Devotion 

To Be Born Again

Frances Taylor 

Baptism is an interesting sacrament among Christians, the only one that all Christian denominations accept as necessary if one is to be called a Christian. But there are questions about how and at what age, by whom, and under what circumstances should Baptism be administered. There are denominations that practice infant Baptism and those that require a person make a commitment of acceptance of Christ before it can be administered. For some, pouring water over the head is sufficient, for others, sprinkling water over the person, and still others claim that only baptism by immersion is valid. I'm not getting into a debate about this. What I consider more important is the question of how baptism makes a difference in a person's life. If we line up a group of adults containing those who have been baptized and those who have not, and watch them for a week or so, would the baptized stand out from the rest because of the quality of their lives? Would they...

Morning Prayer 

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Inspiration 

God's plan was always for us to be a part of Him from the very beginning. When He created man that was what He had in mind. When the fall of man occurred, that did not deter God from His plan. He came up with another plan to ensure that we become a part of Him. That is how deep His love was and still is for us.

Prayer 

Dear God, our Heavenly Father, I just want to thank you for your endless love for me. You have been there for me far before I knew of you or even thought of coming to you. I will forever thank you for that precious act of love, where you gave up your Son so that I could be a part of you again. Thank you for this beautiful life I now have in you, O Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Night Prayer 

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Inspiration 

When we are quick to judge others, we often find that a moment of self-examination is in order. It’s not that we should remain silent when a loved one is caught in sin. But we must be sure that our own shortcomings do not prevent us from offering sincere and beneficial help. When we are blinded by our own sin, we risk inflicting more harm on those we wish to help.

Prayer 

Dear Father, thank You for Your deep well of forgiveness. Please search my heart and reveal any sins to confess even as I prepare to intervene in my loved one’s situation. Cleanse me by Your righteousness and fill me with Your grace so that I may see with wisdom and truth, and act with love and mercy toward others. In Jesus’ name, amen.