Posted on Apr 25, 2017 in Devotions |
Do you sometimes wonder if it is worthwhile serving God? The people in the time of Malachi the prophet did. Look at what they said:
“You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out His requirements. But now we call the arrogant blessed.
Posted on Apr 17, 2017 in Devotions |
Often we sing about how precious the Lord is to us, but he wants you to know that you are precious to him!
In Old Testament times the High Priest wore a breastplate with four rows of precious stones on it. Each stone represented one of the 12 tribes of Israel, and these were carried over his heart, so he could bring them before God.
Posted on Apr 13, 2017 in Devotions |
There is a hymn written over 100 years ago by George Bennard, known as ‘The Old Rugged Cross’.
The first verse goes like this: ‘On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame; and I love that old cross where the dearest and best, for a world of lost sinners was slain.’
Posted on Apr 12, 2017 in Devotions |
What does the cross mean to you? Is it just a symbol used on a church building, or worn around your neck? Philippians 2:6 and 8 speaks of Jesus like this: “Who, being in very likeness God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped …
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross.” Read more…
Posted on Apr 10, 2017 in Devotions |
Some people wear a cross as a piece of jewelry, while others hang one inside their car. For many it is only a religious symbol. However the cross is far more than that! It is central to all God has done for us. The cross is ‘the power of God for everyone who believes.’
In Philippians 2:6-11 there is a beautiful hymn about Jesus, that was possibly sung by the early church.
Posted on Sep 19, 2016 in Devotions |
Your life has purpose! Do you remember as a child having many different ideas of what you wanted to do when you grew up? Perhaps those ideas kept changing! Within each of us though, is a desire to know what we have been created for – our purpose.
Often God gives us glimpses into this long before it happens. Let’s look at the life of Abraham.
Posted on Sep 13, 2016 in Devotions |
The other day I was working on a jigsaw puzzle wtih my grandson. “Let’s begin with the corner piece,” I suggested. Gradually the picture took shape, but it looked as if one piece was missing. Finally we found it hidden under a chair.
God has an amazing plan for man – a plan of redemption, that is built around his Son, Jesus Christ.
Posted on Sep 5, 2016 in Devotions |
There was one scene at the recent Olympic Games that captured the world’s attention. Two athletes, one a New Zealander and the other an American, fell in the 5000 meter race. They helped each other up, and although the American girl was injured, they both finished the race in the last two places. That is perseverance! In Hebrews 12:1 it says, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Posted on Aug 29, 2016 in Devotions |
Focus is important! That is certainly true in sports. Many of us watched the recent Olympic Games and saw how the athletes prepared for their event. They would forget the crowds, the other competitors and focus. Why? So that nothing would distract them and they could do their best for their country, and above all, win the gold.
Jesus had a focus, and that was to do the will of his Father.
Posted on Aug 22, 2016 in Devotions |
The Olympic Games 2016 have just taken place in Brazil. Every sportsman was there to compete for his country, with the goal of winning a medal, and above all, the gold medal. No doubt the Apostle Paul was familiar with these games, as they were already taking place in Olympia in Greece at that time. He uses the imagery of the games in his letters. On one occasion he described the Christian life as a race.
