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.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
