Daily Devotional

2/6/2024

Acts 3:1-9

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And, Peter fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God.

I can’t help but sing the children’s song about Peter and John went to pray when I read this. This scripture has many beautiful lessons.

First, we should prioritize prayer in our daily lives. I personally have had so many prayers answered, and watch numerous friends receive answers to their prayers. How many times have we neglected our prayer life? I admit I have before, and I will probably at some time do it again. Do I want to neglect my prayer life? No, I don’t. But I pray God will help me stay close to Him. Staying close to God will help me in all areas of my life, including my prayer life.

Second, Peter and John found someone in need. God used Peter and John in a marvelous way! They didn’t give him money, but they showed the lame man Christ. God healed the lame man. And, when he was healed, he praised God. He didn’t praise Him privately. Everyone saw this lame man walking, leaping, and praising God.

God has been so good to us also! He has saved me from a devil’s Hell. So, let this be my walking, leaping, and praising God for saving me and taking care of me. I pray today you will spend time with God, and walk in His ways, leaping in His grace, and praising Him as you do.

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First Day Hike 2024

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2024 my first day hike found me at Lake Frierson State Park. https://arkansasstateparks.com

Lake Frierson State Park is located at 7904 Hwy 141, Jonesboro, AR, 72401. The trail we went on was called the boundary trail.

The trail is 1.5 miles in and back. It is a loop trail that is easy to follow. There were some areas since it was muddy, we had to be careful with. You will hike alongside the lake. Of course, this being a first day hike event, we had an Arkansas Park Ranger as our guide. She was very knowledgeable about the park and how it was created. Even though the trail isn’t very long, you can still hours there looking around and enjoying the views.

January 1st wasn’t a day I would be prepared to go fishing. But, after hiking, taking your fishing gear! There were several areas to fish off the bank. If you have a boat, they also have a boat ramp. They also have camp sites and a playground area for kids to get outdoors and get some of that vitamin D!

Lake Frierson State Park is a smaller park, but one with trails, camping, and fishing. It will get you out of the hustle and bustle of your daily life. Give yourself a break and take time to refresh yourself.

January’s Books In Review

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So, 2024 I have decided to try to read 24 books. January, I have read four books. The Lie: Evolution by Ken Ham, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. I will review these one at a time.

The Lie: Evolution by Ken Ham

This is a good book to help lay down some fundamentals to creation. Unfortunately, our schools don’t consider anything but evolution. Here is an alternative to help education yourself and your family about God’s creation and design. I actually listened to the audiobook. I would highly recommend reading this book, and getting your Bible out to study.

2 Timothy 2:15 is one of my favorite verses. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Let me just start by saying, Wow! It does start off slow, but it will build and get better. It has a twist I didn’t see coming. Plot includes a woman who shoots her husband in the face, and then stops talking. A psychotherapist who is obsessed with this woman’s life.

If you like twisted plots, this psychological thriller will not disappoint.

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

Part of my goal this year is to read some classics. I’m not a really big fan of science fiction books. I choose to listen to this my audio book also. It will probably not be a book I would read again. H.G. Wells does have a great imagination, and I can picture the different creatures he describes in my mind. His book is definitely based off of an evolution mindset.

The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I will have to say this has been my favorite read this month. I loved watching the movie growing up. The movie stays pretty true to the book in my opinion. I love the lessons we can learn from reading this book. About giving to others and caring for others. Something I feel we have lost a little of in our society. This would definitely by worth your time in reading!

January, four books down and twenty more to go. Happy Reading y’all!