Devotional 4-6-11

As we move through the days of Lent, we must focus on the meaning of these days preceding Easter. God sent us his only son to suffer on the cross and to die in order to save us from our sins. What a sacrifice to make for all mankind. Unfortunately, there are those in our world who hold grudges and grievances against other people. Sometimes words are spoken that may hurt another's feelings. Satan then takes hold, and blame, accusation, and an unforgiving attitude emerges. Christ died for us, but on Easter Sunday, Jesus arose from the dead, giving us the promise of new life, joy, and happiness.


Are we willing to forgive those whom have hurt us, or do we allow Satan to perpetuate our hatred and continue to hold anger against others? God tells us to forgive as He forgave us. When people look at you, do they see Christ's kindness and humility, or do they see anger, the lack of compassion, and an unforgiving spirit?

We must allow the power of Easter to overtake our lives, understanding that God has forgiven us of our sins, and for us to enjoy and to appreciate all the gifts He has given to us. When we look at the beauty of the Earth, we know that God lives within all of us if we allow him into our hearts. Let us be like the beautiful season of spring, refreshed, renewed, and forgiving of others.

Matthew 6:14-15
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (NIV)

Colossians 3:13-14
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (NIV)

Theo Tippett

Devotional 3-12-09

Note from Kim: When people at Johnson Memorial sign up to write devotionals, I randomly assign them dates. Theo, who wrote the following devotional, was randomly assigned March 12 sometime during early February. I'm telling you this because Theo is having surgery today at Cleveland Clinic to remove a tumor. While I might have made the assignment in a random manner, I'm sure that God was involved. I'm sure it's not a coincidence that her devotional is being emailed for the day that she is having surgery and is in need of prayer. Please pray for Theo today. Praise to God whose hands surround us with his care and love. Grace, Kim

Attending elementary school during the Fifties, our classroom day always began with us reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, a scripture reading and discussion, and bowing our heads to pray the Lord's Prayer with our teacher. Also, many of my teachers required us to memorize Bible verses as part of our classroom assignments. As far back as second grade, I remember learning Bible verses for school, and my wise teacher, Miss Smith, using Psalm 19:14 as a springboard for a lesson on kindness. Today, all of us need to practice living the words of Psalm 19:14 in our daily lives.

“May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."

How many times do we use sharp and hurtful words when speaking to others?How many times do we have unkind feelings in our hearts?Are these words and thoughts acceptable to our Lord? God is our strength and our redeemer. He hears and knows our every word and thought.

Theo Tippett

Mission Prayer and Response Focus:
March 12: ECOC needs bean bag chairs. Give 25 cents for each bean bag chair in yourhouse.

Devotional 2-21-08

Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

God gives us peace, only if we ask. Driving home from Cleveland last August, Tom and I traveled through a thunderstorm of huge proportions. It was truly the worst storm we had ever experienced; rains were coming in torrents, lightning and thunder crashed above us, winds were fiercely blowing, our windshield wipers were at full speed, and visibility was impossible. We should have pulled off the highway, but we couldn't get to the outside lane due to tractor-trailers blocking our way. Fear completely consumed us. Lying in the backseat, I began to pray, asking God to make the storm clouds roll away. God did not immediately quiet the storm; however, he did quiet my heart, and I found peace. I knew that God would take care of us and keep us safe, for he is always with us.

Recently diagnosed with an unusual cancer, leiomyosarcoma, I was faced with great anxiety in my life. At the very beginning of my medical journey, I realized the burden of cancer was too heavy of a load for me to carry. I immediately turned my "troubles" over to God, knowing that he would take care of me. Because of God's constant love, I have been at peace. God has blessed my life with a wonderfully supportive family and with an overwhelming amount of love from my church family and many friends.

God created all of us with a reservoir of inner peace; however, it is up to us to release the peace within ourselves. We must allow the peace to flow throughout our bodies, washing away our anxieties and fears. All we need to do is ask God to help us. It doesn't matter how large or how small our request, God hears us. He will always shoulder our problems. Trusting in God provides us constant peace; a simple prayer eases our anguish. As we allow the peace of God to rise within us, we are uplifted in thought, in spirit, and in our expectations for another day.

Theo Tippett