Athens First UMC Devotions: Recent Episodes

Athens First UMC

Thanks for listening to Athens First UMC Devotions. Stay in touch throughout the day by following us on Instagram or Facebook @athensfirstumc. To listen to sermons, read past devotions, or look at opportunities to connect visit athensfirtumc.org. All the devotions on the list podcast can be found in print at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.

Our time has come to end our weekly devotions. Thank you for all who have read, listened, and shared our heartfelt words and thoughts. You have been faithful to us and to the church. May God continue to bless you and meet you in your discovery of how he uses your life to encourage others.

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Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish far more than we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

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I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, Ezekiel 11:19

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“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

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My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:2

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Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NRSV

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“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:26 NIV

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Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31 NRSV

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“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40 NIV

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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

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“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
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Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

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This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

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Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 NRSV

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At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people. Thus says the Lord: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:1-3

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"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:9-10 (NIV)Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

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“and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:7

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Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

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Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

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“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:1–5

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Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 1 Corinthians 9:10-11

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“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 (NIV)

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By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

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1 Corinthians 13:8 - “Love Never Fails.”Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity. Proverbs 17:17

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But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16 (NIV) Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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Athens First UMC provides a devotion each week. Our hope is that these devotions will be a blessing to you and provide you with a midweek moment to reflect on your relationship with God. These devotions can be found on our website, or you may listen to them read aloud by following or subscribing to Athens First UMC Devotions on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

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Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

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Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.
Psalm 107:21-22Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (NRSV) Nehemiah 8:10

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By this everyone will know you are my disciple, if you have love for one another. John 13:35Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

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“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” Proverbs 1:5 (NIV)Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he made a feast for all his servants. Genesis 40:20

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Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24

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Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

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I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

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“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:37

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“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

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Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? 2 Corinthians 13:5

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You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. Matthew 5:13

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“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

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You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

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But he said, “He replied, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.” Luke 18:27

The night-blooming cereus is one of the most unusual flowers I have ever seen. My mother-in-law was an avid gardener and kept this plant on her front porch. We were visiting her one summer and she told us that we were especially lucky because we would get to see the night-blooming cereus bloom! She shared a special fact with us about this plant: it only blooms once a year. If you were to see the night-blooming cereus the other 364 days, you’d probably think it didn’t look like much more than a gray stick. Its design involves patiently waiting for the right moment, and just at the right time, the flower opens. God’s creation often reminds me that while it can look like nothing is happening, everything is possible with God.

Have there been times in your life where it seemed nothing looked promising? Do you wonder if God can handle the impossible stuff you’re dealing with right now? Maybe you have the idea that you or someone you love is a lost cause. In Luke 18, a rich young man misses his moment to surrender his life to Jesus and so everyone who heard about it grew discouraged. They asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus’ response is clear. God can do it!

What is impossible for human beings is absolutely possible for God. Jesus knew the cross was coming. That one terrible moment is still saving lives and blooming in the most barren heart. God’s love for the world is profound and through his Son, we become part of the “possible” of God. Because of Jesus, our lives now open up with light in the darkness. Don’t be discouraged when things look grim. Be hopeful and patient to plant seeds of God’s love wherever you go, and I promise you something will bloom.

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:4-5

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The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Proverbs 11:3

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The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, Psalm 92:12-14

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“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31:25

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Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

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Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3

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“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 (NIV)

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But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

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The Lord is my shepherd. Psalm 23:1a

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“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Proverbs 14:30
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I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:2-5

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For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

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Ephesians 2:1-6 - It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.”

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Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord… Ephesians 2:19-22

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Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.

