Good morning, friends. This past week I read two devotionals that really ministered to me. I am sharing them with you this morning, hoping that they will encourage you in your walk with the Lord throughout the rest of this week.
The first is by Steve’s favorite Christian vocalist, Sandi Patty, taken from her book Layers. We were blessed to be able to go to see her in concert this past Saturday at the Newberry Opera House. It was an amazing night! I walked out feeling like I had been to church! What a blessing! The second is taken from the devotional book Blessings by Susie Larson. Read, enjoy, and take to heart these wonderful messages of hope and encouragement.
The Letter A
“In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne, a ‘fallen woman’ during Colonial times, is forced by her Puritan community to wear the red letter A on the bodice of her dress as punishment for the sin of bearing a child out of wedlock.
My friend imagined that big scarlet letter A being worn by all the women today ‘who feel unworthy to hold their heads up as God’s daughters.’ Now, thinking about that image, let me ask you: Are you one of us? If you are , what does that A stand for? Abuse? Adultery? Abortion? Appetite? Anger? Abandonment? Avoidance? Adoption? Alcohol?
Maybe it did originally… I hope you see instead that as Christians that A stands for something altogether different: Atonement… [Personal note: I thought of another A word that fits perfectly here- Accepted!]
All those mistakes we made, all those sins we committed are forgiven and forgotten, paid for in full by Jesus’ death on the cross. And because of another wonderful A-word—Arisen!—we have the promise of a gloriously wonderful life in heaven with God—Always!”
Your Story Matters
“May you tune out the noise of the world and lean in and listen to what Jesus has to say to you today. Your story matters to Him. He is with you on this journey. (Hebrews 13:5)
He offers peace that passes understanding and strength in the midst of your weakness. (Philippians 4:6-7)
His Spirit in you defies the gravity of the past you’d rather forget. (Psalm 103:12)
You are forgiven and free. You have nothing to prove and all of eternity to live for. (John 8:36)
Live free today. Embrace His life within you today. And stay in step with Him today. (Galatians 5:25)
Nothing can ever separate you from Jesus’ love. (Romans 8:38-39)”
