You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set. (Psalm 104:19, Complete Jewish Bible) Sunrise peeks through darkness to begin a new day. Sunset spreads a reddish glow across the horizon and disappears making way for nightfall. People relish these daily events, snap photos,…
While the earth remains,Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer,
And day and night Shall not cease. (Genesis 8:22, Holy Bible, New King James Version)
Routine is often seen as a rut that hinders progress toward a specific goal. Motivators tell us to get out of the rut, to abandon the stereotype, to embrace change.
I’ve seen many seasons. Fall is my favorite. I welcome it every year. Is fall a rut? No, it has a purpose. Along with the other seasons, it is proof of God’s covenant with Noah, a promise we inherited as long as earth remains.
Prayer: Eternal God, times and seasons continue as a declaration that no man can hinder Your promises. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
Moses spoke to Joshua just prior to his death when he confirmed Joshua as the new leader of the Israelites. Moses wanted Joshua to understand that although he would not accompany Joshua to the promised land of Canaan, the Lord would go with him. He emphasized that the Lord would always be with Joshua. Some 1,500 years later Jesus gave us His personal promise “….lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, Holy Bible, New King James).
We rejoice in the promises of the Scriptures. God’s word can be trusted in the twenty-first century the same as it was when first written. He not leave us nor forsake us. We are never alone.
And the LORD,
He is the One who goes before you.
He will be with you,
He will not leave you nor forsake you;
do not fear nor be dismayed.Deuteronomy 31:8 New King James
Prayer: Lord, I am comforted today by these promises. I trust Your word that You will always be with me. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
Adapted from Moments of Meditation by Violet Carr Moore, copyright 2007-2015.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1, Holy Bible, King James Version)
David wrote a beautiful psalm, a song about sheep that need nothing because the shepherd cares for them completely. This well-known verse is a favorite of many because it speaks of the complete care provided by the shepherd.
Sheep are never puzzled about what tomorrow may bring when they are in the shepherd’s presence. They don’t worry about water, food, or shelter. They are not perplexed about storms of life. They have no concerns about safety from enemies. They trust completely in the shepherd who provides everything for them.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to trust in You completely like a sheep that follows without questioning what tomorrow may bring. Amen
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
Adapted from Moments of Meditation by Violet Carr Moore, copyright 2007-2015.
The LORD’S loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23, New American Standard Bible)
Each sunrise brings a beautiful freshness. Wet with mountain dew or dry with desert dust, there is something special about greeting a new day. Yesterday’s despair is erased by today’s hope. New opportunities are waiting. A chance to call, write an encouraging note, send an e-mail, or pray for a friend are gifts from the heart that can brighten the sender as well as the recipient. Remembering God’s loving kindness gives us a new measure of daily compassion. Accept today’s fresh start as a gift and share it with others.
Prayer:Eternal God, renew in me the compassion for others that You give to me daily. Let me respond gently to those who are abrupt. Help me to be kind to those who are unkind to me. By sharing Your compassion with others, I will be more like You. When You give me a fresh start each day, I will renew my compassion for others. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
Published In the Right Place: A Gallery of Treasured Moments © 2006, Violet Carr Moore
“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.”
“Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.”
(Scriptures from Psalm 37:1 and Proverbs 23:17, Holy Bible, King James Version)
Solomon repeats a message he learned from his father, King David. Don’t be envious or troubled by unpunished actions of the ungodly. Fretting, a consistent uneasiness in comparisons to others, can cause erosion in your soul. Don’t concentrate on the actions of others or envy those who seem to prosper in their wickedness. Focus on God’s plans for your life.
Prayer: Lord, keep my mind focused on Your goodness and not on the evils of others. Don’t let me be consumed with worries about wrong doers. Remind me that You are in control of the ups and downs of my life. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
Extracted from In the Right Place: A Gallery of Treasured Moments © 2006, Violet Carr Moore
Jesus answered, It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only. (Luke 4:8, Holy Bible, New International Version)
When Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness, Satan tried to convince Jesus (Luke 4:7) to worship him. Jesus didn’t assess the situation. He didn’t discuss the options. He didn’t debate the issues. He simply quoted the holy Word God established through Moses.
In temptations, we have a divine example to follow. “It is written” is still the best response to temptations today.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for setting a positive example for me when You spoke from ancient Scripture. In temptations or discouragement, I will follow Your pattern and remove temptations of things not like You by speaking Your holy Word. I will speak on the authority of Scripture and say, “It is written.” Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
From In the Right Place: A Gallery of Treasured Moments © 2006, Violet Carr Moore
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. (Proverbs 25:11 New American Standard Bible)
Gentle words comfort, calm, encourage, heal, and inspire. They bring solitude and peace to a troubled friend or a nearby stranger who hears the conversation.
Harsh words carelessly spoken seem to travel at full speed. They may irritate, provoke discord, damage reputations, or destroy confidence of the recipient and all who hear the conversation. Once spoken, inconsiderate words are like weapons, piercing the heart and soul with deep injuries that heal slowly.
Avoid harsh words that paint an unpleasant canvas. Choose soft words to produce apples of gold framed in silver.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I hear so many destructive words in everyday conversations. Offensive words pouring from careless tongues overpower gentle words. Help me concentrate on the positive by showing kindness in my conversations. I want to produce long-remembered pictures of gold so my words will glisten in settings of silver. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
From In the Right Place: A Gallery of Treasured Moments © 2006, Violet Carr Moore
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, Holy Bible, New King James Version)
When a friend has problems, I send a greeting card or a note. Choosing the right words and the best card is important. When an illness is terminal, a humorous get –well-soon card may not be the best choice. A bon voyage card may not be appreciated by a friend who is forced to move because of financial circumstances. When God sees us in uncomfortable situations, He knows what to say. He sends His thoughts of peace and hope for the future. When you read His Word, you will welcome His “Thinking of You” card.
Prayer: Dear God, You saw my future before I was born. You have shown compassion to me through words of encouragement, comfort and peace. You have provided answers in Your Word for all my situations and have given me hope for tomorrow. Thank You for thinking of me. Amen
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
Published In the Right Place: A Gallery of Treasured Moments © 2006, Violet Carr Moore