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Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:1-10 (NIV)

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Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

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Christ has set us free to live a free life. Galatians 5:1a

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The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17

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The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. Genesis 2:15

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When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” Matthew 8:3a

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He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

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Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

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Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom, and whatever else you get, get insight. Proverbs 4:5-7

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“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35).Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

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See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. I John 3:1Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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Scripture: Genesis, Chapter 1

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In those days and in that time, says the Lord, the people of Israel shall come, they and the people of Judah together; they shall come weeping as they seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with faces turned toward it, and they shall come and join themselves to the Lord by an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten. Jeremiah 50:4-5

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For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:11-12

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“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

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Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

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My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

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“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down. One can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

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If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not within us. 1 John 1:8

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“We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain.” Hebrews 6:19Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians- 5:17 (NIV)

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“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

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So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Acts 2:5-6

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Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11

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There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free. Romans 8:1-2

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And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. John 17:11

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Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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On your days of rejoicing, at your appointed festivals, and at the beginning of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and sacrifices of well-being; they shall serve as a reminder on your behalf before the Lord your God. Numbers 10:10

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Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9

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“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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“Is your heart as true to mine as mine is to yours? …If it is, give me your hand.” 2 Kings 10:15Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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Who will separate us from Christ’s love? Will we be separated by trouble, or distress, or harassment, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? … But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created. Romans 8:35, 37-39

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"For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." Hebrews 10:36Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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“If you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you… then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5

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“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates. Proverbs 31:29-31Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD. May your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. Psalm 22:26-27 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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“I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

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But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me. 2 Timothy 4:17Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.
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Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

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There are some days that call for a hymn to be our devotion. Over the last week, I have been singing Hymn #368 in the United Methodist Hymnal, “My Hope is Built.”

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“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this… he became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Hebrews 11:7

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“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

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“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” John 10:14

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He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:15-16 (NRSV)

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This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12

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Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Acts 10:34-35

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Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24:45-48

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“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Genesis 1:1-2

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Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:1-2

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In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. Romans 8:26-27Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1

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Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:14-15

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“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, That whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

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To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Psalm 123:1

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Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Acts 4:32-35

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“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

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“Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God… And God said to Noah, ‘Make yourself an ark of gopher wood…’” Genesis 6:9, 13 & 14

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“When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Isaiah 25:8-9

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“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)

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O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136

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“I will instruct you and teach you in the way should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. John 12:35

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“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Exodus 20:11

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The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

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“...and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfected of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1b-2

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Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

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“When Pharaoh heard this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by the well.” Exodus 2:13-15

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“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Matthew 16:15-16

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“From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16

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“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. (#895 in The United Methodist Hymnal.)

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“Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.” Matthew 20:26

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“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11

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Thanks for listening to the Athens First UMC Daily Devotions. Today’s devotion, “A Way of Life,” comes from Josh Miles, Associate Minister and Lead Pastor for Common Heart Online Worship Service.

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Thanks for listening to the Athens First UMC Daily Devotions. Today’s devotion, “Jesus Is Lord,” comes from Betsy Butler, Minister of Program.

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Thanks for listening to the Athens First UMC Daily Devotions. Today’s devotion, “Living in Harmony,” comes from Bob Winstead, Executive Director of Administration.

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Thanks for listening to the Athens First UMC Daily Devotions. Today’s devotion, “The Valley of Shadow and Light,” comes from Martha Aenchbacher, Minister of Congregational Care.

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Thanks for listening to the Athens First UMC Daily Devotions. Today’s devotion, “A Guiding Prayer,” comes from Josh Miles, Associate Minister and Lead Pastor for Common Heart Online Worship Service.

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The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

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A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

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Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. Psalm 84:5

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For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Mark 8:36

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And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another. Hebrews 10:24

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“I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22

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Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:23-24

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I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Genesis 9:13

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“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13

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Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

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Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13

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Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

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1 John 5:21 (NLT) states, “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.”

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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2a

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For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16

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The mighty one, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. Psalm 50:1-2

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“I lift up my eyes to the hills - from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.” Psalm 121: 1-8

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“Beloved, let us love one another because love is from God.” 1 John 4:7

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I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

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Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

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Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

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“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

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I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. Psalm 139:14

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Luke 1:30 – “The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.’” (Christmas)

Matthew 28:5 – “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.’” (Easter)

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You are like clay in the potter’s hands, and I am the potter, says the Lord. Jeremiah 18:6

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“And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”
Mark 6:31

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And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. Jonah 3:5

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"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." Romans 15:13

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Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

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“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

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And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." Mark 1:17

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“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

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And God said to me, ˝Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Ezekiel 37:3

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“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

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For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:5-8

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Genesis 1:1-2 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

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“I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

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Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

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Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." Then the LORD said to Samuel, "See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. 1 Samuel 3:7-11

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Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Ephesians 3:7-10

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I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

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Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22

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“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

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The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!

