“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;” II Peter 1:5 When you buy a piece of furniture that needs assembling, it is necessary to follow the step-by-step instructions to have it turn out the way the manufacturer intended. When we follow the…
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“I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me” (Psalm 51:3 in the New International Version of the Holy Bible). I think all of us remember being asked by our parents to apologize for hurting someone or doing something wrong. Sometimes it was said under our breath and without conviction but we managed to mumble the words, “I’m sorry.” Have you ever apologized to God without really meaning it? God requires an attitude of penitence like, David, the writer of this Psalm describes. It’s the kind of apology or repentance that comes from deep down in your heart where only God can see it. This plea for God’s mercy was a big first step for David who had committed the terrible sins of adultery, lying and murder (see 2 Samuel 11-12). What makes this prayer acceptable to God was David’s complete honesty about his sin. He saw his mistakes clearly and admitted the seriousness of his offense against God. Inner honesty like that gets God’s attention and His pardon.
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Prayer: Lord, I come before you today in complete humility. I must confess that I find it hard to be honest about my sins. My heart resists acknowledging my wrong doing. Help me to be willing to throw myself upon Your mercy confessing all of my faults and failures. Cleanse me, O Lord! In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Devotion by: Julie Long
“They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me” (Psalm 18:18 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible). The strength of a building lies in its framework and foundation. The shell of wood, steel and concrete ensures the integrity and durability…
“They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me” (Psalm 18:18 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible). The strength of a building lies in its framework and foundation. The shell of wood, steel and concrete ensures the integrity and durability…
“They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me” (Psalm 18:18 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible).
The strength of a building lies in its framework and foundation. The shell of wood, steel and concrete ensures the integrity and durability of the structure. In the same way, if Jesus Christ is the sure foundation and framework around which we have built our lives, when life’s storms and calamities threaten to overwhelm us, He is our strong support!
Prayer: In my moments of fear; through every pain, every tear; You have been my tower of refuge and strength. I lean on You, Lord!
Devotion by Julie Long
“They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me” (Psalm 18:18 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible).
The strength of a building lies in its framework and foundation. The shell of wood, steel and concrete ensures the integrity and durability of the structure. In the same way, if Jesus Christ is the sure foundation and framework around which we have built our lives, when life’s storms and calamities threaten to overwhelm us, He is our strong support!
Prayer: In my moments of fear; through every pain, every tear; You have been my tower of refuge and strength. I lean on You, Lord!
Devotion by Julie Long
Gravity is not influenced by popular opinion. It just exists. Our preference has no effect on its properties. Many other principles in life hold true whether we like them or not. If we plant watermelon seeds we will not harvest corn or tomatoes. How we live our lives today determines to a great extent the quality of life we experience tomorrow. The Bible declares, “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Often that statement has ominous connotations, but the opposite is true too. If we sow love, peace, kindness, and gentleness into those around us, we will receive a beautiful crop in return.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help is to be aware of what we are planting each day. Give us the grace and strength we need to consistently sow the right things.
Devotion by Bonnie Peacock
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“We must alter our lives in order to alter our hearts, for it is impossible to live one way and pray another”. -William Law
“He that diligently seeketh good procureth favor” (Proverbs 11:27)
Most people want to be good people who live good lives. But being good doesn’t just happen, you have to make it happen. It is a daily choice to make good decisions that will reap good results in your life.
To be diligent is characterized by steadfast, heartfelt and energetic effort. Day in and day out you are making right decisions, keeping a right spirit, and doing what is pleasing in the sight of the Lord. Your diligence in doing good will bring God’s favor upon your life. Hebrews 11:6 reiterates this fact, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Prayer: Lord, help me to diligently seek for good in all that I do and say. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. I want to procure your favor upon my life. I want to gain the reward that comes from diligently seeking you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Devotion by Beth Dillon