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Heart of Compassion – S3-DE16

Lady V’s Devotional Episode   

Luke 19:1-10 (TLB) The Living Bible says; 

1-2 As Jesus was passing through Jericho, a man named Zacchaeus, one of the most influential Jews in the Roman tax-collecting business (and, of course, a very rich man), 3 tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowds. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed into a sycamore tree beside the road, to watch from there.

 5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name! “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick! Come down! For I am going to be a guest in your home today!” 6 Zacchaeus hurriedly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the crowds were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. 

8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “Sir, from now on I will give half my wealth to the poor, and if I find I have overcharged anyone on his taxes, I will penalize myself by giving him back four times as much!” 

9-10 Jesus told him, “This shows that salvation has come to this home today. This man was one of the lost sons of Abraham, and I, the Messiah, have come to search for and to save such souls as his.” 

Luke 19:1-10 TLB 

Children making a heart with their hands just above their heads. Photo represents a heart of compassion.

Devotional 

Are you lost? Do you feel invisible? Have you ever wondered if your life matters to God? Well—IT DOES! And like Zacchaeus, HE KNOWS YOUR NAME! Zacchaeus was trying to get a glimpse of Jesus, trying to get noticed. He didn’t realize Jesus had already noticed him. 

Although it may not seem like it, God notices you too. So much so, God knows the number of hairs on your head—which is proof that He’s paying attention. He has a compassionate love for you! 

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A Letter to the Church – S3E15

Most Christian scholars refer to The Book of James in the Holy Bible as ‘A Letter to the Church.’ Why? Because James, a brother of Jesus, sent letters to Jewish believers throughout the Roman empire. And those letters included some of his best teachings. 

In other words, the believers of that time respected him. In addition, they appreciated his advice and his wise decision-making skills. 

Although the title of this episode is ‘A Letter to the Church,’ everyone will benefit from the wisdom of James. 

Photo of the Holy Bible opened to the Book of James--A Letter to the Church.

Love your neighbor as yourself 

Now, the focus of this post is James 2:1-9. So, let’s look at it in the New Internation Version. It reads as follows: 

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Love Reveals GOD — S3-DE15

Lady V’s Devotional Episode   

1 John 4:7-10 (MSG) says; 

7-10 My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love.

This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God. 

1 John 4:7-10 (MSG) 

Photo of one person taking hold of the hand of another. For this blog post the photo represents the hand of God. God is love and Love reveals God.

Devotional  

When you look around, watch the nightly news, walk into a department store during the Christmas holidays—what do you see? You find everything but love among people. Why do you think that is? Does ANYONE know God?  

I realized the problem—People that don’t love others can’t know Jesus as LORD. Thus, they don’t know God!  The renewing of your mind begins with faith in Jesus, and time in HIS Word to learn what love is. And it takes learning about Jesus to see what LOVE looks like.  

Truth is—the excellence of LOVE reveals GOD. 

The sacrifice that Jesus made on the Cross for the sins of the world was unselfish, enduring love. This love was kind, thoughtful, truthful, and full of grace.  

Jesus didn’t let someone’s race, financial status, or a political party decide whether He would go on the Cross for them. NO! JESUS let love guide the decisions He made. And we too must let love guide us.  

We must learn how to love others as God has loved us

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Grace – God’s Generosity – S3E14

In general, if you ask some people the meaning of the word ‘grace’ they may say it is the prayer offered at a meal. Whereas for others ‘grace’ is the period of time between a bill due date and final notice. Although grace has several definitions, for this post, I am talking about the grace of God. Hence, the title of this podcast episode; Grace–God’s Generosity. 

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ALL YOU NEED — S3-DE14

Lady V’s Devotional Episode 

Ephesians 1:7-10 (TPT) says; 

Since we are now joined to Christ, we have been given the treasures of redemption by his blood—the total cancellation of our sins—all because of the cascading riches of his grace.  

This superabundant grace is already powerfully working in us, releasing all forms of wisdom and practical understanding.  

