Tuesday, December 29, 2009

New Year Commitment by Ann Elaine Broughton

“…..to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men” (Titus 3:1-2 NIV).

As we look back on this year, we should be contemplating what good we did for the Lord. Was someone blessed by your encouraging words? Did you make someone’s life a little easier by giving him or her financial assistance? Did you do a random act of kindness in the Lord’s name? Did you take a leap of faith and do something through the Lord’s strength and not your own? All of these questions are meant to get you to think about your commitment to what the Lord wants you to do for Him. Have your prayed to the Lord and asked Him to show you want He wants you to do for Him every day? You are His ambassador and He expects you to be a witness to others. It is you that have to show love and caring to people in need. It is you who need to talk about others with kind words. It is you who need to be positive when all those around you are speaking negative words that cause distress. It is time for you to stand up and be noticed as a Christian who knows the Lord very well because you have spent time with Him every day in prayer and Bible study.
I would like to dare you to live the above verse every day during the New Year. Can you imagine how wonderful the world would be if everyone would do what the above verse says? But you know that it just takes each person determining to make a difference that can change the world. I believe that you can do this. Pray and believe that you can make a difference in many people’s lives during the coming year. Step out in faith and trust God to help you because He will never fail you.
Dear Lord,
I know that I need to think of your will more than my will. Help me to make a difference by helping someone who needs me. Help me to show your love to others by speaking kindly and living a humble life.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Nothing is Impossible With God by Ann Elaine Broughton

“For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37 NIV).

The angel had just told Mary that she would bear a son and name him Jesus. He also told her that Jesus’ kingdom would never end because He would be the Son of God. She asked him how it could happen and the angel told her that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the Most High would overshadow her. (Luke 1:30-36) The angel reassured her that nothing was impossible with God. Mary could have said no, but instead told the angel that she was the Lord’s servant and said, “May it be to me as you have said”( Luke 1:38 NIV). Mary was a willing servant of her Lord. She did not hesitate even though to be pregnant and not married was difficult, especially since she was betrothed. She did not hesitate though, but agreed right away to do the Lord’s will in her life.
What is God calling you to do for Him? The Lord has given you the Holy Spirit and that is the best gift you can have. The Holy Spirit is within you to guide you, to give you strength, and to help you in your weakness if you are a Christian. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness” (Romans 8:26 NIV). He intercedes for you in accordance to God’s will. (Romans 8:27). So whatever you are called to do, you can do it with the help of the Holy Spirit.
An example of someone in the Bible who changed because of the Holy Spirit is Peter. Peter, an apostle, had told Jesus that he would never deny him, but minutes later after Jesus was arrested, he denied that he knew him and wept. But then at Pentecost he was a changed man. He stood up before thousands and proclaimed the news, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38 NIV). Over 3,000 people were baptized after that wonderful sermon. He was given strength and courage through the Holy Spirit that he did not have under normal circumstances.
It is time for you to really believe that nothing is impossible with God. Trust Him and step out in faith to do His will in your life. You are called to not just be a spectator, but you are called to serve in an outstanding way.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be used by you in whatever means you choose. Help me to be a willing servant knowing that through the Holy Spirit I can do amazing things. Help me to always remember that nothing is impossible with you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Perseverance: A devotion by Ann Broughton

“ And not only this, but we also exult in tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance proven cha...