Devotion
The Word Be With You
David Jacobs
Gift of gab, "a silver-tongue", "smooth-talker"...think of someone you know that you would describe with these words. Would you say that their words also come with power? Probably not. I have certainly been at church and listened or caught myself talking almost solely for the sake of hearing the words myself.
I am reminded of "Chicken Little" claiming that the sky was falling and of "the boy who cried "wolf," examples of messages that lose their power because of the words that they chose, the examples that they shared, and the messages themselves. The word of the Lord is different: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). God is not a slick-tongued used car salesmen. His words carry weight, power, enough that it leaves followers astonished. His words do not balance themselves neutrally hoping to encompass all sides. God's words should be taken for what they are, as the way and the truth and the life.
I remember some instances that I felt very embarrassed because I was unsure of how to answer a question or when someone responded to an argument that I posited but left me stumped. God never feels this way. He is omnipotent and gave us His holy word so that we may better understand him. As his devout followers, we must study the word and be challenged, encouraged, and learn to be more like Him. He sent Jesus Christ to earth so that we could see His desires in our own likeness, to hear His words out of a human mouth, but what we do with these blessings is up to us.
Do not worry yourself with offending others or remaining neutral. However, it is imperative to study the word of God and know what He would want you to say and when to say it:
Proverbs 17:27-28 - " He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."
James 1:19 - "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath"
2 Timothy 3:16 - " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
Ecclesiastes 3:7 - "A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; "
Prayer
You are equipped with the tools to do good. Learn the Lord's word and your words will also carry power, as He intended. Thanks be to God.
Devotion
Abraham is Father of All
Frances Taylor
There are questions in every age about the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. Abraham is considered to be the Father of Faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims. We forget that it was Abraham who believed in the doctrine of only one God. It is through him and his descendants that this tradition comes down to us. Another fact that we can overlook is that Jesus was Jewish. He was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, died, rose and ascended into heaven as a Jew. Because we believe that he was the Messiah, the Christ, and we follow him, we are called Christian. Without the Old Testament, we wouldn't understand the promise of salvation; we wouldn't understand why it was important for Jesus to be of the family of King David. We would not understand his teaching either, because Jesus quoted from Scripture – the Old Testament – frequently. He told us that he came to fulfill the Scriptures, not to abolish them. In the same way, we can ...
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Inspiration
We have a responsibility, as Christians, to abstain from the sinful practices we partook in before we became saved. While it may be a gradual process of change, we should ensure that we are putting in our best to play our part in resisting temptation. God enables us to resist temptation, but it is up to us to actually resist.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I will always be a person of action. Father, I take delight in my new life in you and I do not desire otherwise. I pray that in times of temptation, may I act on the strength you have given me to flee and/or resist. May I never rely on excuses or procrastination, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Inspiration
We have chosen to surrender our lives and serve the Lord. We serve Him by witnessing, completing missionary projects, and ministering to those in need. There is always work to do and a world full of people to help. We will look for opportunities to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ by any means necessary. We are servants to one another as a service to the Lord; He will never forsake us.
Prayer
Dear God, Help us see the world through Your eyes. We desire to serve those around us by reflecting Your love through our actions. You will never forsake us, and we will continually lift praises of thanksgiving to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
