Devotion
Feed The Birds
David Jacobs
During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus painted pictures for the listeners so that they would better understand. The verse above is one of those examples, using birds as an example of why humans should not worry.
I want to ask you to take a moment and to just be quiet. Sit still and let your mind be at ease. What happens? Not so easy to let your mind at ease, is it? Humans are not too good at switching off their minds, and when we sit still our minds are filled with the worries, temptations, and general thoughts of the day. What are yours?
Now look at the verse and think of birds. They do not appear to have the same worries and concerns that we do. God takes care of them and we should trust that He will take care of us. Regardless, we will die, and if we do not have trust in God, our life will be worth nothing. Make your life mean something: trust in the Lord, make his teachings the center of your focus. Leave everything else, like the birds do, to God.
Prayer
Generous and loving Lord, thank you for caring about me. Forgive me for letting my mind wander and think about trivial and worldly concerns. I know that my life should be focused on you, with all of my thoughts dedicated to my obedience to Jesus. Grant me the wisdom to follow you more closely, heavenly Father, so that I may reside with you some day, in heaven. Amen.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