Psalm 29:10-11

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And the one seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:5

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Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning. Luke 12:35

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“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.” Micah 5:2

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After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2

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I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. John 6:51

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The Birth of Jesus

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:1-20 (NIV)

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“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

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“Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:5

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The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way – a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” Mark 1:1-3

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…the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. Luke 2:15-16

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“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” Micah 5:2

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“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9

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“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: … Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.” Matthew 1:1, 17

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“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25

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“And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” Isaiah 60:3

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“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.” Isaiah 9:6a

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“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

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“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:15-16

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“And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.” Luke 1:35

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“O that you would tear open the heavens and come down...” Isaiah 64:1a

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“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2

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"A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’” Luke 3:4-6

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“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7

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"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things." Philippians 4:8

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“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3

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“Pray without ceasing, for that is God’s will for us.” Thessalonians 5:17–18

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“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.” Psalm 100:4

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“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2

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“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1

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“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1

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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

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“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

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“Know that the Lord is God.
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.”

Psalm 100:3-5

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“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

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“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” 1 Chronicles 16:8

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“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

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“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.” Proverbs 14:4

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“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1

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“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude.” 1 Timothy 4:4

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“For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God.” 1 Thessalonians 1:8-9

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In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23

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I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.

Psalm 121

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Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24

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“I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides me there is no god. I arm you, though you do not know me, so that they may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:5-6

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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

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“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, ‘“Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29

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“But look! A king will rule in the right way, and his leaders will carry out justice. Each one will stand as a shelter from high winds, provide safe cover in stormy weather. Each will be cool running water in parched land, a huge granite outcrop giving shade in the desert.” Isaiah 32:1-2

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Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’?” Matthew 21:42

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“Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1

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I’ve listened to the song “I’m Getting Ready” by Michael Kiwanuka many times over the past few years. Listen after listen, the beautiful instrumentation and arrangement pierces right through my hard-outer shell and finds its way into my soul. To be honest, I’ve always had trouble relating to the lyrics, which are about someone who is “getting ready to believe.” Through Chuck’s sermon, “Great is Hard,” I was given a lens through which to experience these lyrics in a new way.

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“Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.” Psalm 105:2-3

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“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1

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God brings grace to us even before we know God’s name. This is prevenient grace: the grace that goes before us and calls us into relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I rejoice in this word today because it signifies God’s love for all of humanity from the beginning of time. Even despite our human shortcomings and propensity to sin, God’s love for us remains. And God’s grace means that God extends to us unmerited favor according to God’s purpose and nature in this world. Through God’s prevenient grace, we are able to recognize our shortcomings, begin to understand God’s will, repent, and grow in our faith.

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“I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the Lord; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.” Jeremiah 24:7

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“O love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee. I give thee back the life I owe, that in thine oceans depths its flow. May richer fuller be.” Psalm 139: 7-10

Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
If I take the wings of the morning
and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me fast.

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Thanks for listening to the Athens First UMC Daily Devotions. Today’s devotion “Presence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder” comes from Martha Aenchbacher, Minister of Congregational Care.

“I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, because of all that the Lord has done for us, and the great favor to the house of Israel that he has shown them according to his mercy, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. For he said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely”; and he became their savior in all their distress. It was no messenger or angel but his presence that saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." Isaiah 63:7-9

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

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“You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!” Psalm 139:15-17

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“…But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself.” Hebrews 9:26

“’Let it go!’…and know that I am God.”

Disney Plus did me a great favor when they released Frozen 2 early for our children to enjoy during quarantine. My boys will still break out in a lively rendition of Elsa’s “Let It Go” on a moment’s notice. If you have not heard this song, let me know. I have three boys who will gladly share it with you.

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“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. “ John 3:17

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I looked at my husband across the kitchen island and uttered the words, “Today was not a win.” He instantly knew I was referring to the fact that I had had a tough day, a desire for a redo, a day that felt like a loss. We often use that phrase in our house to explain how we are feeling.

