Jeremiah 31:21 MSG

"Set up signposts to mark your trip home. Get a good map. Study the road conditions. The road out is the road back."

I'm a big planner, and I like to be prepared for any scenario when we travel. We don't go too far from home because the unexpected can be too daunting. But when we do take a trip, I have multiple to-do lists that I start weeks/months before we ever leave.

When you take a trip, not many people plan for the journey home, assuming it's the same as the way there. On your travels, you usually take notice of landmarks, signs, and rest stops as you follow the map. Perhaps you're old-school and have a good old-fashioned paper map, or maybe you pull up the map app on your phone and listen to the voice telling you when to turn right. You pay attention to curves, hills, and potholes as you navigate new roads on your journey.

You're prepared, and you know the way to go. Doesn't that sound just like the journey we are all taking called life? We are always faced with new paths to take, and the terrain is usually unfamiliar to us. As we walk this new path by faith, we learn new things, take in current sights, and experience unique periods of life.

When we wander and stray from God and our relationship with Him, the road back can be extremely difficult to navigate, and it can appear to be more complex and intimidating than it really is. Mercy and love are always waiting for you, with outstretched, nail-scarred hands. The unconditional love of your Good, Good Father is so near to you and can be felt as soon as you whisper the precious name of Jesus.

The road out is the road back.

Don't hesitate to call on that name today. You haven't gone too far, He is awaiting your return.

Devotion by Caitlin Walker

A few months ago, I decided to give pencil sketching a try. I wanted something relaxing to do occasionally that wouldn't require much investment.

At an art store, I purchased a Pentalic sketchbook, a set of tinted German-made Staedtler pencils, and a high-quality eraser. A few weeks later, I added colored pencils and another sketchbook to my collection of supplies.

Lacking sketching experience, I looked at pictures I had and did my best to replicate them with pencil drawings. My husband gives me lavish praise for my little sketches. I appreciate his enthusiasm about my new hobby, but he and I both know that I am just beginning. At some point, I would like to take a class or two and get some pointers from an art instructor.

One thing I learned right away was the value of an eraser. As I sketched olive branches, lavender sprigs, or a scene from the Holy Land, I found myself reaching for my eraser. When I sketched something that did not look quite right, my eraser got a workout!

It dawned on me that God was giving me the most basic lesson on forgiveness. After all, what does baptism do? The Bible uses the word "remission" to describe how baptism in the name of Jesus washes our sins away (Acts 2:38, KJV). When we are baptized in the name of Jesus, our sins are forgiven and removed. They will never again be held against us.

This is wonderful, of course. But many people wonder what we should do when we sin after we have been baptized in Jesus' name. Nowhere does the Bible tell us to get re-baptized following our initial baptism in Jesus' name. So, how are our sins removed after baptism?

I John 1:9 has the answer. First John is a letter written to the church that has been born again of water and of the Spirit. Verse nine says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This is a promise specifically for born-again believers.

God does not want us to sin. But He knows that we will sin. Our humanness sometimes leads us down that path. So, when we sin, we confess our sin to God. In other words, we tell Him what we have done wrong. This establishes accountability between us and God. Because He is faithful and just, He will forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. What an amazing eraser! Only God can erase our sins. Only He is able to cleanse us this thoroughly.

A sketch artist does not throw away all of her art supplies because she made a mistake. She uses her eraser to remove the mistake. She learns from her mistake. Then, she picks up her pencils and continues where she left off.

When we sin, hopelessness and discouragement can set in. Sadly, some people become so consumed with the weight of their mistakes that they walk away from God. But God does not want us to throw away our entire lives when we do something wrong.

Will I ever be an accomplished sketch artist? To be honest, I seriously doubt that I will ever become the sketch artist version of Picasso or Michelangelo.

But whether my artistic skills improve or not, I have been reminded of something much more important. God does not want me to sin. But when I do, He has a solution. He is willing to forgive me the moment I come before Him with a repentant heart. When I confess my sin to God, He erases it. Then, He offers me a fresh start. Sins that I looked at with dismay because they were marring the picture of my life are wiped clean. Regret is replaced with renewed focus on the goodness of God.

God does not want me or you to dwell on the mistakes we have made. We can't undo the past. But we can run into God's arms of mercy, confessing our sin, knowing that He will love us, forgive us, and restore us. He will extend to us the opportunity to begin again. He wants to help us create something beautiful from our lives, one gentle pencil stroke at a time.

