Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Extend Eternal Healing (4/23/26)

On Monday we headed to Detroit for the kids’ Hobbit show costume fittings, followed by their regular Detroit Opera Youth Chorus rehearsal. With a couple of hours to spare between the fittings and rehearsal, we explored Belle Isle, situated in the middle of the Detroit River. The youngest two kids were excited to visit for the first time. They thought it was cool to essentially be standing between two countries – the US and Canada – while also enjoying the beauty of Spring and the dazzling sunshine reflecting off the river water.

As unique and exciting as this was, it’s nothing compared to standing in the middle of the river in Heaven, which will be far more spectacular and glorious.

Revelation 22:1-5    Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb ² down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. ³ No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. ⁴ They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. ⁵ There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

We’ve finally reached the final chapter in Revelation! In this new Jerusalem, those who follow Jesus will experience no more pain or suffering. Instead, they will be met with healing, blessings, and fulfilling work serving our perfect Creator. We’ll get to see Him face-to-face daily! What hope and encouragement do these promises bring to you today?

Thursday Devotional - Better than Money

Does money really buy happiness?

I’m sure Jessica’s family would pay thousands and thousands of dollars to bring her sister-in-law back to life, pay for a cancer cure, etc. (see Monday’s devotional) Money doesn’t solve all our problems.

Peter offered better than money to a lame beggar.

Acts 3:6-10 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ⁷ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸ He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. ⁹ When all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰ they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

More than just physical healing, this man was offered spiritual healing! God used the physical healing to open the door for Peter to share the truths about God and Jesus Christ (as you can read in the rest of chapter 3). The beggar was so thankful Peter gave him something better than money!!!

What about you and me? Are we more focused on providing financial means for ourselves and our family? Or, are we giving those around us something better than money? Are we sharing the truths of God that can bring spiritual healing for all eternity, no matter what happens in this life?

Alice