Category: Devotionals

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” – 2 Corinthians 9:15

The coronavirus was first reported in Georgia on March 2, 2020, and its first death in the state was reportedly March 12^th. On March 14^th, our governor declared a public emergency, and our world began to change dramatically on March 16th when public schools were closed. Like many others, our family voluntarily quarantined itself believing this would soon pass, and life would return to normal. We were wrong. On April 3^rd, Governor Kemp issued a “shelter-in-place” order for all Georgians until the end of the month. I thought that was the light at the end of the tunnel. However, on April 30^th, the governor extended the order until June 12^th impacting those deemed “medically fragile” and aged 65 or over.

Although I am just shy of 65 years old, my physician told me that I had to remain “sheltered-in-place” for health-related issues until the order expired in June or the cases of covid-19 began to wane in Georgia. Since I am retired, life didn’t really change a great deal for me except in one major aspect, and that was being able to go to church. While my church had a livestream program already set in place long before covid-19 was even heard of, it was not the same as being in the actual sanctuary worshiping with one’s brothers and sisters in Christ. For the first few 11 weeks of quarantine, my daughter and her two girls watched the church services with me at home, while my husband and son-in-law went to church to run the sound and livestream broadcasts for our pastor. Last week, my entire family was finally able to go to church, but I still had to remain at home watching church via the livestream broadcast.

Well, today is my Independence Day! I am free from the ”shelter-in-place” order and eager to rejoin the outside world! My first venture will be on Sunday when I will finally be able to join my church family in person and worship with them! I am more excited that I can even express!

This reminds me of another time when I was set free. For me, it was on March 10, 1968. That was the day that I asked Jesus to forgive my sins and accepted Him as my Lord and Saviour! I can still remember the exhilaration of being freed from the bondage of sin! Even as a 12-year-old, tears of shame quickly became tears of joy as I knelt at the altar of my small church in California and gave my heart to Jesus.

It has been said that a person doesn’t know what he or she has until it is no longer there.  In regard to my salvation, I didn’t know what I was missing until Jesus came into my life as my Saviour. While the thrill of being free from the covid-19 quarantine is great, it pales in comparison to the freedom I have in Christ! The coronavirus may return, and I may be once more “sheltered-in-place,” but I will never be in bondage to sin again! According to John 3:16, when I accepted God’s gift of salvation, I was promised eternal life with Him in heaven! Now, that’s true freedom!

So long, I searched for life’s meaning
Enslaved by the world and my greed
Then the door of my prison was opened by love
For the ransom was paid, I was free

I’m free from the fear of tomorrow
I’m free from the guilt of my past ooh!
I’ve traded my shackles for a glorious song
I’m free, praise the Lord, free at last!

(from “I’m Free” by Bill Gaither)

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” – John 8:36

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Freedom is never free. The price for my soul’s freedom was paid for at the cross of Calvary by the Son of God.

“Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;” – 1 Chronicles 16:12

Today begins my 7^th week on my health journey. I must confess it was a bit disappointing when I did my weekly measuring this morning. There was no change to record! No weight or inches lost! I knew I hadn’t done anything off program, so for a time, disappointment threatened to be a dark cloud over my head today. But then, I took a moment to reflect on where my journey has taken me over the past 42 days. Physically, I am down 19 pounds. I haven’t gained anything back, and I’ve been able to follow my program without much difficulty. Spiritually, I have been reading much more of God’s Word, and I have been learning to listen to Him as He speaks to me through it. I have experienced growth in my prayer life, and I have found ways to serve Him while “sheltered-in-place.” Not bad for 6 weeks!

Reflection is important. Stopping to take time to look back over where one has “traveled” is a major component of moving forward. One of the things I have learned through my personal reflection is the importance of seeing the “big picture.” In my Christian life, it is important to look back and see all the great things God has done in my life. When I recall some of the life events God has brought me through, I am filled with gratitude. For example, when I reflect on the turmoil in my childhood, this hindsight (which is always 20/20) clearly reveals His work in laying a foundation of faith in my young life that would not come to fruition until years later. When I think back on how He cared for me years before I made a decision to accept Christ as my Saviour, it is truly humbling. It reminds me of Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” He loved me and cared for me greatly before I ever chose Him to be Lord of my life. That’s so amazing to me!

