FREE INDEED!

SCRIPTURE

Reformation Day
John 8:31-36 (NRSV)

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, 'You will be made free'?"
Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.


DEVOTION

Today is a very exciting day in protestant churches; you will probably notice a lot of people wearing red as a result. It is Reformation Sunday--a day set aside to remember the move of God's Spirit on the heart of Martin Luther.

If you are not Catholic, you owe a debt of gratitude to Martin Luther. For it was Martin Luther who began the reformation that led to all other Christian denominations.

The spirit of the reformation is that of freedom! We are reminded that in Christ we are set truly free! We are not slaves to people, institutions, or even our own sin. Rather, we are set free in Christ to fully experience God's Amazing Grace!

I love Ephesians 2: 8-9 which states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Isn't it wonderful good news that salvation is a work of God and not of man? We are saved by faith alone in Jesus Christ!

This faith sets us free to express our gratitude through kind and loving deeds toward others; but we must always remember that our good deeds are not a means of securing our pardon or "purchasing" a ticket to get into heaven, rather they are a reasonable response to God's great love!

I am so thankful for God's love revealed to us in Christ Jesus! I am so thankful that I am set free by Christ because of God's Amazing Grace. And I am so thankful for the spirit of reformation which encourages me to read my own Bible, reflect deeply on God's Word, and cling tightly to my personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ!

God is so good and freedom is so sweet! Hallelujah!


Let us pray: Thank you God for setting me free in Christ! Thank you for Jesus' life, death, and resurrection which made atonement for my sin and gifts me with eternal life! Thank you for the words that you spoke to Martin Luther so many years ago. Thank you for his reformist spirit that would not let him be quiet even in the face of great persecution. Help me to be so bold. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

LISTEN

SCRIPTURE

John 8:39-47 (NRSV)

True children of Abraham

They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing what Abraham did, but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does." They said to him, "We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself." Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God."

DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


LISTEN

He says we're deaf.
What did you say?
He says we're deaf.
What's that now?
He says we're deaf.
We cannot hear.
We do not listen.
How's that again?
Deaf, I say!
He says we're deaf
and dumb
and devils...
What now?
I cannot hear you!
Thus, I will not believe...
What's that?
Take my fingers out of my ears?!
HUMPH
what did you say?

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Grace & Peace

SCRIPTURE 2 Peter 1:1-11 (NRSV) Participants of the divine nature Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature. For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For anyone who lacks these things is nearsighted and blind, and is forgetful of the cleansing of past sins. Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you. DEVOTION Indeed our faith is a very precious thing! It does bestow upon the believer a measure of grace and peace that allows us to be--and act--very differently in the world than other people do. Grace is the willingness to give to others that which they do not deserve. I have often thought that "to whom much is given, much is required," speaks richly to my ability to share grace with others. God granted me grace in abundance when Love allowed Jesus to die on the cross to atone for my sin and gift me with eternal life. I know that I did not deserve such an extravagant sacrifice, but God did it anyway! Since God did such a wonderful thing for me, truly I can extend grace to others. Because we live in such a peaceful place as Christians, we are able to attach our faith to goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection, and love! These spiritual attributes set us apart from the rest of the world. Our willingness to extend grace and to make peace also set us apart as well. Today, it is my prayer that our faith will be increased in such a way that grace and peace do abound causing us to act in ways that announce the good news in word, thought and deed! Let us pray: Holy One: thank you for Jesus! Thank you for the grace and peace that is mine because I believe in him. Please help me to extend these virtues to others. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen. INVITATION If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

GREATER!

SCRIPTURE

Simon and Jude, Apostles
1 John 4:1-6 (NRSV)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming; and now it is already in the world. Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and whoever is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.


DEVOTION

Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

The sentence above is going to be my word of encouragement for today!

All of us face challenges in our lives. Some of us have stress at home or on the job. Some of us experience anxiety due to illness or dis-ease in mind or body. Some of us actually have enemies or people who hate us simply because of who we are.

