DEVOTIONALS

STOP AND PRAISE THE LORD - PSALM 150:6

One morning as I bustled about the house trying to get some thing done I heard the clear, sweet song of a beautiful bird piped in through the fireplace in my living room. I paused and listened. Then I sat down cross-legged by the fireplace just to enjoy the gray-and-white songbird perched on my chimney.

What a restful experience! As I sat there, I wondered, why does that little bird sing so much? Is he praising his Creator with his singing? So I started praising and thanking my Lord for all His blessings.

As I arose to resume my work a few minutes later, I had new vigor for my tasks and my heart bubbled over with joy.

Sometimes I think we get so busy in our ever day life that we forget to praise and thank the Lord. Could this be why our work becomes a burden at times? Could this be why we lose our joy in the Lord? The Bible says “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalms 103:2).

Every morning when I awake I praise the Lord and thank Him for various blessings. This really get my day off to a good, cheerful start! One blessing I often praise the Lord for is my unearned salvation. This reminds me how much my heavenly Father and my Savior love me, and it fills me with joy. “ If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31).

With Joy,

Lois J.

THE VISION FOR BELIEVERS

MATTHEW 28: 16-20 -- Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17. And when they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted. 18. And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father , and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen kjv

Some people often have bright aspirations for their lives. Some aim for a high-powered career or financial success. Others dream about making close friendships or impacting the world.

But no matter what our personal human goals may be, the Lord has cast a vision for all of His children. It is known as the Great Commission: Matthew 28: 9.

What does it mean, to “make disciples’? Some Christians think this refers to adding new church members and growing the size of the congregation. But God is not interested in numbers or external appearances; He’s concerned about genuine heart change.

So He commissions His followers to lead others, first to saving faith in Jesus Christ and then to the next step--baptism--as a public declaration of their trust in the Savior.

Once Jesus shared these objectives, most of the disciples spent the rest of their days fulfilling them. In fact, almost every one gave his life to accomplish them. This command has not changed. God still expects us, His children, to share the good news of the gospel, to teach people how to be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to baptize those who are saved. Are you living with God’s purpose as your guide? Ask Him for opportunities and the courage to share His message of hope and love.

OUR DAILY WALK