There have been times in my life where God did seem very far away. I often lost sight of Him, and I felt so alone, but looking back, I know He was with me every step of the way. In reflection, I can see God so clearly in my life that I realize I was never abandoned by Him, and I know now that I never will be. That’s what reflection does. It reveals how the individual threads of life join together to make one beautiful tapestry woven by the hand of God.

So, when I reflect on these last 42 days, I definitely can see God working in me, and I praise Him for that! He has blessed me beyond measure, and I know He continues to walk with me on this incredible journey I have begun. Without a doubt, I am in a much better place both physically and spiritually than I was 6 weeks ago! So, with that in mind, I head off into week #7 with my hand in His, continuing to do what I know is best for my body and my soul!

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

(from “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” by Thomas A. Dorsey)

“Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” – Psalm 95:2

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There is no sweeter way to walk through life than with Jesus!

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

I try not to spend too much time watching the news, but like a moth attracted to a flickering flame, I am drawn to it. Corruption in government, coronavirus, protests and riots, rising unemployment, mandatory vaccinations, bad weather… nothing positive with which to fill my mind. I try not to worry, but I do, and frankly, by scrolling down the news feed on my phone, I find that I am cultivating that worry until it results in a terribly unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach that refuses to subside.

What am I doing?? This is pure craziness on my part! I recall a phrase from my youth: “Garbage in, garbage out!” The referral is that whatever I put into my mind will eventually spill out into my life through words or action. I have been putting such negativity into my mind that it is going to start oozing out to those around me, thus spreading like a… well, for lack of a better word, like a virus.

There is a cure, however, and it brings peace to my soul. I find that when I fill my mind with the things of God, peace comes. What things? Here are some precious nuggets that I choose to put into my mind these days.

• Music – When I close my eyes and listen to godly music, I am enveloped by His sweet peace. The beautiful words of hymns like “I’d Rather Have Jesus” or “Because He Lives” are a balm to my soul.
  • “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)
• Scripture – Bible verses remind me there is always hope in Jesus. God’s promises to save, keep, and deliver me through this earthly life are non-negotiable. What He has said, He will do, and I trust in Him. In a world of uncertainty, His Word gives me hope.
  • “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
• Thanksgiving – Taking time to reflect on the blessings of my life gives me a different perspective that gives me peace in my soul, and compels me to thank God for His goodness toward me.
  • “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
• Others – A phone call, a written note, a delivered meal, a morning visit, a prayer on their behalf… there are so many ways to reach out to those who are in need, and every time I think of others before myself, my heart is blessed in the joy of simply loving someone as Christ would have me do.
  • “And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” (Isaiah 58:10-11)
• Prayer – Sharing my worries with God is liberating. Knowing that the things on my heart are relinquished to the One who can handle anything and everything brings comfort and peace.
  • “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
• Service – Putting my Christianity into action helps me remember that my faith is not in vain. I serve a living Saviour, and there is a world that desperately needs Him. Jesus alone is the answer to all the turmoil in the souls of men. It is my responsibility to share the gospel, and when I do, I am content, no matter what is happening in the world around me.
  • “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” (John 12:26)

When worries threaten to overwhelm me, I remember that my peace is found in Jesus. He has overcome the world and this is what He has promised me. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) So, I turn on some godly music, open the Bible, and let the Holy Spirit fill me with the peace of God!

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love

This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior, all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

(from “Blessed Assurance” by Fanny Crosby)

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8

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If worries can distress Christians, imagine what someone who doesn’t know Jesus might be feeling these days. Someone must share the hope of Jesus with them. Will it be you?

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” – Ephesians 4:26

These days there are a lot of things about which to be angry. Our government has become very divisive, creating so much political chaos that it has angered the nation. The global pandemic has resulted in rising unemployment and closed businesses, angering laid-off workers and small business owners. Individuals are reacting angrily to the request to wear masks to help decrease the spread of covid-19. Recent rioting, a result of various acts of violence, has occurred in many major American cities, and angry cries for justice fill the air.

