From Our Hearts

DEVOTION: In late fall of 1990, Operation Desert Shield became Operation Desert Storm. That meant war. I still remember holding my breath as President George H. Bush addressed the nation on television and spoke the words every military family dreads. He was authorizing the call-up of reservists. Jim was an Army Reservist. As a registered pharmacist, he was assigned to the Medical Service Corps. After 25 years of routine monthly meetings and after Jim finally qualified for army retirement, we were not prepared for what could happen.

DEVOTION: This is normally the time of year every high school, college, and grad student looks forward to; a commencement ceremony to celebrate and applaud their years of diligence and hard work. This year the activities may look a little different, but there are some things that remain the same.

DEVOTION: Jesus tells us in John 13:34, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” What does this kind of love look like? It is a sacrifice of self, which includes our expectations. This can be hard as it’s opposite of how our natural mind, and desires, works. This kind of love involves effort, not mere emotion. It requires action, not just feeling. It comes from God and leads us to being content.

DEVOTION: Our nation, our world, is in His hands. In times like these, we can choose to sit idly by and hope for the best, or we can offer ourselves as a vessel and intercede on behalf of others. So today, in honor of two holidays celebrated in May: Mother’s Day and the National Day of Prayer, observed annually on the first Thursday of May, we want to extend our voices to God on behalf of Mothers on the Front Lines. We ask that you please join us in prayer for these heroes.

DEVOTION: Eve: from death sprang life; from darkness came light; from the curse came a blessing; from a sentence of death came hope for the future; and from the stinging despair of defeat came the strength of budding faith. Eve was the mother of all living!

DEVOTION: 

What type of objections have you experienced when sharing the Gospel with other people? What answers do you find most useful to help overcome someone’s skepticism? 

The Christian faith demands we have enough compassion to learn the questions of our generation and go to the Bible for its answers. Lord, give me the hope and faith I need to be a Godly witness during this time. Amen.

DEVOTION: When worry strikes, if we’re not careful, we can get discouraged or even depressed. We can respond to life negatively, and take our eyes off God and His promises to take care of us. Our hope in Him is the answer to all of life’s issues. Sovereign God is still in control.

DEVOTION: When I need strength and courage, I remember the women at the cross and the tomb of Jesus. I’m always amazed that a small band of ladies stayed with our Lord to the very end, even when His closest disciples left! Whenever you want to take a shortcut or pass on something important or risky, remember the women at His feet, His cross, and His tomb.

DEVOTION: Jesus was the Son of God, yet he was the ultimate servant. Perhaps my favorite verse about our Lord is Matthew 20:28: "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." One thing that touches my heart about this truth is that it is written in the book of Matthew, and Matthew is the Gospel that most exalts Jesus, as Messiah, the King! Yet, serving was a strong quality in King Jesus’ life – a priority and a way of life for Him.

DEVOTION: Jesus also must have been considering His own future suffering when He encouraged John the Baptist that his suffering and humble service were for the greater purpose of offering redemption and eternal life for all. This is a wonderful time to thank God for the gift of His Son, our Savior, and those saints who came before us proclaiming the Gospel.

DEVOTION: Being friendly and approachable is a Jesus quality. You may believe that anyone could talk to you or ask something of you, but you may also be sending a message that says you already have enough friends, or you’re too busy to be bothered. Ask God to look into your heart. Pray for an approachable spirit that will reflect the heart of Jesus.

DEVOTION: Every prayer you lift up for your friends reaches God’s ears and heart. Ask Him to use His power, strength, and wisdom to help the people you care about. Are you friends with others who encourage and build you up in the faith? Are you making the effort to grow spiritually so you can be that kind of friend to others?