Athens First UMC Daily 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.   Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcast at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

“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) Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:2 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:26 NIV Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31 NRSV Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

“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 NIVRead today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!  2 Corinthians 5:17 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

 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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

"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.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

“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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

“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) Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

“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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

“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) Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

1 Corinthians 13:8 - “Love Never Fails.” Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity. Proverbs 17:17 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16 (NIV) Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

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.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

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. Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 107:1 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

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.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (NRSV) Nehemiah 8:10 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

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.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts. 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

“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.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

On the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, he made a feast for all his servants. Genesis 40:20 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

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.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

“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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

“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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.

“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 Read today's devotion on our website at athensfirstumc.org/devotions.Check out our other podcasts at athensfirstumc.org/podcasts.