have an answer – they sing because they have a song.” One of my dear friends suffered with severe panic attacks. It was a horrible experience for her. She found if she would begin singing and quoting scriptures when she felt an attack coming on, the attack would subside quickly. God helped her get through with a song. Now she hums songs almost all day. God puts a song in your heart to be used during stressful times. Keep a song in your heart! You don’t have to have an answer; just a song will do to help you get through.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the song in my heart. When I feel overwhelmed I can reach for it and be encouraged. You are my song!