According to Merriam-Webster.com, anger is defined as “a strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism.” Anger often leads to words or acts of hostility, and as it escalates to rage or fury, violence can occur. Anyone who has watched or read the news lately has seen evidence of escalating anger across our country. Anger is a natural emotion, but it cannot be allowed to develop into a full-blown rage. Regardless of whether it is justified or not, anger is not productive. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Anger is a very destructive emotion when it gets out of control.

The Bible tells us that we should not end our day with unresolved anger. If we do, there is a good chance it will allow Satan to get a hold of our spirit. Ephesians 4:26-27 explains, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil.” I have always thought of this verse in terms of my family members, especially my husband. If I was angry with him, I knew it was right to talk it out that same day before we fell asleep. Now, I can see how this verse is applicable to events on a much larger scale.

Most of us were stunned when we read of how out-of-control the recent rioting had become. Rioters were breaking into closed shops and looting. Government buildings were being set on fire. Law enforcement officers were gunned down as they tried to control the violent mobs, and all the while, onlookers cheered the perpetrators. Clearly the anger in the people had risen to such levels that sin had taken a firm hold of them, allowing Satan to find his place in their hearts and subsequently, their behaviors. Satan’s stronghold became more evident as lawlessness, chaos, and sin spread like wildfire.

Social media posts were filled with anger as written words spewed out hatred and violence against anyone whom the writers chose to attack. Facts became unimportant, and if they were presented, they were often dismissed. Those whose anger festered and grew relied only on their own opinions and feelings. This is a dangerous practice. The Bible tells us that our hearts, our feelings, are unreliable when it comes to judgment, often twisting the lies into false truths. Jeremiah 17:9 states, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” So, what can we do?

God’s people can pray! James 5:16 reminds us that, “…the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” We can pray for our country and its citizens. In 2 Chronicles 7, God is speaking to Solomon regarding the nation of Israel. He is telling the king that if the nation sins, but then repents and returns to the Lord, He will forgive them and heal their land. Since God is immutable as He states in Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I change not…,” it is reasonable to believe He will do the same for America if her people repent and turn back to Him. That will only happen through prayer. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14). We need to be a people on our knees for the healing of America!

Is it wrong to be angry? No, but it is wrong to let anger control you, and lead you into sinful behavior. We should try our best to avoid anger. The Bible reminds us, “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” (Psalm 37:6) Additionally, Ecclesiastes 7:9 states a person with uncontrolled anger is a fool. “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.”

Remember, desiring justice is not the same as harboring sinful anger. Anger at the sinful behavior of others is not wrong. It is when the anger is unrestrained and gives rise to vicious, abhorrent, ungodliness that it becomes sin. A wise man will take time to calm himself, think things over, then try to work out a solution through communication with the offenders. As ambassadors of Christ, we should strive to resolve issues in ways that would honor the Lord. It will take much prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), much conversation (Matthew 18:15), and much forgiveness (Colossians 3:13). Above all, we should strive to love one another as Christ has loved us. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34)

Angry words, oh, let them never
From the tongue unbridled slip;
May the heart’s best impulse ever
Check them ere they soil the lip.

“Love one another,” thus saith the Savior;
Children obey the Father’s blest command;
“Love one another,” thus saith the Savior;
Children obey His blest command.

(from “Angry Words, O Let Them Never” by Horatio R. Palmer)

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29

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Take time today to pray for healing in our land and our hearts.

“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.” – Psalm 113:3

Although I am retired, I still have a fairly busy life. I don’t think I could name exactly what it is that seems to keep me busy, but my retirement is definitely not as “unbusy” as I thought it would be. Because of this, I still use a calendar to keep track of birthdays, church events, camping trips, and other goings-on in my life. I also have a phone that constantly sends me reminders of more regularly scheduled activities like taking medication, dental appointments, and even when to eat (as if I really needed that!) Anything that is important to me, that I want to be sure I don’t forget, is usually on my phone, and its alarm alerts me when the time has come for me to do something. Why do I do this? Because I do not always remember to do what I need to do. No matter how important they are, I can be so involved in other things that without a reminder, I forget to do them.

Perhaps I should include these on my phone reminder list as well:

• Praise the Lord today – “Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.” (Psalm 145:2)
• Study the Word of God today – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)
• Take up the cross of Christ today – “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
• Pray today – “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” (Romans 12:12)
• Encourage someone today – “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13)
• Rejoice today – “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
• Thank God today – “Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.” (Psalm 75:1)

I think it’s time for me to update my daily agenda…

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

(from “Take Time to Be Holy” by William Longstaff)

“Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.” – Isaiah 58:2

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What’s on your agenda for today?

