Devotion
Called into Confidence
Chipo Biti
Time and time again, we are exposed to the profound love of God. One can never get used to it. One can never understand the depths of the love that God has for His children. Because of who God is, we always expect Him to pick "perfect people" (if such a thing exists) for the tasks that He intends to carry out on earth. We are always surprised when we discover the people God ends up choosing - even if it is ourselves. All of the great men and women of God that you see did not start there. There was a time where if someone had told you that God was going to use those particular people mightily, you would have thought that it was impossible.
Samuel hadn't had the word of the Lord revealed to Him yet when God called for Him. Samuel didn't know the Lord yet! But that did not stop God. It didn't faze Him. At some point, you will realize that "perfect timing" is a myth. We always assume that we have to be in a perfect position in our lives before we can be qualified to be missionaries for God. This couldn't be any farther away from the truth.
Prayer
The truth is, our version of perfection will never match up to God's standard of perfection. So we shouldn't try and waste our time by delaying our obedience to God's call while we wait for "the right time". The concept of "the right time" is a myth. When God calls you, regardless of where you are in your life, then you need to know that that is the right time. Sometimes the call won't come with an audible voice. The call could come through an inward witness. A time will come where you will receive a strange confidence that will let you know that it is time.
When that time comes, seize it. When God has given you the go-ahead, you have every reason to feel confident about the journey ahead of you.
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.