I don't know what your stress, worry, fear, or anxiety is, but I do know who GOD is!

Today's scripture reminds us that we are from GOD and thus we are more than conquerors!

The Holy Spirit resides within us--fighting our battles--and helping us to emerge victorious!

No matter what you are facing today, your God is big enough, bad enough, strong enough, wise enough, and good enough to solve it!

Let us take our rest confident that God is well able to fight our battles and bring about victory in our lives!

Hallelujah!


Let us pray: God, I trust you completely. Greater are you, than any other person, place, or thing in my life. I know that you are able to help me solve my problems. I look to you as the author and finisher of my faith! Since you did not withhold your son, but allowed him to live, die, and rise again for me, I know that you will not withhold anything else! You are an awesome and generous God and I love you. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

GOD'S GOT THIS!

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 84:8-12 (NRSV)

A doorkeeper in God's house

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob!
Selah
Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed.

For a day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than live in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
he bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does the Lord withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts,
happy is everyone who trusts in you.

DEVOTION

I am very reassured by the words, "No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you."

I don't know about you, but my life is stressful right now! Between the responsibilities of home, work, and community, sometimes I can't remember if I'm coming or going.

Sometimes, if I'm not careful, I start trying to handle my stress on my own. I start trying to negotiate my stressful circumstances by my own power. When this happens, failure is imminent, because it is GOD, and GOD ALONE, who is the giver of good things.

Today, I am determined to remember that better is one day in God's courts, than a thousand elsewhere!

As I put my complete trust in God, I can rest in the blessed assurance that God has a good plan for my life, not to harm me, but to give me a future and a hope.

GOD'S GOT THIS, FRIENDS! Be at peace...

Let us pray: Oh God! I am so grateful that you gave Jesus to live, die, and rise again to make atonement for my sin and gift me with eternal life. In this action, you proved that you are more than powerful enough to save me from any situation. Please help me to turn my worries, fears, and anxieties over to you, trusting that you will withhold no good thing from me. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

The Writing on the Wall

SCRIPTURE

Daniel 5:1-12 (NRSV)

A hand writing on the wall

King Belshazzar made a great festival for a thousand of his lords, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand.

Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar commanded that they bring in the vessels of gold and silver that his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. So they brought in the vessels of gold and silver that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the plaster of the wall of the royal palace, next to the lampstand. The king was watching the hand as it wrote. Then the king's face turned pale, and his thoughts terrified him. His limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the diviners; and the king said to the wise men of Babylon, "Whoever can read this writing and tell me its interpretation shall be clothed in purple, have a chain of gold around his neck, and rank third in the kingdom." Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king the interpretation. Then King Belshazzar became greatly terrified and his face turned pale, and his lords were perplexed.

The queen, when she heard the discussion of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall. The queen said, "O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts terrify you or your face grow pale. There is a man in your kingdom who is endowed with a spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father he was found to have enlightenment, understanding, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners, because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation."

DEVOTION

Every time I read this scripture I giggle. Truly this is an example of "seeing the writing on the wall."

We use this expression in English vernacular to mean that we see what is coming, or what is going on ahead of time...

In King Belshazaar's time, he learned that one should not worship idol gods or trifle with the things of God.

In our time, we too should see the writing on the wall.

We live in the shadow of the cross. We have seen the glorious power of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. We ought to be able to "see the writing on the wall" and remember the same things Belshazaar learned--don't worship idol gods and don't trifle with the things of God!

God, and God alone, is worthy of our worship and adoration. No one and no thing should come before our love relationship with him.

All too often, we bow down before the gods of money, power, prestige, cars, boats, cabins, 401ks, and the like. In 2010, these are our idols of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone.

But, these idols will pass away! And the only god left standing will be the Almighty God, who is Alpha & Omega. It is this God who was in the beginning and will be in the end. It is this God who heals, saves, and delivers. It is this God who made and sustains all things. It is this God who is coming back again to establish a new heaven and a new earth!