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” – 2 Corinthians 4:17

It has been five weeks since I have embarked on my health journey. While it has not been tremendously difficult, it has not been easy either. For the physical aspect of my health, I find I must be self-disciplined, taking care to follow the food plan, measure my food, eat as I have planned out, and drink my water. I also must have the right foods in my pantry and refrigerator, but most importantly, I must remember my “why.” My “why” is the reason I started this journey. In a sense, it is the reward for which I seek in my physical body. I want to be able to be more active, feel less aches and pains in my joints, and overall, to have a healthy body. But like anything that is worthwhile in working for, there are “light afflictions” in this journey. There are times when the scale goes up a bit, times when I fail to get up and move, and times when I just don’t want any more water! But those moments are only temporary. I know if I persevere, I will achieve my goals. I remember my “why.” I am happy to report that as of this writing, I am down 19.3 pounds!

Spiritually, my health journey has taken me down another road with some obstacles that I have also had to overcome. Like my physical health journey, I have had to be more self-disciplined. I have needed to establish a routine in my day that helps me remember to read my Bible and have a quiet time of conversation with God that includes a time of me simply listening to Him. (I find sometimes I like to do all the talking!) The “light afflictions” I encounter spiritually are most often related to my selfish desires, which I am learning more often to recognize beforehand rather than afterward. Sometimes, I have to make sacrifices, and that is not always my desired choice, but it is necessary if I want to achieve my spiritual goals. Again, I have to remember my “why.” What is the reason that I began this effort to improve my spiritual health? It is because I want a closer relationship with my Saviour. I want to really know Jesus, and I want to be able to present my body “…a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

When I remember the reasons I began my spiritual journey, and the goals to which I aspire, it helps me stay on track. Each forward step brings me closer to the prize, and on that I must keep focused. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul wrote, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” One day, my physical being will cease to exist, but my spiritual life will continue. That moment when I see my Saviour, I will look into His loving eyes, and I hope to hear Him say, “Well done, Jayne, thou good and faithful servant.” That is my “why.”

Lord, we ask for courage to face our struggles each day,
Fears of the past shall not last if we faithfully stay.
Let Your passion consume us as to the truth we hold.
With our calling so sure, victory secure, steadfast we press to the goal.

Keep the race before us; keep our hearts turned toward the prize
With patience and endurance, the cross standing firm in our eyes.
Keep the race before us, and reward us Lord, by Your grace
With crowns of righteousness form the righteous Judge,
When we finish the race.

(from “Keep the Race Before Us” by Ron and Shelley Hamilton)

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” – Romans 8:37

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What’s your “why”?

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” – Philippians 4:5

No one ever said that living a Christian life would be easy. Even Jesus said that we would face persecution in our lives. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Through it all, we are urged to live a life that continually reflects Christ to the world. Our “moderation” should be visible to all.

A life of moderation encompasses many things. We are to demonstrate kindness to others, be gentle in spirit, and to forbear or be considerate of others even those who do not show these attributes toward us. Living a life of moderation is difficult at times, especially when injustices occur. Whether these injustices are individual or corporate, not demanding our own rights can be a daunting task.  We want to insist that our rights not be infringed upon, yet these self-righteous urgings often spring forth from a troublesome spirit that is more carnal than spiritual. Paul reminds us that we must learn to be content in all situations. He wrote in Philippians 4:1, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Our faith in the Saviour should propel us toward being a more compassionate witness for Him, whereby others can see the joy of the Lord in us despite the circumstances surrounding us.

In the wake of societal turmoil, Christians can take a stand. However, we must not react in the same ways as we see the world doing. We must stand for what is right in the sight of God, but we must do it in a way that honors God. If the lost cannot differentiate between Christians and the world, they will have no reason to turn toward Christ. It is only in our separation of behaviors that our testimony has any validity. But this validity does not come without a price. In John 15:19, Jesus said, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

When we chose to live for Christ, we will face opposition. It is precisely in those moments that we must “Let your moderation be known unto all men.” Our reactions must be Christ-like in every situation. Our mannerisms, our lifestyle, our attitudes must all reflect Christ. This is what impresses the hearts of the lost. We offer a better way… a new and living way through the Lord  Jesus Christ.

