“Take your son, your only son-yes, Isaac, whom you love so much-and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you” (Genesis 22:2 from the New Living Translation) Abraham and Sarah were desperate for a…
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28, KJV
Recently, I was reminiscing with some friends about our experiences at Harvey, NB, Camp Meeting when we were younger. There are so many memories: Bro. Dudley ringing the cowbell in the mornings to get us up for Prayer; gathering straw to make our beds in the dormitory over the dining hall; cleaning our teeth and washing our faces in the lake; meeting with friends that we only saw once a year; laughter and fun with other young people.
But the best memories are of the services, and the great men and women of God, who shared God’s Word with us. The missionary services were greatly appreciated, as those who had dedicated their lives to take the Gospel to other lands. They inspired us and helped us to make a decision to follow God’s call in our lives.
I especially remember Bro. Bill Drost, leading the singing and always singing “He Abides.” He would tell us that we belonged to the “We Know Club.” We know that we belong to Jesus, and that He abides in our hearts. We know that we have a hope of one day spending eternity in Heaven. I remember the year he was so sick, and it didn’t look like he and his family would be able to return to the Mission field. But God healed him and once again proved that all things work together for good, for those who put their trust in God.
I am so thankful that I know Jesus and I know that He is with me every step of the way, guiding my footsteps and meeting my needs.
Prayer: Jesus thank you that “we know” You and that You are always working all things together for our good.
Devotion by: Anne Johnston
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Romans 4:20-21 KJV
God chose Abraham to be the beginning of the Israelite nation, from which would eventually come the Messiah, who would not only redeem the Israelites but also those from all nations of the world. He was told to leave his country and journey to a place he had never seen before.
Abraham did not have the Scriptures to read about all the miracles God had performed for His people. He did not have other believers to tell him of the great things that God had done in their lives and what could be accomplished by faith.
But He knew God had spoken to him and given him a promise, so he stepped out boldly in faith, fully persuaded that God would lead and direct him and fulfill the promises he had been given.
Today, we have the Bible, many stories of God’s wondrous works and also the testimonies of fellow believers. How much more should we step out in faith, trusting God to answer our prayers, meet our every need and perform miracles on our behalf.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, our faith is often weak when we compare it to Abraham’s. Help us to trust you and be obedient to Your voice.
Devotion by: Anne Johnston
“Then Jesus said to the officer, “You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen.” Right then his servant was healed,” (Matthew 8:13, Holy Bible, Contemporary English Version). This time in the life of Jesus begins when He healed a leper and ends when Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law.…
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them!” (Revelation 12:11-12a in the New King James Version of the Holy Bible). There…
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8
My husband loved to travel, and I am sure that planning the trip was just as enjoyable to him as the trip itself. After he had chosen a destination, he would spend hours, checking maps, figuring out mileage and checking for interesting things to see and do along the way. He would go over the route several times, setting deadlines to be at a certain point. In most cases, he would meet the schedule within a few minutes.
When God called Abraham to leave his country, he had no idea where he was going or how long it was going to take. In faith, he obeyed the voice of God, and set out just taking one day at a time.
Scott Howard, of Legacy Five sings a beautiful song: “Destination Known.” Our destination is heaven, eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ. None of us know how long our journey will be but we submit ourselves to the Lord, trusting Him to guide us and direct us. As we listen to His voice, read His word, and communicate with Him one day at a time, He will keep us in the right path until the day He calls us home.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus that we know our destination, and that you will be there with us every step of the journey.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible) The Apostle Paul wrote, “…I have kept the faith.” We only keep things we value. Upstairs in my guest room is a…
And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. (Acts 3:4-6, Holy Bible, New King James)
A lame man lay near the temple gate asked those going inside for charity. When Peter and John saw him, Peter said, “Look at us,” and drew the beggar’s attention their way. How disappointing it must have been when Peter said he had no silver or gold. Then Peter offered the beggar something greater than money.
“And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.” (v 7-8).
When money can’t cure the problem, prayer and a helping hand are a miraculous combination.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for this bold example of Peter’s faith that brought a miraculous recovery to a destitute man. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
“When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her” (Ruth 1:18 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.) The Book of Ruth is a small book (only 4 chapters) in the Old Testament. It is the story of a…