The Slither

Opening Verse

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.” – Revelation 3:15 (KJV)

 

Introduction

Life is full of paths that twist and turn. Imagine being like a snake, moving left and right, never sticking to a straight line. This is how some of us live, never quite deciding where we stand, especially in our faith.

 

Devotional Story

Roy was a guy who could never make up his mind. At work, he was all business, but with friends, he was the life of the party. He never seemed to stick to one way of being; he changed like the weather. Because of this, Roy felt empty inside, no matter what he did or where he went.

 

One day, Roy’s neighbor, who always seemed peaceful and focused, invited him over for coffee. This neighbor explained that his peace came from following one clear path in life—the path laid out by God. He didn’t sway or wander off like a snake; he walked straight.

 

Inspired by his neighbor’s happiness and sense of purpose, Roy realized that it was time to stop zigzagging through life. He decided to follow a straight path, the path of his faith, and finally made a real commitment to live by God’s guidance.

 

What This Means

When we’re lukewarm, not really hot or cold about anything, especially our faith, we miss out on the full joy and peace that comes from being true to God.

 

Think About This

Do you ever find yourself acting like Roy, switching sides and never truly committing? How could firmly following God’s path change your life?

 

Prayer

Lord, help us not to live like we’re just drifting wherever life takes us. Give us the strength to follow Your clear, straight path. Help us to commit to this journey with our whole hearts so we can find real happiness and purpose. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Closing Verse

 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

 

Opening the Heart’s Secret Door

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20 (KJV)

Introduction

There are moments when life presents us with unexpected pathways, sometimes hidden in plain sight. When discovered, they invite us to embark on journeys that may reshape our destiny. Picture a concealed door, molded as a heart on a wall, concealing mysteries behind its facade.

Devotional Story

In a quaint town, Elias, a kind yet weary man, lived in a humble dwelling. His days were spent tending to the needs of his community, always offering a helping hand yet quietly nursing a heart aching from past wounds. His house, like his exterior, was robust and welcoming, yet held untold stories within its walls. One quiet evening, as the golden rays of the setting sun gently kissed the world goodnight, Elias, while in contemplative prayer, noticed an unusual silhouette on his wall. It was a subtle, heart-shaped outline that seemed oddly conspicuous amidst the fading light. Curiosity nudged his steps toward the wall. As his fingers gently caressed the heart, it emanated a warmth that pulsated through his very soul. To his astonishment, the heart yielded under his touch, revealing a hidden door that slowly swung open, inviting him into a chamber glowing with an ethereal light. Hesitant yet drawn by an inexplicable peace, Elias stepped through. The room was filled with whispers of memories – echoes of laughter, tears, dreams nurtured, and those left to wilt. In the midst of it all, a gentle, reassuring Voice spoke, urging him to unburden his soul, to release the fragments of untold stories and unshed tears into the tender embrace of the light. Elias, overcome by a love so profound, surrendered to the warmth enveloping him. He opened his heart, releasing every joy, sorrow, fear, and hope into the loving arms of the Voice. And as he did, he realized the wounds of his heart began to mend, not by erasing the pain, but by transforming it into a wellspring of love and empathy. Emerging from the hidden chamber, the world seemed just as it was, yet Elias was forever changed. The love that healed him now flowed through him, touching every soul that crossed his path.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

Conclusion

Elias’s discovery of the heart-shaped door is symbolic of our own journey towards inner healing and transformation. The heart, often concealed by the walls we build to protect our vulnerabilities, holds the key to a sanctuary where love, healing, and peace reside. It’s a gentle reminder that when we allow ourselves to open our own hidden doors, to touch and be touched by the Divine Love, we not only find healing but also become conduits of healing for others. Our pain, once surrendered and transformed, becomes a fountain from which compassion, understanding, and love flow into the lives of those around us.
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” – Romans 5:5 (KJV)

Faith Notes

In our lives, we may find heart-shaped doors, hidden yet waiting to be discovered. These are invitations to step into God’s unfathomable love, to allow His light to permeate our being, mending, and revitalizing our spirit. Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, to open our hidden doors, and to step into the Divine Light, we not only embark on a journey of personal healing and discovery but also enable ourselves to be vessels of God’s love and healing in the world. May the love that heals us also flow through us, nurturing and healing the world around us. And may every hidden door we discover and open lead us closer to the boundless love of our Creator. In the secret chambers of our hearts, may we discover, embrace, and share the treasures of God’s eternal love, healing, and peace.  
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8 (KJV)