Sample Devotions for Winners

Here are three sample devotions I wrote for previous Winners. We await details on the wordcount for the next version - but this will give you an idea of what is wanted. 

BORDER CROSSING

John 3:16  (CEV) God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.

To travel between South Africa and Zimbabwe, or any other African country for that matter, you have to go via an official border post and produce the correct documentation. The Kingdom of Heaven is no different. To cross from Earth to Heaven we have to go through the border post. Jesus Christ purchased our passport on the cross. But without Him, we will not be able to cross into the Kingdom of Heaven.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for my passport to Heaven. I accept it from you now.

(90 words)

CHANGE OF HEART

Matthew 23:25-26 (CEV)  You Pharisees and teachers are show-offs, and you're in for trouble! You wash the  outside of your cups and dishes, while inside there is nothing but greed and selfishness. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of a cup, and then the outside will also be clean.

Poverty in Africa is a huge problem. Years ago, the Barbers' Union of Chicago picked out a filthy hobo and gave him a complete makeover. They cleaned him, dressed him in new clothes, and called him a “new man”. A short time later a journalist following up the story found the man. He had reverted to his old self. It wasn't enough to clean him on the outside. He had to want to be different. We need to motivate people to change from the inside. 

PRAYER: Lord, show me habits I need to alter. Help me change from the inside.

(99 words)

GUARDIAN

Rom 8:39  (KJV)  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.

A baboon family scampered across the road. Babies clung to their mothers' underbellies. Youngsters stopped to play. One curious little guy plonked down in the middle of the road and studied our car. A loud bark sounded from the top of the tree, and the animals scurried for the trees. The senior member of the troupe, perched atop the highest tree, was warning them of danger. I thought of God, our Father, watching over us at all times. Am I always as quick to obey?

PRAYER: Lord, help me to listen for your warning call, and to obey immediately

(98 words)