It is not the easiest life to which Jesus has called us, but through the power of His Holy Spirit, we live in such a way as to honor and glory God. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” is the truth of God’s Word, and it is this truth that works through us to His glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). This world needs what only God can provide. Let us live our lives so as to point others to the Saviour.

If not in you, I wonder where
Will they ever see the One who really cares?
If not from you, how will they find
There’s One who heals the broken heart,
And gives sight to the blind?

And if not you, I wonder who,
Will show them love, and love alone can make things new?
If not from you, how will they learn
There’s one who’ll trade their hopelessness
And give joy in return?

You’re the only Jesus some will ever see,
And you’re the only words of life some will ever read
So let them see in you the One in whom is all they’ll ever need
‘Cause you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

(from “You’re the Only Jesus” by Gordon Jensen)

“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” – Ephesians 4:24

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“Don’t shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you others can see Him.” – C.S. Lewis

“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers” – Philemon 1:4

There have been times in my life when circumstances have been so daunting that I had a very difficult time praying. One example was when I faced a frightening health diagnosis. Another was when I hit a wall in my career path, and one more was when I was told by my pediatrician that my newborn baby might not survive. The fear was so overwhelming that it crippled me, and my faith was hanging on by a thread.

During each of these occasions, and many others, I depended on others for their support and their prayers. I know without a doubt that the prayers of my family and friends sustained me through those challenging days, and without their intercession for me, the journey would have been so much more difficult to negotiate. I will be forever grateful for their prayers for I know that their petitions on my behalf touched the heart of God, and He, in His great mercy, answered each one.

There are several verses in the Bible that say we should pray for one another. 1 Timothy 2:1 states, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” We are told in Scripture to pray about everything. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6), and to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

To be a prayer warrior for family and friends is a privilege and honor. I know how much it meant to me to have someone in my corner when I felt helpless and hopeless, and for me to be able to bring someone before the Lord and ask for Him to intervene is the least of what I can to as a woman of faith. I remember once when I had seen a friend in the grocery store, I shared a burden on my heart and asked for prayer. She stopped right then, took my hands in hers and whispered a prayer to the Lord. It was quietly done, between just the two of us, and no one around was the wiser, but I was so touched that I promised myself I would try to do the same whenever someone asked me to pray for them.

The Bible tells us that the prayers of God’s children are powerful. James 5:16 states, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Remember, our prayers are going to the One who created everything! He is all powerful! Mark 11:24 records the words of Jesus, who said, “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” God is not a genie who magically grants everything we bring to Him. He is, however, all knowing, which means He does answer in the way that is best for those prayed for and according to His perfect will.

It is also our responsibility to pray in faith. Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, “…If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” The Bible also states in James 1:6, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” We must believe God will respond, and we must trust Him in His response.

Prayer is a privilege, but it is also our Christian responsibility. We are called to pray for one another. Who can you pray for today?

I had gone till I just couldn’t go anymore
My faith had walked right out the door
I thought there was just no way I could ever be free
Someone looked at me with love and concern
And you started to let your prayer wheel turn
Glory Hallelujah, somebody touched God for me.

Somebody touched God for me when I was down, picked me up and turned me around,
Then went to the throne of God to intercede.
When I was sinking in despair, my brothers and sisters sent me up in prayer.
When I was weak, somebody touched God for me.

(from “Someone Touched God For Me” by Davis Geron La Ray)

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

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When your prayer of faith touches God’s heart, He promises to move mountains!

“The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” – Isaiah 60:19

When I visited San Francisco, I took a tour of the island prison, Alcatraz. One of the areas we visited was the solitary confinement cells. The guide asked if anyone wanted to go in one, and she would then close the door, and we could experience what inmates felt when imprisoned there. Several of us when inside, and when the door shut, there was complete darkness. I put my hand in front of my face and I could not even see the outline of my fingers even though my hand was no more than three inches from my face!