Today, I ask you, do you see the writing on the wall? If so, let us turn to God with our whole hearts in worship, praise, and adoration!

Let us pray: Oh God, worthy are you to receive all of the honor, glory, and praise! You are all victorious and I worship you today. Please help me to "see the writing on the wall" and to remember that you are the only GOD that is. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Only God!

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 2:1-10 (NRSV)

Hannah's song

Hannah prayed and said,
"My heart exults in the Lord;
my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in my victory.

"There is no Holy One like the Lord,
no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble gird on strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry are fat with spoil.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
The Lord kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low, he also exalts.
He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's,
and on them he has set the world.

"He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness;
for not by might does one prevail.
The Lord! His adversaries shall be shattered;
the Most High will thunder in heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
he will give strength to his king,
and exalt the power of his anointed."


DEVOTION

"There is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.

The verse above is going to be my "song" on today.

I don't know about you, but I am truly facing a situation in which I need a miracle!

I need the Lord to meet fear with love and anxiety/worry with peace.

I need the Lord to cause those who do not know me to look upon me with favor and to extend to me love and grace that I do not deserve.

I need the Lord to remove physical, mental, and spiritual obstacles that stand in the way of my dreams and desires!

And I need God to do a supernatural work in my life and family, opening and closing doors, making grief gentle and joy abound!

Without God, none of this is possible. It is only God who does such wonderful things!

Like Hannah, let us turn our eyes to God who is able to grant us the ultimate victory, in Jesus' Name!


Let us pray: Oh God! Thank you that ultimate victory is in Jesus Christ! Thank you for his life, death, and resurrection. Thank you for the atonement of sin and gift of eternal life. Please forgive me for trying to rely on my own power, wisdom, and timing. You are a great God, with an awesome plan for my life. I trust you completely. I pray this in the Name of your dear son, Jesus, my Savior and Lord, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

It's Not About You!

SCRIPTURE

Time after Pentecost - Lectionary 30
Luke 18:9-14 (NRSV)

A Pharisee and tax collector pray

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."


DEVOTION

Today's scripture reminds me of the importance of how we chose to pray. In the case of the Pharisee, he prayed as if it was "all about him." He said I thank you that I am not like other people. I fast...I give...Do you notice how much he is talking about himself and his greatness?

In the case of the tax collector he prayed from a different perspective. He prayed as if it was all about GOD. He said, "GOD, be merciful to me, a sinner..."

We definitely want to be careful about who we chose to exalt as we lift our voices to heaven. Truly it is all about GOD. God who made us! God who sustains us! God who saved us by giving Jesus to die on the cross to make atonement for our sin and gift us with eternal life! God who resurrected Jesus in victory and sent forth the Holy Spirit to equip and empower the church! God who provides everything that we need...

Pride is a dangerous friend; but humility will always be a blessing!

Today, let us all take a moment to pray with the tax collector, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner..."


Let us pray: Oh God! You are wonderful! You are good! You are merciful! Please forgive me, for I have sinned against you in word, thought, and deed--by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart, I have not loved my neighbors as myself. Please forgive me and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I may share the good news with everyone that I meet. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Mary's Song

Luke 1:46-55 (NRSV)

Mary's song

And Mary said,
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Continue in what you believe!

SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 3:10-15 (NRSV)

The persecution of the godly

Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and suffering the things that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.


DEVOTION

Paul is far bolder than me in declaring his good example to others. But, having said that, I do pray that there is something in "my teaching, conduct, aim in life, faith, patience, love, and steadfastness" that will be an encouragement to those around me!

As Christians we are invited on a daily basis to "continue in what we have learned and firmly believed..." We know that our salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and as we live into that joyous reality we will manifest the fruit of the Spirit and other godly attributes that will be a blessing to others.

Although all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, we can do our best to set a good example--especially for our loved ones and neighbors who have not yet put all of their hope in Jesus!

I am so glad that Love gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life! I hope that my gratitude radiates out of my life and into the lives of others!


