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.
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.