Another time I visited a huge cavern, and once inside the tour guide told us she was going to turn off the dim lights so we could experience the darkness of the cave. Again, when the lights went out, I could see nothing at all. I put my hand up again, and it was Alcatraz all over again! There was absolute blackness all around me. It was pretty unsettling even when I knew she would turn the lights back on in a moment! When the guide turned on her small flashlight, the blackness was immediately gone! I could see again! It was as if the darkness had fled in the presence of the light!

In my mind’s eye, that is the exact same blackness that sin creates in our world. We are surrounded by shadows so deep, they can only be perceived in the spiritual realm. This darkness is not only frightening, but it leads to eternal death, forever separated from God.

There is only one way to make the blackness of sin disappear. Like in the cave, there must be a light to dispel the gloom. The only way to overcome sin’s darkness is with the glorious gospel light, and that light is the Lord Jesus Christ! The Bible records the words of our Saviour when He proclaimed, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Once we have asked Jesus to forgive our sins and accept Him as our Saviour, His light shines within us, and sin’s darkness is no longer our captor! When the light of Jesus appears, sin’s ominous presence must flee! The illumination of God’s Word by the Holy Spirit gives us the strength and guidance we need to live victoriously for Him!

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

(from “The Light of the World is Jesus” by Philip Bliss)

“The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” – Isaiah 60:19

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Is His light shining in your life?

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:” Colossians 2:6

So far, 2020 will be quite a year to remember. There have been lots of disturbing things that have happened. We have witnessed a group of government officials try to destroy our President; we have seen injustices against various groups of people; we have faced a worldwide epidemic that has shutdown countries around the globe, and we have watched our economy plummet and unemployment drop to rates not seen since the Great Depression.

This is not the only time in history when circumstances were difficult to endure. Times were hard in ancient Israel during the first century. Roman soldiers routinely patrolled the streets of Jerusalem enforcing the oppressive laws of the empire upon the Jewish people. There were hostile groups of Jews who rebelled against the authorities, and there were religious leaders whose hypocrisy drove wedges in the population. It was during this volatile time that Jesus lived.

When He began His ministry, He told his disciples, “Follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) He didn’t say “Walk with me.” He said, “Follow me.” To follow Christ means to walk in His footsteps. Paul further explains our role as Christians in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” We are to live as Jesus lived as described in the Bible, and like us, He also lived during some precarious times. Israel was under the control of Caesar Augusutus, and I can only imagine what social media posts would have said about the tyranny of Roman occupation and the heinous acts of the Jewish rulers. Yet through these times, Jesus always spoke about loving His enemies. Even when He was hanging on the cross, He reached out in love and asked His Father to forgive those who were responsible for crucifying Him.

As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ in everything we say and do. One hostile post on social media can ruin a testimony for Jesus. This doesn’t mean we cannot speak out against social injustices, abortion, governmental corruption, or indecencies, but we must do so out of love, not hatred. Our words can still honor God just as the words of Christ honored His Father in everything He said. Our actions can still bring glory to the Lord just as Jesus’ life brought glory and honor to God continually.

This world is dominated by sin, and the only cure for that is Jesus. The only way we can point others to Christ in this uncertain time is to be vastly different that the world, so that when people look at us, they see Him. While the population spews words of hate and fear, our voices must reverberate with love and hope. When people see a culture of chaos and precariousness, we must offer stability and peace through Jesus Christ. While the world uses words that cause decisiveness and anger, we must speak with words that calm and soothe the troubled soul.

This is what Jesus meant when He said, “Follow me.” We cannot claim to follow Christ and then imitate the ways of the world at the same time. We must be careful to walk only in the footsteps of Jesus in both word and deed. Then, and only then, can we truly show the world “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

If not in you, I wonder where
Will they ever see the One Who really cares.
If not from you, how will they find
There’s One Who heals the broken heart, gives sight to the blind.

And if not you, I wonder who
Will show them love and love alone can make things new.
If not from you, how will they learn
There’s One Who trades their hopelessness for joy in return.


‘Cause you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.
And you’re the only words of life some will ever read.
So let them see in you the One in Whom is all they’ll ever need.
‘Cause you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

(from “You’re the Only Jesus” by Gordon Jensen)

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” 1 Peter 2:21

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If you want to take a stand, take one for Christ!