Let's pray: Oh Good God, thank you for all of the ways that you bless me to be a blessing to others! Please fill me with your love, joy, and peace, so that by my example others will come running to you! I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Live in Light & Victory!

SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 3:1-9 (NRSV)

Godlessness

You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them! For among them are those who make their way into households and captivate silly women, overwhelmed by their sins and swayed by all kinds of desires, who are always being instructed and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth. As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people, of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith, also oppose the truth. But they will not make much progress, because, as in the case of those two men, their folly will become plain to everyone.


DEVOTION

Today's scripture reading makes me so grateful for the blessed assurance that Jesus saves and he saves to the utmost!

Surely, we are in the "last days" described above. We need look no further than our computers, televisions, and newspapers to realize that we are a sinful people prone to hurting ourselves and others.

I am so grateful for Jesus Christ, who gave his life upon the cross to atone for our sin and gift us with eternal life!

Although we don't know exactly when Jesus will chose to come again ushering in an age of peace and prosperity unlike any before, we do know that we have his promise that he will!

It is awesome to live in the victory of The Light. Light did indeed conquer darkness and Jesus has overcome the world!

This is good news and I pray that we will boldly share it with others! When Jesus was resurrected, victorious over sin, death, and the grave, he set us truly free!

Today, let us confess our sin, receive our pardon, and live in The Light and Victory of Jesus!


Let us pray: Lord God Almighty! You are so Mighty to save! I love you so very much! Please help me to walk in the victory of your resurrection. Please forgive my sin. Please help me to share the good news with others. I pray this in your Holy Name, Amen!

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

The Eye of the Storm...

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 57 (NRSV)

Vindication from God

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
until the destroying storms pass by.
I cry to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven and save me,
he will put to shame those who trample on me.
Selah
God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness.

I lie down among lions
that greedily devour human prey;
their teeth are spears and arrows,
their tongues sharp swords.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.

They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my path,
but they have fallen into it themselves.
Selah
My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.
Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn.
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
your faithfulness extends to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.


DEVOTION

Let those in need of a word of encouragement draw near today!

Hear the words of the psalmist, "in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by..."

I don't know about you, but I know what it is to have fierce storms raging in my life! I've heard it said, "When it rains, it pours!" and it is true. Sometimes it feels like everything goes wrong all at once--the rains are falling, the winds are blowing, and we're soaked to the skin--physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually...

It is at times like these that God invites us to remember that God is our refuge in the time of storm.

As we begin to praise God in the midst of the storm, a funny thing happens. We find that we can stand in THE EYE OF THE STORM. The storm rages and blows all around us, but in the center of the storm we find love, joy, and peace with God, through Jesus Christ!

The psalmist said, "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make melody. Awake, my soul! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn. I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens; your faithfulness extends to the clouds."

Oh yes! Hallelujah! GOD's faithfulness extends to the clouds...

Be not dismayed, dear one, God is with us! (even in the midst of the storm)


Let us pray: Oh God! The storms are raging in my life, but you are an anchor and I trust you! Thank you for loving me so much that you allowed Jesus to live and die and rise again to atone for my sin and gift me with eternal life. Thanks for standing with me in the eye of the storm. You are good! Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

An "Abigail" Voice...

1 Samuel 25:23-35 (NRSV)

Abigail pleads for life

When Abigail saw David, she hurried and alighted from the donkey, fell before David on her face, bowing to the ground. She fell at his feet and said, "Upon me alone, my lord, be the guilt; please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant. My lord, do not take seriously this ill-natured fellow, Nabal; for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him; but I, your servant, did not see the young men of my lord, whom you sent.

Now then, my lord, as the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, since the Lord has restrained you from bloodguilt and from taking vengeance with your own hand, now let your enemies and those who seek to do evil to my lord be like Nabal. And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord. Please forgive the trespass of your servant; for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the Lord; and evil shall not be found in you so long as you live. If anyone should rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living under the care of the Lord your God; but the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling. When the Lord has done to my lord according to all the good that he has spoken concerning you, and has appointed you prince over Israel, my lord shall have no cause of grief, or pangs of conscience, for having shed blood without cause or for having saved himself. And when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your servant."