And through the revelation of the Anointed One, he unveiled his secret desires to us—the hidden mystery of his long-range plan, which he was delighted to implement from the very beginning of time.  

And because of God’s unfailing purpose, this detailed plan will reign supreme through every period of time until the fulfillment of all the ages finally reaches its climax—when God makes all things new in all of heaven and earth through Jesus Christ. 

Ephesians 1:7-10 (TPT) 

Devotional  

Salvation—New Life through Jesus Christ, comes with a grace gift that has ALL YOU NEED. The truth is this immeasurable grace gift begins with Jesus because He is grace personified. Grace and truth came through Him. 

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United with Jesus — S3-DE13

Lady V’s Devotional Episode 

Ephesians 2:4-7 (NLT) says; 

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 

So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 

Ephesians 2:4-7 (NLT) 

United with Jesus Christ. Photo of one person placing a wooden cross in the hands of another person.

Devotional 

When we were born, we didn’t get to choose what family we were born into. Some were born into loving families, while others were not. Some were abandoned, while others were received as cherished gifts.  

Even so, one thing every family has in common is that we all have sinned and fallen short. And sin causes destruction in our lives. 

But look at how good God is— 

God, in all His mercy and grace, foreknew that none of us were perfect thus, we ALL needed a SAVIOR!  

You see, our imperfections didn’t stop God from loving us and wanting us to belong in HIS eternal family. He didn’t want us separated from Him. He wanted us closer. 

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Have You Received Your Gift? — S3E13

The question for today is “Have you received your gift?” If you are wondering, “What gift?” I’m so glad you asked. The gift I am referring to is the most expensive gift you could ever receive because it came at a great cost. 

have you received your gift? Photo of a person holding a gift wrapped in gold paper with a gold bow.

In fact, God has made available the most precious gift to all who will receive it. The gift I am referring to is His Grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. So, I ask again, have you received your gift? 

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Grace to Overcome – S3E12

First and foremost, there is a grace to overcome the difficult times in life. Thus, before going any further, let’s look at two definitions of grace. 1) grace is a manifestation of favor, especially by a superior, and 2) to favor or honor.  

Grace to Overcome -- Photo of woman standing in a field with her arms raised in the light of a beautiful sunrise.

Of course, as a Christian, I am talking about the grace of God. You see, God’s grace is not earned. In fact, God gives His grace because He loves us. As a result, has made ‘grace to overcome’ readily available through His son Jesus Christ. You might ask, “But, what does Jesus have to do with grace to overcome?” Well, I am glad you want to know. 

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None Like Jesus—S3-DE12

Lady V’s Devotional Episode 

John 8:12 (NLT) says; 

 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” 

John 8:12 (NLT) 

Devotional  

Our lives are filled with memories of some good days and some bad days. Yet one thing you cannot forget is the ONE who got you through those bad days. 

For those that are in Christ, you know like I do those dark seasons do come. But with Jesus, those dark days cannot stay.  

You see, when we have God’s presence, God’s protection, and God’s guidance through this life we are on the path of LIGHT. And Jesus is all that!  

There’s none like Jesus! 

His light shines so brightly that the darkness flees. The LIGHT shines as a beacon of hope and promise.  

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God Gave Me a New Song — S3-DE11

Lady V’s Devotional Episode 

Exodus 15:2 (NLT) says: 

“The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father’s God, and I will exalt him!” 

Exodus 15:2 (NLT) 

Hands raised in worship representing how God gave me a new song.

Devotional 

Remember the songs of your past that evoked emotion? Some songs reminded you of good things. Yet, others reminded you of bad experiences which brought you to tears. Either way, there were always songs playing in your head. 

When we look back in Exodus chapter 14, the people of Israel were playing songs in their heads of fear, doom and despair. There was nothing positive playing on the radio.  

And then, it happened! God turned their sorrow into joy. No longer was their grim situation of bondage able to keep them held hostage to the sorrow song station. Exodus 15:2 records a new song playing in their ear—a song of praise in their mouths. 

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