Devotionals By Millicent Peart

The Power of a Renewed Mind Philippians 4:8 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Our minds are incredibly powerful. The thoughts we dwell on have the ability to shape our emotions, decisions, and even our relationship. In a world filled with complexities and challenges, Philippians 4:8 offers a timeless reminder of the power of our thoughts. Paul encourages believers to focus their thoughts on things that reflect God's character: truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, loveliness, and excellence. The verse is a call to intentional living. Our thoughts are like seeds planted in the garden of our minds. Over time, the thoughts we nurture grow into beliefs, attitudes, and actions.   It reminds us that our thought life directly impacts our spiritual health. When we let our minds wander toward negativi...

  The Healing Power of the Cross 1 Peter 2:24-25 "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." (1 Peter 2:24-25, NIV) Peter reminds us in 1Peter 2:24-25 of the incredible love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He willingly bore our sins on the cross, taking upon Himself the punishment that we deserved. His sacrifice is the foundation of our faith and the source of our healing: spiritually, emotionally, and physically. His suffering was not in vain but purposeful to free us from the grip of sin and enable us to live lives of righteousness. The imagery of "sheep going astray" paints a vivid picture of our spiritual condition before Christ. Like lost sheep, we wandered, vulnerable and directionless, often unaware of the danger we were in. Yet, through His grac...

  Guarding Your Heart with God’s Word Psalm 119:11 (NIV) I have hidden your word in my heart; that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 expresses the psalmist's deep love for God’s Word and its purpose in shaping a life of holiness. By hiding God's Word in our hearts, we create a spiritual reservoir that can guide, protect, and sustain us. Guarding our hearts with God’s Word is an intentional effort as a means of staying aligned with His will. It is an act of devotion, trust, and preparation. The verse emphasizes the importance of hiding God’s word in our hearts so that it becomes part of who we are, influencing our decisions, thoughts, and actions. Life often presents us with challenges and temptations that can pull us away from God. When God’s Word is stored in our hearts, it becomes a source of strength and wisdom, helping us to navigate these moments without falling into sin. It equips us to respond with grace, humility, and righteousness. Hiding God’s Word ...

  Running Toward God 2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV) So, flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Hey youth, have you ever watched a race? The runner does not just wander onto the track, they are focused, intentional, and running toward a goal. This is the picture Paul depicts in 2 Timothy 2:22. It is not just about avoiding what is harmful; it is about actively chasing what brings you closer to God. Paul talks about "evil desires of youth." He encourages you to recognize the things that can pull you away from God, such as jealousy, lust, pride, selfishness, peer pressure, and to actively distance yourself from them. This is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength and wisdom. Just like a runner knows to avoid distractions or obstacles, you are called to run away from anything that takes you off course spiritually. Life is not just about avoiding sin; it is about runn...

  "God Will Not Abandon Us" Psalm 94:14 (NLT) The Lord will not reject his people; he will not abandon his special possession. Psalm 94:14 (NLT) is a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering commitment to His people. It speaks to His faithfulness and the enduring nature of His love, especially in times when we might feel forgotten or forsaken. As believers, we are God’s treasured inheritance. Just as a loving parent would never abandon their child, God remains near, even in our darkest valleys. His presence is not determined by our circumstances or feelings but by His unwavering commitment to His covenant. In moments of hardship, when we might feel abandoned by people or overwhelmed by circumstances, This verse reassures us that God does not give up on those He has chosen. Despite our failings, struggles, or doubts, He remains steadfast. His promises are unchanging, and His love is unconditional. Hold onto this promise in prayer and meditation, especially when fa...

  The Source of True Peace John 14:27 (NLT) Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. In John 14:27, Jesus speaks words of profound comfort to His disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” These words are not just for the disciples of that time but for all believers throughout the ages. Jesus offers a peace that is unlike the brief peace the world provides, His peace is eternal, unshakable, and rooted in the very nature of God. Jesus speaks these words to His disciples as He prepares them for His departure. He knows they will face trials, confusion, and fear, but He reassures them of a peace that transcends circumstances. This peace is not based on external conditions but flows from an internal trust in Him. It is a gift, not something we can earn or manufacture on our own. We live in a chaotic world were peace can be elusive, hard to attain and even harder ...

  Connecting With God Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Jesus had just experienced a day full of ministry, He was healing the sick, casting out demons, and preaching to the crowds. Yet, before anyone else woke, He intentionally withdrew to a quiet place to pray. This deliberate act demonstrates the necessity of solitude for spiritual renewal and connecting with God. Imagine your phone when you use it throughout the day for calls, and messages, by the evening, the battery is drained. If you do not recharge it will becomes useless. Prayer is like that charger for our souls. It reconnects us to the ultimate source of power, God. Without prayer we cannot function on our own, we become spiritually drained. When you plug into God through prayer, we are restored, renewed, and recharged. You gain the strength and clarity to face life’s demands. In today's fast-paced world, ...

  "Faith: Trusting Beyond Sight" Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 provides a powerful definition of faith: it is both confidence in what we hope for and assurance of things unseen. This verse reminds us that faith is not just wishful thinking but a deep, unwavering trust in the character and faithfulness of God. Faith is a spiritual anchor, grounding us in God's promises even when life seems uncertain. It is grounded in the certainty of God’s promises. Just as a sailor trusts the anchor to hold firm during a storm, faith allows us to cling to God’s word with confidence, knowing He will fulfill His plans. Like Abraham, who trusted God’s promise of descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5-6), our faith is strengthened when we believe in God's ability to bring His plans to fruition. Faith goes beyond the visible. It calls us to trust God even when circumstances do not l...