David said to Abigail, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me today! Blessed be your good sense, and blessed be you, who have kept me today from bloodguilt and from avenging myself by my own hand! For as surely as the Lord the God of Israel lives, who has restrained me from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, truly by morning there would not have been left to Nabal so much as one male." Then David received from her hand what she had brought him; he said to her, "Go up to your house in peace; see, I have heeded your voice, and I have granted your petition."

DEVOTION

Ha!

In today's WWF culture, we often celebrate and encourage violence. When we know that there is conflict between persons, we often take perverse joy in stirring it up and stoking the fires for our own entertainment.

It is a sad circumstance that more Christians do no function as an "Abigail voice" in our culture and society.

As followers of The Way and children of the King of Love, it is our duty and delight to speak a word of love, peace, and forgiveness where there is threat of conflict.

The Spirit teaches us what to say and in Wisdom speaks to the hearts of those who hear us.

I love the fact that as Christians we are reconcilers! We who have been reconciled with God, through Christ, now have a ministry of reconciliation with others!

Today, may we take up the valor, courage, and boldness of Abigail as we speak truth to power that all of our neighbors may dwell in peace with one another, and most importantly with God!

Let us pray: Oh Lord! Please make me a reconciler. Please forgive me for the many times that I have failed to listen to and heed the Abigail voice of another, taking perverse pleasure in fighting with others. I know that you are Peace and that you desire for us to be peace-makers. Please embolden me by your Holy Spirit to speak truth this day as I boldly declare the good news that "Christ has died! Christ has risen! Christ shall come again!" In Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Evangelism

Luke, Evangelist
2 Timothy 4:5-11 (NRSV)

As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Do your best to come to me soon, for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry.

DEVOTION

To be an evangelist is to be one who brings the good news message about Jesus to others!

I fear that we, in The Church, have made the word too complicated and complex.

It amazes me that we give people the title "evangelist," when in fact, we are all called to go out and tell others about the Love of God revealed to us in Christ Jesus!

The fact is that God loves the world so much that He gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life.

Furthermore, Jesus did not stay dead, but was resurrected just as he promised--victorious over sin, death, and the grave!

It is good news that no matter what God loves us! We can't out sin, out fox, or out run the love of God revealed to us in Christ Jesus.

No matter how badly we think we have messed up, God stands ever ready to love and forgive. God has an amazing way of looking beyond our faults and seeing our needs.

If you have never accepted this truth, today would be a great day to do it! And if you already confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior, today would be a great day to share you faith with someone else!

Let us pray:

Dear God, I know you love me and I love you too. I believe that Jesus died on the cross and that you raised him from the dead! Please forgive all of my sins and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I want my whole life to declare your praise and glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


SPECIAL NOTE

If you just prayed that prayer for the first time, today, you have become a follower of Christ! Let me encourage you to tell a Christian friend that you just put all of your hope in Jesus. Ask him or her to help you find a Bible that is easy for you to understand and to find a good Bible believing church where you can be baptized and make new friends who will walk with you on your Christian journey!

I would be honored if you would take a moment to click "YES" in answer to the survey question "Did you put all of your hope in Jesus today?" located at the top-right-hand corner of this blog.

Congratulations and Happy Re-birthday! Your salvation is our GOOD NEWS, please go and share the GOOD NEWS with others!

Quick Justice!

SCRIPTURE

Time after Pentecost - Lectionary 29
Luke 18:1-8 (NRSV)

A widow begs for justice

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, 'Grant me justice against my opponent.' For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, 'Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"


DEVOTION

I am so grateful that we serve a God who is just. We don't have to beg and plead for justice, for our God is always just!

I love the words, "I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

It seems to me that as we pray, we must apply our faith with love toward God and neighbor. As we do this, we trust with all of our hearts that God is able to accomplish God's good will and purpose for every person involved.

I love that God loves all of us equally! I also love that God has a good plan not to harm us, but to give each of us a future and a hope!

Sometimes I pray about one thing, multiple times. But, it is not because God did not hear me or because he is too slow to answer.

God is an on time God and I know that God hears me as soon as I call.

I guess I pray because I need to reassure myself that all is well, or will be well, soon!

As I pray, no matter how many times I lift my fear, anxiety, or worry to God, I trust that Spirit grants me joy, peace, and patience enough to sustain me in the hard times.

This in and of itself is an answer to prayer. May God grant that we have the wisdom to trust and obey as we wait for God's justice and good will to be manifested in our difficult circumstances.


Let us pray: God, I trust you more and more each day! You are such a good God and always full of justice. I can trust you to take care of me and my concerns, as well as the concerns of others. I know this to be true because your Love gave Jesus to die on the cross to make atonement for my sin and gift me with eternal life! I don't have any problem bigger than sin and you've already solved it! So, I entrust my smaller problems to you, knowing that you are well able to save me. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Have Mercy Upon Me!

SCRIPTURE

Mark 10:46-52 (NRSV)
A man who would not be silenced

They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stood still and said, "Call him here." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you." So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to him, "My teacher, let me see again." Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)

Jesus!

Jesus!

Son!

Son of!

Son of David!

Have mercy upon me!

Teacher!

Let me see!

Let me see again!

Let me...

Son!

Son of!

Son of David!

Teacher!

Have mercy upon me!

Take heart...

Get up...

He is calling...

He is calling YOU

What do you want?

From the Son?

From the Son of?

From the Son of David?

From your Teacher?

Have mercy...

I want to see again...

From David?

From David's Son?

From David's Son of?

From the The Son of David?

From the Teacher?

Have mercy...

Make me see!

I am blind...

Help me see!

Have mercy upon me...

GO

GO, your faith

GO, your faith has

GO, your faith has allowed you to see

GO with what you hoped for

GO with the evidence of what

no one could see...

GO!

With Son,

With Son of

With Son of David

Had mercy upon me...

With Son,

With Son of

With Son of GOD

Had mercy upon me...

With Son

With Son of GOD

With Son of Eternity

With Son of Love

Had mercy upon me...

I will follow you

Along

The Way.

Son

Son of David

Son of God

Teacher

Son of Eternity

Son of Love

Have Mercy upon me...

FOREVER.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Minced Words...

SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 2:14-26 (NRSV)

About the Christian life

Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness."

In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary. All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work. Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.


DEVOTION

Yesterday in Bible Study we discussed the importance of controlling our tongues because the power of life and death is contained therein.

Again, we hear a similar message from Paul in 2 Timothy when he states, "avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening...Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, and their talk will spread like gangrene...Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.

Wow!

Paul didn't "mince his words." (smile)

He reminds us that what we say truly matters! He instructs us to use our mouths to help and not hurt, build up and not tear down, help and not harm.

We are especially instructed to avoid quarreling with others!

Even as we are trying to share the good news with others, we are to do it with love and gentleness.

Paul says, "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will."

We are all the Lord's servants, therefore we are all called to be kind to everyone, patient, and gentle!

As we model these Spiritual attributes our non-Christian brothers and sisters will be more likely to be receptive to our good news message regarding Jesus who lived and died and rose again to make atonement for our sin and gift us with eternal life!

Our words make a difference, beloved of God! Let us be careful what we say...


Let's pray: My Lord and my God! Please bridle my tongue. Please lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Please forgive me for being quarrelsome in the past. Please help me to be kind, gentle, and patient in the future. Enable and equip me to share the good news. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

To An Unknown God

SCRIPTURE

Acts 17:22-34 (NRSV)
God has fixed a day of judgment

Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, "Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, 'To an unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him - though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For 'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we too are his offspring.' Since we are God's offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."

When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some scoffed; but others said, "We will hear you again about this." At that point Paul left them. But some of them joined him and became believers, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

DEVOTION

As Christians we are called to share the good news about Jesus' life, death and resurrection with everyone that we meet.

The Apostle Paul took this commission very seriously and did his level best to make Jesus accessible to Jews and Gentiles alike.

I am touched by Paul's willingness to meet his hearers where they were. He said, "...as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, 'To an unknown god.'"

This is a wonderful way to evangelize others! Paul took the time to get to know the people he sought to serve. He came to understand what was important to them. And then he proclaimed Jesus Christ crucified and risen in terms that they could understand.

Now it is true that some scoffed at his preaching; I think anyone who does evangelism knows that this is a very real risk at all times.

But, there were others like Dionysius, Damaris, and others who heard the good news and believed!

I truly believe that when even one person comes to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, heaven rejoices!

Since this is true, then no amount of scoffing, nor fear of shame, should keep us from shouting from the rooftops, "Christ has died! Christ has risen! Christ shall come again!"

It is my prayer that all of us will become bold witnesses for Christ in the days ahead...

Let us pray: Gracious Lord God, I pray that you will root out the fear within me that keeps me from sharing your good news with others. I have been so blessed by my relationship with you through Jesus Christ and I know in my heart that others will be too! Please help me to share my love for you with everyone that I meet. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

True Worshipers

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 61 (NRSV)

Prayer for a long life

Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to you,
when my heart is faint.

Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I;
for you are my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.

Let me abide in your tent forever,
find refuge under the shelter of your wings.
Selah
For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

Prolong the life of the king;
may his years endure to all generations!
May he be enthroned forever before God;
appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!

So I will always sing praises to your name,
as I pay my vows day after day.


DEVOTION

I love the words, "I will always sing praises to your name!"

Today, although the storms of life are raging all around me, I want to make up my mind to be a true worshiper.

A true worshiper does not worship merely because it is convenient. A true worshiper does not only worship when things are good. A true worshiper cannot be deterred from their commitment to offer God honor and praise--no matter what the circumstance.

Instead, a true worshiper will worship even when times are tough, when trouble threatens to overwhelm, when circumstances don't work out as they had hoped, and even when it appears that all hope is lost.

The psalmist says, "Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint."

Sometimes we have to call on God even when our hearts are faint! It is at these times that God hurries to our aid, providing refuge and acting as our strong tower.

How I love our God for being so praise-worthy and faithful to us!

Won't you make up your mind to be a true worshiper today?


Let pray: O God, I worship you! I love and adore you! I bow down my heart before you! I do not worship based on external circumstance, but because my heart is very sure that you love me and gave Jesus to die on the cross for me! Thank you for the atonement of my sin! Thank you for the promise of eternal life! Please teach me to worship you in spirit and in truth. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

What God Has For Me...

SCRIPTURE

2 Kings 5:19b-27 (NRSV)

Greed brings leprosy to Gehazi

But when Naaman had gone from him a short distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, thought, "My master has let that Aramean Naaman off too lightly by not accepting from him what he offered. As the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something out of him." So Gehazi went after Naaman. When Naaman saw someone running after him, he jumped down from the chariot to meet him and said, "Is everything all right?" He replied, "Yes, but my master has sent me to say, 'Two members of a company of prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim; please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.'" Naaman said, "Please accept two talents." He urged him, and tied up two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and gave them to two of his servants, who carried them in front of Gehazi. When he came to the citadel, he took the bags from them, and stored them inside; he dismissed the men, and they left.

He went in and stood before his master; and Elisha said to him, "Where have you been, Gehazi?" He answered, "Your servant has not gone anywhere at all." But he said to him, "Did I not go with you in spirit when someone left his chariot to meet you? Is this a time to accept money and to accept clothing, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, and male and female slaves? Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you, and to your descendants forever." So he left his presence leprous, as white as snow.

DEVOTION

Ah! This is a terrible story!

But, it reminds me of the importance of two things. First of all, I am reminded of how dangerous greed truly is! It causes us to do terrible things and to make horrific compromises.

