“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (II Corinthians 13:5, ESV). We are now just over one week into the new year. Many use…
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 Today we begin a new year. I am sure that most of us are remembering how we started out the past year…
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). At this time of year, many people talk about the New Year’s resolutions they have made for the coming year. The list may be long or short; but…
Today a lot of people will be making resolutions, planning to accomplish so much with their life in this new year. Statistics show us that most of them will be abandoned before many days have passed.
As followers of the Lord, our only resolution should be to draw closer to the Lord. From all the things that are happening in our world, we know that His coming draws very near. Our aim and goal is to be ready for His coming and to help and encourage others to be ready also.
Daily prayer and Bible reading are very important if we are stay close to the Lord and live the way He wants us to live. My son encourages his congregation to have “a slot and a spot” every day. Meeting the Lord in the same place at the same time helps us to maintain our relationship with Him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we know your coming is close and this could be the year you return. Help us to be ready and to help others to be ready also.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10, Holy Bible, New King James)
At the beginning of each new year, resolutions are made that won’t be kept. Decisions are made that won’t be completed. Commitments are made that won’t be honored. All because a steadfast spirit is absent.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines steadfast as immovable; not subject to change; firm in belief, determination, or adherence. Steadfast embodies nothing less than total commitment.
Pray this ancient Scripture for a clean heart, but realize it takes a steadfast spirit to maintain that holiness.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that you will give me a clean heart to begin this new year. Renew a steadfast spirit within me that I will keep my commitments to You. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore