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
Resurrection
Frances Taylor
Doubt is normal. It was there in Paul's time and it exists today. Maybe it is more prevalent today than it was in Paul's time because there are so many people trying to discourage people from belief in God. The pagans of Paul's time believed in gods, they just didn't all know God. Today many claim that there is no God. They believe that scientists will soon be able to explain everything about how the world was created and answer any other question we might have. See, no need for God! And if there is no God then no heaven and no resurrection. If this is true then why bother depriving ourselves of all the pleasures we can get just because Christianity says love of God and of others should come first. But, there were too many people who witnessed Jesus after his resurrection. Too many people who were willing to die for the sake of Jesus and his teaching. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't die for a lie. And I doubt that they would either. So, as ...
Morning Prayer
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Inspiration
Today, temptation and the false path is often confused with salvation, which comes in many forms and guises. This 'salvation' may for some include the diversions of drugs, sex, idolatries, consumption, or in the form of false prophets offering quick fixes. Often, the worst perpetrator may even be ourselves once we forget God is in the driving seat. Thus, it is only through Christ's divination that we may understand true and everlasting salvation in the eyes of our heavenly father. It is only with our faith in the Lord, and not in oneself or other false prophets, that we may find grace.
Prayer
Our Lord in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, and hallowed be the sacrament between man and your majesty. Lead me not into the temptations of false salvation, or to heed and follow the words of lost prophets. Help me find the courage to ...
Night Prayer
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Inspiration
We are confident regarding our salvation and eternal life, no matter what evil afflicts us. Paul knew he would die soon and was not concerned because he had hope in the promise of salvation and saw nothing but gain in the details of God's plan for His life. We experience many hardships in this earthly life and continue to praise God. We understand that He loves us unconditionally and trust His wisdom regarding each moment we've been gifted here on earth.
Prayer
Dear God, we praise You during our struggles because we have faith in Your plan. We will continue to trust Your wisdom all the days of our life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
