Month: December 2024

December 2, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Losing Early Before You Lose Late

Opening Verse

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16 (KJV)

Introduction

Life is full of choices. Each one, no matter how small, can set us on a path that leads closer to God or further away. Losing early, in this context, means making the sacrifices and corrections now that prevent greater loss later. God calls us to evaluate our lives and align them with His will before it’s too late.

Devotional Story

A man once loved his work. He poured his energy into it, enjoying the rewards it brought. But as the years passed, he began to compromise. Small ethical lapses grew into larger ones. He justified them, thinking they were necessary for success.

One day, an unexpected loss struck. A project he had labored over for years failed because of decisions he had made in haste and pride. This wake-up call forced him to reassess his life. He turned to God, who gently reminded him of the verse he had once cherished:

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36 KJV).

This loss taught him a valuable lesson: had he acknowledged his failings earlier, repented, and adjusted his ways, he could have avoided the painful consequences.

What This Means

Sometimes God allows small losses to protect us from greater ones. These moments are not punishments but opportunities for growth. They remind us to seek Him and walk in His wisdom. God’s discipline, though painful at times, is an expression of His love, meant to lead us to abundant life.

Think About This

  • Are there small compromises in your life that could lead to bigger consequences later?
  • How can you invite God into your decision-making process today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance and patience with me. Help me recognize the areas in my life that need correction before it’s too late. Teach me to trust in Your wisdom and walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” – Hebrews 12:6 (KJV)

December 1, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

First Fruits

Opening Verse

“Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.” – Proverbs 3:9 (KJV)

Introduction

The concept of “first fruits” goes beyond material offerings—it’s about giving God our very best in every aspect of life. This principle reflects our acknowledgment of God as the source of all blessings and our gratitude for His provision.

Devotional Story

Rachel was a farmer’s daughter who loved the beauty of her family’s land. Each year, her family celebrated the harvest by setting aside the first portion for God. Before anything else was enjoyed or sold, they would gather their best produce, pray, and bring it to their church as an offering.

One year, a storm devastated their crops, and the harvest was meager. Rachel’s father, however, insisted they honor their commitment to God by giving the first and best portion of what remained. The family prayed, thanking God for His faithfulness despite their challenges.

Weeks later, a neighboring farmer, touched by their faithfulness, gifted them seeds and resources to prepare for the next planting season. The following year’s harvest was abundant. Rachel realized that their act of giving their first fruits, even in hardship, was a declaration of trust in God’s provision.

What This Means

Giving God the “first fruits” of our time, talents, and resources isn’t just an ancient agricultural practice; it’s a principle of prioritizing God in all we do. When we give God our best, we declare our trust in His ability to supply all our needs. It’s an act of worship, gratitude, and faith.

Think About This

  • What is your “first fruit” today—your time, energy, or resources?
  • How can you prioritize God in your daily life and decisions?
  • Are you holding back something that belongs to God?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for being the giver of every good and perfect gift. Help me to honor You with my first fruits, giving You the best of my time, energy, and resources. Teach me to trust in Your provision and to live with a heart full of gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“And the first of all the firstfruits of all things, and every oblation of all, of every sort of your oblations, shall be the priest’s: ye shall also give unto the priest the first of your dough, that he may cause the blessing to rest in thine house.” – Ezekiel 44:30 (KJV)