PRAY WITH ME: Thank You, Jesus, for reminding me that when You forgive me, my sin is no longer visible. My heart is full of gratitude to ...

Have you ever shopped for a new car, leaning toward a certain make and model, and suddenly that's all you seem to see on the road? It isn't that more of them appeared overnight - it's that you're now aware of what was there all along.

In much the same way, I've noticed that when God is speaking to me about a particular subject, it seems to show up everywhere - articles, conversations, and even podcasts. Recently, what has captured my attention is the uniqueness of different generations: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.

At the same time, my husband and I have felt a distinct calling to step more intentionally into mentoring within the church. Titus 2 presents a generational pattern: older men should walk uprightly, be sound in faith, and exhort younger men to wisdom and patience. Older women are instructed to live holy lives, teaching younger women how to honor God in their families and relationships, showing love and respect to their husbands.

As Brett Harris once said, "The beauty of collaboration between older and younger generations is that we combine strength with wisdom - a powerful force for change." Each generation carries its own experiences, perspectives, and influences. But when energy, passion, and fresh inspiration are combined with wisdom, knowledge, and discernment, we find a partnership that is unstoppable.

Psalm 145:4 (NIV) reminds us: "One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts."

In our church, we've seen a surge of young people from Generation Z (born 1997-2012). These aren't casual visitors - they keep returning week after week, hungry for more of God. What stands out most to me is their desire for authenticity. They have grown up in a world of filters, AI, and social media personas curated for likes and follows, but what they crave is truth. Not "my truth" or "your truth," but the authority of God's Word actively lived out in the church.

We also see many deconstructing their faith, questioning traditions, and searching for truth. And you know what? God's Word can withstand every question. What often cannot hold up is our man-made religiosity. So, when the next generation examines the "why" behind how we live, we can either discourage the examination or lean in and walk with them through the transformation that comes when faith becomes their own.

This is why mentoring matters. Gen Z longs to be included and connected. They need a place to ask questions as they grapple with their faith or lack thereof.

How did Jesus mentor his disciples? He walked with them daily, teaching them by word and example, and then empowered them and sent them out. Historical accounts suggest these disciples were likely young men in their late teens and twenties - and yet they sacrificed everything to follow Jesus.

If we give Gen Z a God-sized vision - bold enough to live for and holy enough to die for - they too will rise to take up their cross and follow Him.

Today's devotional was written by Shelly Stringfellow.

"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert" (Isaiah 43:18-19, KJV).

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11, KJV).

As we look ahead, we should be filled with hope and expectation. The Lord Himself declares, "Behold, I will do a new thing" (Isaiah 43:19). Do you believe it? These verses remind us not to dwell on past failures or fears but to embrace the new things God is doing in our lives.

We cannot change the past, but we can trust God's promise of a future filled with hope. Declare in Jesus' name: "God is doing something new in me!"

The phrase "new beginning" means a point at which something starts anew. This could be moving to a new place, starting a different career, developing new habits, or - most importantly - experiencing renewal in our walk with God. Scripture is full of examples of new beginnings, and from them we can learn to live in newness of life.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF NEW BEGINNINGS

The Beginning of Creation: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Genesis 1:1, KJV).

At God's spoken word, the universe was formed - light, skies, seas, land, plants, animals. Creation itself was a testimony that new beginnings come through God's Word. In the same way, our new beginning starts when His Word comes alive in us.

The Beginning of Sin: (Genesis 3:6-7, KJV).

When Eve was deceived and Adam chose to follow, sin entered the world. What seemed like defeat was not the end because God already had a plan. From the beginning, He prepared a greater victory through salvation and restoration.

The Beginning of Salvation: "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21, KJV).

The birth of Jesus marked humanity's greatest new beginning. Through His death and resurrection, we have the gift of new life.

THE KEYS TO NEW BEGINNINGS

Key 1: Resolution to Change

A resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something. People often make resolutions at the start of a new year - such as better health, stronger relationships, and financial goals. But what about spiritual resolutions?

Will you commit to praying more, reading the Bible daily, or serving God more faithfully? Will you step out of your comfort zone to glorify Him? Ask the Lord, "What can I do for You?"

In Isaiah 42:9 God declared, "Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them."

The psalmist wrote, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Psalm 119:1, KJV).

New beginnings are not just about external changes but about spiritual renewal. Make the decision to be anchored in prayer, the Word of God, and a closer walk with Jesus.

Key 2: Redirection to God's Purpose

God often redirects His people - Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and even Israel. Though setbacks came, His purpose always prevailed.

"O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23, NIV).

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps" (Proverbs 16:9, KJV).

Sometimes God's direction spares us from harm. A missed opportunity, delay, or change of plans may be His way of guiding you to safety or positioning you for greater blessing.

Though redirection may bring hardship - loss of job, family struggles, illness - trust that God is working for your good. Follow Job's example of worship in the midst of trials (Job 1:21).

Key 3: Restore Your Relationship with Jesus

It's possible to know about Jesus without truly knowing Him. Judas and John both followed Jesus but only John had a close relationship Him. Judas knew Jesus but never surrendered his heart and the result was bet...

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14, KJV).

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16, KJV).

What Does It Mean to Go Beyond?

The word beyond means "on the further side of," "a place not yet reached," or "to a greater degree or excellence." We often hear the phrase "above and beyond," which describes going past what is expected. Students striving for scholarships, employees seeking promotions, and friends supporting loved ones in times of need all demonstrate what it means to go beyond - because they care, they're invested, and they see purpose.

Spiritually, we are called to go beyond ourselves for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel (euangelion in Greek) means "good news" - the message of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. This good news is not meant to be hidden; it must be proclaimed throughout the world as a testimony to every nation.

Just as the apostles obeyed and boldly proclaimed the gospel message beyond their limitations, we too are called to go beyond.

BEYOND SCATTERED SERVANTS AWAITS A GREAT REVIVAL

"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them" (Acts 8:4-5, KJV).

After Pentecost, revival spread like wildfire. Philip, once a deacon, stepped into his calling as an evangelist and carried the gospel beyond Jerusalem to Samaria. Many believed, were baptized, and received the Holy Ghost. Even when persecution scattered the church, they did not retreat - they advanced.

Revival comes when ordinary people obey an extraordinary God.

Consider the Ramonda Serbica, a rare Serbian flower that can survive years of drought and revive when watered. In the same way, we are revived when we dwell in God's Word, spend time in prayer, and rest in His presence.

Revival is not confined to geography or time - it is alive today wherever believers allow the Holy Ghost to move. Just as Philip reached the Ethiopian eunuch with the gospel, we are called to reach someone today.

Revival begins when we go beyond our comfort zones. It is not confined to the four walls of the church - it happens in schools, workplaces, homes, and communities.

BEYOND THE WALLS IS A FRUITFUL VINE

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing"(John 15:5, KJV).

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain" (John 15:16, KJV).

God does not simply call us to be saved - He calls us to bear fruit. That fruit looks like love, faithfulness, humility, and souls transformed by the gospel. When we abide in Christ, His Spirit flows through us, empowering us to do what we cannot do alone.

Just as fruit differs in color, size, and flavor, the body of Christ is beautifully diverse. We come from different cultures and backgrounds, yet we are rooted in the same gospel.

Ask yourself:

Did I tell anyone about Jesus this week?

Did I plant any seeds of faith?

We must go beyond the walls of the church and live the gospel out loud. Share your testimony. Start a Bible study. Be unashamed. A vine that stays in one corner will never cover much ground - but one that climbs walls and stretches outward bears much fruit.

The gospel must spread beyond traditions and schedules - into schools, campuses, workplaces, neighborhoods, and nations!

BEYOND THE GREAT COMMISSION PRODUCES SALVATION

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20, KJV).

"Then Peter said unto the...

"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him."

(Matthew 4:1-11, KJV.)

The Battle Before the Fall

In a recent Bible study, someone asked, "How do we overcome sin?" Before answering, I asked back, "Where does sin begin?" A thoughtful reply came: "It starts in the mind." That is true, but even before the mind, sin begins with temptation.

Temptation is the gateway to sin. How we respond determines whether we fall or stand. In Matthew 4, we see Jesus face temptation in the wilderness. Jesus resisted the devil not once, but three times - with the Word of God. In doing so, He left us a pattern to follow.

The Three Temptations of Christ

Satan's temptations were strategic and timed during Jesus' moment of physical weakness. He had fasted forty days and nights, was hungry, alone, and weary - yet remained strong in Spirit, overcoming by the Word of God.

1. The Temptation of Appetite: "Command that these stones be made bread." Jesus answered, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (v. 4).

2. The Temptation of Pride and Self-Preservation: "Cast thyself down…for He shall give His angels charge concerning thee." Jesus replied, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (v. 7).

3. The Temptation of Compromise and Ambition: "All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." Jesus declared, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" (v. 10).

Jesus was not surrounded by His disciples. He was alone, led by the Spirit into the wilderness. But even in solitude and weakness, He demonstrated unmatched spiritual strength by resisting temptation through the written Word.

The Enemy Waits for Weakness

Notice the enemy's timing - he appeared after Jesus was physically weak and vulnerable. Satan didn't tempt Jesus when He was surrounded by crowds, performing miracles, or filled with strength. He waited until Jesus was isolated, hungry, and alone.

He still works the same way today. He waits for discouragement, confusion, or spiritual dryness - those moments when our prayers are delayed, our emotions are stirred, or our faith feels small.

That's why Scripture warns us:

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8, KJV).

In seasons of waiting - waiting for healing, provision, or breakthrough - guard your heart. The enemy preys on emotional exhaustion and spiritual distraction. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us:

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Women of Prayer Are Women of Power

As Apostolic women, we are not helpless - we are powerful! Through prayer, we become intercessors for our homes, our families, our pastors, and our churches. Let's be vigi...

"If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?

And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.

When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.

In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!" (Luke 15:4-7, NLT.)

"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10, KJV.)

In Luke 15, Jesus told three parables - the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the lost son. Though the settings differ, each story carries the same truth: one soul is priceless.

The word pursuit means "the action of following or pursuing someone or something." To pursue is to move forward with intention, to seek without giving up. That is exactly what we see in these parables: a relentless, loving pursuit of the lost.

This is the heartbeat of heaven. It is not the calling of a select few; it is the mission of every believer. As Apostolic women - mothers, sisters, daughters, and leaders - we too are commissioned to join in the pursuit of one.

A Love That Pursues

Jesus never minimized the value of one. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to search for one lost sheep. The woman turns her house upside down to recover one lost coin. The father waits with open arms for one prodigal son to return home.

These are not coincidences - they reveal conviction. Each story reflects the heart of God: He pursued you. He pursued me. Not when we had it all together, but when we were broken, lost, and wandering.

Perhaps someone invited you to a Bible study or church. Maybe it was a grandmother's prayers or a friend's gentle witness that stirred your heart. However it happened, someone cared enough to pursue you. And because of that pursuit, you found your way to Jesus.

Now it's your turn.

1. Pursuing One Starts with Loving God and Loving People

Jesus said in Mark 12:30-31:

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."

When we love God deeply, we will love what He loves - and He loves souls. His heart beats for the lost, the hurting, the forgotten, and even the difficult. Loving people means seeing beyond the attitude, the pain, or the past. It means embracing the broken, extending grace to the sinner, and refusing to give up on those who seem far from God.

Jesus declared in Luke 5:32, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." The gospel is not for the worthy; it is for everyone who needs saving.

2. Soul Winning in the Bible: Real Encounters, Eternal Impact

Throughout Scripture, we see how one person's burden for another transformed a life:

Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4): Rejected by society, Jesus met her with truth and compassion. Her testimony led many to believe.

Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8): At the Spirit's prompting, Philip shared the gospel with a man searching for understanding. He believed and was baptized immediately.

Paul and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16): In chains, Paul and Silas ministered to a man ready to end his life. That night, he and his entire household were saved.

Each story began with one encounter - one act of obedience, one conversation, one moment of courage that changed everything.

Ask yourself:

When was the last time I invited someone to church?

When was the last time I prayed for someone by name?

When did I last share my testimony or offer a Bible study?

Soul winning doesn't only happen in pulpits. It happens in coffee shops, groc...

"And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.

And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land." (Joshua 4:20-22, KJV.)

Joshua's act of setting up twelve stones was more than a historical marker - it was a spiritual declaration. These stones told the story of God's power and provision. They were a lasting reminder that Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground only because of God's mighty hand. They were called to build a legacy: a legacy of faith, truth, and inheritance that outlived their lifetime.

1. The Legacy of Faith

Faith is more than belief; it is the foundation of spiritual legacy. Scripture mentions faith 336 times, and one of the clearest examples is Abraham. In Genesis 15:5, God promised him countless descendants:

"Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them:… so shall thy seed be."

At that time, Abraham and Sarah were childless. Sarah was barren. Yet Abraham believed. Later, in Genesis 22, God tested his faith again - commanding him to offer Isaac, the promised son, as a sacrifice. And still, Abraham obeyed. His faith was not shaken by circumstance. As Romans 4:20 states:

"He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God."

It is easy to say we have faith when life is smooth. But what about when everything falls apart? When your plans unravel, when doors close, when prayers seem unanswered - will we stagger, or will we stand?

The legacy of faith is not only in blessings, but also in how we endure burdens. It is passed down in quiet confidence, waiting for answers, in whispered prayers through tears, and in the choice to trust even when the way is unclear. Faith is not just a confession - it is an inheritance. What will your children and spiritual daughters inherit from you: doubt and fear, or unshakable trust in God's promises?

We live in uncertain times. Many have faced losses, financial hardships, or emotional valleys. Yet faith does not mean the absence of trouble - it means the presence of trust. God already knew the storms would come; the question is whether we will trust Him in the middle of them.

Abraham's legacy of faith was forged through testing. Ours will be too. The process may feel confusing, even painful - but if we trust Him, it will produce a faith worth passing down to future generations.

2. the Legacy of Truth

"The legacy you leave is the life you lead."

Truth is not just something we believe - it is something we live. In a world where opinions are promoted as facts and preferences often replace biblical standards, Apostolic women must anchor themselves in truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 instructs:

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Truth is not subjective - it is revealed in God's Word.

We are called to rightly divide that truth and live it out in word and deed. Apostolic truth - oneness, holiness, the infilling of the Holy Ghost - is more than theology; it is a lifestyle. It governs how we dress, how we speak, how we treat others, and how we worship.

Picture a young tree standing between two tall, mature trees. That small tree depends on the strength and guidance of the trees on either side. Their roots stabilize it; their height shields it. Without their support, it is vulnerable to the storm.

Your children, youth group, and Sunday School class are like the young tree - they are watching, listening, and learning from you. When you open your Bible, they want to read too. When you pray, they begin to pray. When you show faithfulness, they learn consistency. And when you live the truth, they recognize that truth is not just taught - it is caught. As 1 Peter 2:21 reminds us:

"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ a...

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." Matthew 16:24-25

Because of who you are, I give you glory.

Because of who you are, I give you praise.

Because of who you are, I will lift my voice and say,

Lord, I worship you because of who you are.

We began this week by asking ourselves if we loved the Lord because He is God, or only because of the blessings He provides us. It has been an interesting week as we looked at stories from the Bible of people who had to decide this for themselves. They were not superheroes, just ordinary people like you and me. Faced with a decision, they made choices that had consequences for their future.

This past week, I listened to two different testimonies from ordinary people who came to a crossroads in their lives where they had to make decisions.

A young lady in our church told us of pressure by an employer to forsake what she believed in. Despite persistent harassment, she stood strong in her faith.

The other was by a minister who chose to see his wife walk away, rather than turn his back on what the Lord had called him to do.

They chose to stand for Jesus regardless of what it cost them. They loved and worshiped their Lord because of who He is. It certainly cost them something, but they realized nothing was more important than their walk with Jesus.

The Lord has done so much for us. He daily loads us with benefits. He has blessed us beyond what we ever deserved. He gave His life that we might have life eternal. Nothing that this world can offer could ever replace our eternal salvation.

Thought For Today: Jesus, give us all the courage and conviction to stand for you, to worship you for Who you are, and to stand for you no matter what the cost.

Devotion by: Anne Johnston

"By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son." Hebrews 11:17

Perhaps Abraham is one of the best examples in the Scriptures of someone who loved and worshipped the Lord for who He was rather than for the blessings he provided.

God had made a promise to Abraham that he would have a son and that from his seed would come a great nation. Abraham had waited for years for Isaac. And then, God asked Abraham to do something that sounded contradictory to the promise, to take the son that he loved and offer him as a sacrifice. How could this be?

What an interesting father-son trip this turned out to be. Along with two servants, they journeyed to the foot of Mount Moriah. There Abraham took the bundle of wood off the donkey and gave it to Isaac to carry. He told the other two to remain there, he and his son went up the mountain to worship.

Abraham firmly believed that God intended for Isaac to be his heir. And so, he was sure that the two of them would go up the mountain and return. If God allowed him to take Isaac's life, then He would raise him again. Look at Genesis 22:5 - "And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you."

Isaac questioned his father: "Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering." Genesis 22:7-8

Even though Isaac was a young man and probably much stronger than his aging father, he willingly let Abraham bind him and lay him upon the altar he had helped build. And as Abraham raised his knife, God spoke: "Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." Verse 12

God revealed the lamb in the thicket. Isaac was removed from the altar. Father and son worshipped together and then went back down the mountain.

Thought For Today: When we put God first in our lives, we can safely trust Him with our children. He has a plan and a purpose for each one.

Devotion by: Anne Johnston