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God’s love is so grand that Paul has been utterly convinced that nothing in all of creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

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Are you familiar with the bumper sticker image of the family – the stick family? We’ve all seen them as decals on the back window of the van in a variety of configurations, various persons, and even some pets. Some dressed like Star Wars characters… Perhaps you have a stick family on your vehicle…

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With ordinary bread, and an ordinary cup, we recognize the extraordinary power and love of God. We remember the same love that sent the bread of heaven to the wilderness anew each day. We remember the same love that sent Jesus so that WHOEVER should come to Jesus will never hunger or thirst again. Jesus’ words allow us to think about tangible things—bread & hunger, juice & thirst—in a brand-new light.

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On October 4 we will celebrate World Communion Sunday in worship. United Methodists around the world will share the sacrament that day, taking the bread and juice, celebrating the love of God in Jesus Christ. World Communion Sunday offers us the distinctive opportunity to experience Holy Communion in the context of the global community of faith. The first Sunday of October is a time when Christians in every culture break bread and pour the cup to remember and affirm Christ as the Head of the Church. In Athens, Georgia, and in Bujumbura, Burundi, we will join as God’s children, one family around the world.

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I came to Athens, Georgia, in 1982. I knew how to bark like a Bulldog, but I had a lot to learn. I really didn’t know how the big the world was until I started my job in Bolton Dining Hall. That’s where I made new friends from other countries: Nigeria, Greece, Spain, Panama, and Venezuela.

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Looking for something to find…looking for something to find - that could be the definition of what it means to be alive, that’s the description of what it means to be a human being. Looking for something to find, looking for something to believe in… looking for something or someone who can show us the way.

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What is God’s presence like? Good question, right?! A few claim to know, some have no idea, and most of us agree it’s a mystery. We are each given clues, but none of the clues are exactly alike. What I have noticed is that those who have encountered the presence of Godare changed by it.

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"Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:23-25

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“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre” Psalm 149:1-3

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A little boy forgot his lines in a Sunday school presentation. His mother was in the front row to prompt him. She gestured and formed the words silently with her lips, but it did not help. Her son's memory was blank. Finally, she leaned forward and whispered the cue, "I am the light of the world." The child beamed and with great feeling and a loud clear voice said, "My mother is the light of the world."

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“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:9-10

Paul gets right to the point here. Let’s have our love be genuine. Part of Paul’s request here is contingent upon genuine love not coming from any place of evil or wickedness. Instead, Paul wants us to hold fast to what is good. What’s interesting to me is that it seems even Paul knows it can be a challenge for people to hold fast to what is good. So interestingly enough, he brings in some words of implied competition to prompt people to meet this challenge!

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A man had two sons… One left and one stayed behind. Both had trouble in their hearts they needed to sort out, and neither knew how to do that.

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Fear can prompt our faith or destroy our faith. When I was four, I went to a friend’s house to play. Upon my return home, my mother sat me down and told me my grandfather had passed away. A fear rooted itself in me. Fear paralyzed me as a child. I would not spend the night away from home, terrified that if I left my family, something awful would happen.

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Early Christians faced dangerous situations because of their faith. Their lives were often on the line. It was a tense and uncertain way to live.

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He leadeth me: O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where'er I be,
still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.

“He Leadeth Me”, arranged by Benjamin Wegner. You heard this arrangement sung a few weeks in worship. The choir has also sung it. I think it is a beautiful setting of the text.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YOHFwau6F4

Thanks for listening to the Athens First UMC Daily Devotions. Today’s devotion “Jesus is the Best” comes from Josh Miles, Associate Minister and Lead Pastor for Common Heart Online Worship Service.

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What does “having faith” look like? Our faith begins with hope and a desire to become better. It is an awareness of someone who is greater than us and a promise that this someone will make things better.

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I was raised in a loving family. My parents and my siblings lived in loving and caring ways. We had our disagreements and squabbles, but we loved each other dearly and made sure that arguments were settled peacefully when all was said and done. We were taught that our standard was Christian conduct, and the biblical admonition to “love one another” was expected.