Secondly, I am reminded how dangerous it is to covet the blessings of others. I remember as a child my mother used to say, "What God has for me, is for me!"

In both cases, we get into trouble because we fail to celebrate the blessings and accomplishments of others. We desire what we do not have, rather than being grateful for the things that we do have.

All of this can be avoided if we learn to count our own blessings, as well as rejoice when others are blessed as well.

Today, I am thinking of the Chilean miners who will all hopefully be lifted to safety by Friday. I have heard others comment about how jealous they are about the amount of money that may be coming to the men who were underground almost 70 days!

I don't covet their blessings! I can't even begin to know what pain they had to endure in body, mind, or spirit, to be lifted out of that pit and back into society!

Instead, I am rejoicing that they will be rescued and reunited with their families. I am celebrating that they will get the medical care that they so desperately need. And I am praising God that he was able to keep them alive in the pit for so long.

Our God is an awesome God! When I see God blessing others I am encouraged because it means God can bless me too!

We don't have to be greedy for the blessings of our neighbors; instead, let us focus steadfastly on the God who blesses all of us, all of the time!

Let's pray: Good God, how I love you! You are so generous and so kind! You have never withheld from me anything that I truly need! Please forgive me for being greedy. Please help me to celebrate the blessings of others. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Go in peace...

2 Kings 5:15-19a (NRSV)

Naaman seeks to repay Elisha

Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company; he came and stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel; please accept a present from your servant." But he said, "As the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will accept nothing!" He urged him to accept, but he refused. Then Naaman said, "If not, please let two mule-loads of earth be given to your servant; for your servant will no longer offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god except the Lord. But may the Lord pardon your servant on one count: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow down in the house of Rimmon, when I do bow down in the house of Rimmon, may the Lord pardon your servant on this one count." He said to him, "Go in peace."

DEVOTION

It occurs to me that most of us are a lot like Naaman. We get really excited when good things happen! We want to share our joy with others! We sometimes remember to thank the human being who delivered the service, but we often forget to thank GOD for using the hands, feet, mouth, or smile of the human to accomplish the good work!

Even if we do remember to thank GOD it comes with stipulations. I will praise you on Sunday at church, but not Monday at work. I will lift up my hands at the contemporary worship service, but not at the traditional. I will boldly proclaim the Name of Jesus to strangers, but not to my family.

We are so challenged a sin-sick ones! We have such great potential to walk in right relationship with God--for we were created to do so, but the reality of sin thwarts us every time!

Thanks be to God who gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life! Thanks be to the Law of Love that looks beyond our faults and sees our needs.

I am struck by Elisha's words to Namaan, "Go in peace..."

I can hear God saying the same thing to us on this day!

GO IN PEACE...

As we desire to give thanks, as we desire to worship God, God is pleased!

Now, ain'ta that good news?!

Let us pray: Oh God! Thank you for being so generous toward me in so many ways! I thank and praise you for being so wonderful! I especially thank you for Jesus! Please help me to share the good news with everyone that I meet. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

THANK YOU

SCRIPTURE

10/10/2010
Time after Pentecost - Lectionary 28
Luke 17:11-19 (NRSV)

One leper gives thanks to God

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."


DEVOTION

The truth is, every single day God is healing us in body, mind, and spirit. Each of us is gifted on a daily basis with blessings so great we can't possibly keep track of them all!

Unfortunately, as human beings, we often take these gifts for granted or we get so busy doing what we're "supposed to do" that we forget what we ought to do--which is to give thanks and praise to God!

In today's scripture ten lepers were healed, but only one stopped in his tracks, returned to God, and offered his worship and praise.

I'm not sure if the other 9 were ungrateful or if they were just busy trying to "show themselves to the priests" and return to society, but whatever their reasons, they forgot to thank the one who had made them whole!

Today, we are invited to remember The One who generously pours out blessings upon us each and every day! Don't walk away without saying thank you; that would be rude!


Let's pray: Good God, THANK YOU so much for all of your blessings and benefits toward me. You are so good and I truly appreciate you. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta