If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love…
“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 in the King James Version of the Bible)
God’s compassion has no end. His desire is not to destroy you, but to restore you. We made mistakes yesterday; last week; last month; last year; but today He is inviting us to start over. He offers us new mercy every morning!
Prayer: I am overwhelmed by your loving faithfulness to me. You see me not as I am, but what You want me to become. Thank you for being patient with me!
Devotion by Julie Long
“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.” (Jeremiah 31:3 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.) Recently I heard a heart breaking story. A lady in her fifties was…
“He counts the stars and calls them all by name.” (Psalm 147:4) My three-year-old daughter and I had just arrived home from church one night. The evening was cooling down, and the sky shone brightly with millions of stars. She gazed up the heavens and exclaimed: “Mama, look at all…
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called the trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3).…
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:10 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible) This morning I was convicted by this scripture that a friend posted on Facebook. Not that I have done any wrong to my neighbors,…
“God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left.” (Lamentations 3:22-24 in The Message) Lamentations is written by a prophet who…
“Ever feel like you’ve turned your back on Jesus? The disciples did. READ: Matthew 26:56 from the Holy Bible, King James Version:
“Then all the disciples forsook Him (Jesus) and fled.”
The disciples were twelve men that were chosen by Jesus. They went with Him everywhere. They saw him heal people. They saw Him walk on water. Jesus knew the disciples would flee when the soldiers came for Him. He also knew they would recover and preach salvation to the whole world. He waited for them to realize how much they needed Him. How very much He loved them. How, willing He was to welcome them back with open arms of love.
It is the same for you. Jesus knows you’ve failed Him. He also knows you will succeed in Him again one day. He’s waiting to welcome you back with open arms of love.”
Prayer: Jesus, help me to forgive myself as easily as You forgive me. Thanks for loving me, no matter what!
Devotions by Debbie Simler-Goff
God has scars too. Sometimes I forget that and try to hide mine. I often feel that I’m the only one who has known rejection, shame, and pain.
That isn’t true though. Jesus was beaten and died on a cross because He loved us. He was misunderstood, hated, and gossiped about. He was all too familiar with pain and suffering.
The Bible tells us that He was tempted by the same things that we are today. He understands when we struggle, feeling discouraged and wounded (Hebrews 4:15). Because He has been-there-done-that, we don’t have to worry about bringing our problems and concerns to Him. We know he cares and understands.
Prayer: Lord, You knew that it was like to be hungry, tired, and pressured. You walked on earth, died for our sins, and rose again so that we might have a new life. Thank you for the gift of Your love.
Devotion by Bonnie Peacock