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“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

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“On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.” Psalm 138:3

Growing up I learned what it meant to memorize phone numbers. I had several of them memorized. My home phone. Grandma’s house. Aunt Jane. Luke Mauldin’s house. And the offices where my parents worked. Thinking back on it, I enjoyed calling familiar numbers when I knew what to expect on the other line. The psalmist here tells us that when we call on the Lord, we can surely expect that God will answer us. This is a great gift, church.

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“O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart.” 2 Chronicles 6:14

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Do you ever pause to ponder the goodness of the Lord? These pauses in our days are so worthwhile. Most especially in this season, when things often seem so frantic, many pauses in our days are filled with bad news, worry, conflict, or lament. It’s apparent to me that there are many things on this earth that do not bring us confidence. Yet, the psalmist here in Psalm 27 is proclaiming something worthwhile for us to hear. In the midst of all going on around them in the world, the psalmist says they are certainly confident of something… that they will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Listen in, church.

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Each of us is blessed with spiritual gifts God has given us. In turn, God wants us to be generous and graciously use these special gifts to serve one another within our church family and to reach out in the same loving manner in service to our neighbors outside the church. We are called to serve as a way to honor God by demonstrating Christ’s love for all people.

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“Do you trust Jesus?” I had that question put to me when I appeared before the Board of Ordained Ministry. There had been a wide variety of difficult and challenging questions, but this one got right to the heart of the matter. Before I spoke a single word in reply, I felt a lump in my throat and a tear fell on my cheek. I finally found the ability to speak again and said, “Yes! I do! I wouldn't be doing this if that were not at the core of my heart. And I'm still learning how to trust him.”

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“Dear God, I hope you don’t get the virus. It's come a long way to get to Athens, Georgia.”

This was my five-year-old daughter Anna's prayer the other night. My first reaction was that of any mother. I was in awe of her sincere and thoughtful prayer. As the days passed and I had more time to reflect, I could not help but be struck by her intentional and close relationship with God. She was praying to God as her friend.

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Picture David in your mind. What image do you get first? The harp-playing shepherd boy or the conquering king? Perhaps some other well-known story of David comes to mind. One thing that we know of David is that he was a prolific writer of psalms. Maybe these texts were even set to music.

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Paul weaves us through the humility of Christ. We read how Jesus humbled himself to a low place and was raised up by God to a high place. Jesus was so obedient to God the Father that he was given a name that is above every other name.

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Some years ago as a pastor in Conyers, a parishioner came to me with a problem. She was a volunteer who cleaned and straightened our sanctuary each week preparing the building for worship on Sunday. She discovered that over time we were missing pew Bibles and were having to replace a few each week. On this particular week there were five Bibles missing from the pew racks. When she told me this, I shouted “Praise the Lord!”

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It’s amazing how going through a box of memories can unearth timeless treasures. My daughters’ report cards and homework assignments are pleasant to see, but a snapshot of their baby faces or a birthday card with their handwriting floods my heart with gratitude.

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Paul’s words here indicate that there is another team on the field. There is a team opposed to God’s love, God’s goodness, and God’s purposes. God in Jesus Christ proves God’s mission to triumph over evil. We, too, are invited to be a part of this mission to overcome evil with good.

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I recently listened to a podcast. Banning Liebscher was interviewed to discuss his recent book and the topic, “What is God’s call on your life?” Banning referenced all the encouragers in the Bible and their importance.

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In addition to skills as a writer, translator, and preacher, Martin Luther was an amateur musician. No hymn is identified with the Protestant Reformation more than Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress” (often referred to as the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation”).

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Success is what everyone strives to achieve. We want to excel and garner success in our jobs, enjoy the fruits of a successful marriage, succeed in parenting our children, and foster successful friendships.

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Today’s devotion “A Generous Life” comes from Bob Winstead, Executive Pastor.

Have you ever been tested in your life or in your faith? I know I have. One key thing to remember when our testings come is these three words: God IS Faithful.

The other night my husband came home from work looking a little defeated. There is so much going on in the world, so much strife, confusion, unknown, fear and sadness. It is no wonder he was feeling defeated.

Recently, Chuck referenced Henri Nouwen, saying “Each moment is a seed within itself carrying the possibility of growth.”

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