Devotion
Love in Loyalty
Chipo Biti
Elisha was loyal to Elijah until the very end. When it was time for Elijah to leave the earth, he tried to leave Elisha behind. Elisha refused to do so. The thought of letting Elijah go anywhere on his own was not something Elisha was going to allow. As Elijah's right-hand man, Elisha always took care of Elijah's needs and his wellbeing. He didn't see it a loathsome job but as a duty worth fulfilling. He did it with all his heart. Elisha was aware of the fact that he was going to be Elijah's successor but he never let that interfere with the work that he needed to do.
He served Elijah honorably, without resentment or reservations. Elisha was also aware that Elijah was about to leave. He could have chosen to leave Elijah behind and started with his own ministry. He could have left Elijah to go on the journey alone. But he chose to be honorable and be with Elijah until the very end. When they encountered different prophets, they tried to inform Elisha of Elijah's impending death, but Elisha was not deterred.
When we are working as assistants to other people, we should never see it as a lowly task. Pride is what will make us think that we are better than the position we find ourselves in. Pride is not a godly trait to maintain. It always causes strife and disrupts harmony. If you have to serve as an understudy to someone - be it in church, at school, or at work - see it as an opportunity to work honorably. Be loyal to the people that God has assigned as authorities in your life. Loyalty does not mean that you have to do every single thing they ask, though, especially if these requests are not godly. Being a loyal servant simply means that you work with an open heart, willing to be of help wherever you can.
Prayer
When the time comes for you to take over from your predecessor, be humble. Do not gloat about it - that is not honorable. Do not shirk your responsibilities, either. If the quality of your service is dependent on the position you receive, then that does not mean that you are serving honorably. You are only lying to yourself.
Let the love in your heart extend to the people that you are serving.
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.
