Devotion
What Are You Feeding Yourself?
Chipo Biti
The words that we speak are always a reflection of our hearts - the state of our minds. The things that we choose to dwell on will affect the mindset we choose to base our life decisions and actions on. If your mind is focused on the right things, the right things will flow from your mouth. If your mind dwells on negative things that bring no life, dead things will flow from the words that you speak. By "dead things" I mean that no refreshing words will be able to come out of your mouth. You will not be able to edify the people around you.
This is why we need to be mindful of the things we feed our minds. These things will be the things our minds will dwell on and formulate beliefs and convictions. If you feed your mind things that tear down and hurt others, you will end up hurting others yourself. If you feed yourself with godly material, material that gives life, you will end up giving life-giving words to the people that you encounter. It is profitable to be wise and walk in the counsel of the Lord. The words you speak and the advice you give will give life and restoration to those who are in need of it. When your words are based on the Word of God, you will be able to refresh the souls of many.
But if your mind dwells on foolish, unfruitful things like gossip and foul speech, your words will not be profitable for anyone - they won't even be profitable for yourself. If you let foolishness lead your life, you will find yourself in many terrible situations. Focusing on the wrong things, things that are not godly, will always lead to painful mistakes.
Prayer
Let your words be rooted in the word, so that you can edify yourself and you can edify those around you.
Night Prayer
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Inspiration
Though we're all aware of the potentially positive aspects of education, of work, and of being proactive, with these words Jesus does two things: He reminds us of how important we are to God, and He invites us to acquire a different perspective of our work. He's not saying to stop working, but He is literally saying that if we think our job success is fundamentally equivalent to securing the payment of our bills each month, then we have the 'cart before the horse'. Our job is not synonymous with security, nor does it prove God's love. God’s promise to provide for us does! Truth.
Prayer
Lord, it must sadden You to see us sometimes trust more in our education and employment than we do in You. I am trying to understand the balance between my responsibility and Your provision. Give me wisdom, I ...
Devotion
Two Apostles
Frances Taylor
This weekend we celebrated the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, two men who were called by Christ to go out and bring the Good News to the world. Two very different men, called in different ways.
Peter was once a disciple of John the Baptist who was directed by John to follow Jesus. Paul was against this man Jesus who was, in his mind, turning people away from God. Yet we have benefitted from the preaching and teaching of them both. Peter is the "Rock" upon whom Jesus built his church and Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles, the non-Jews, who might never have heard about Jesus as their Savior. They each had different stories of conversion – Paul's considerably more dramatic! They had different styles, different communities of believers, but they had one purpose – to preach Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead.
Jesus, the Messiah and Lord sent to save the world from death due to sin and to open the gates of heaven to all who would believe. Just ...
Morning Prayer
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Inspiration
A mother is a blessing to her family. Mothers are known to be the glue that holds the family together – after Christ, that is. If you have been privileged enough to have a loving and dedicated mother, take time out to appreciate her or thank God for her. If, unfortunately, you have not, thank God for the women in your life who filled that gap. God is also able to fill that gap in your life, and heal you from any hurt or pain you may have suffered as a result of losing your mother or having a mother who did not show much care.
Prayer
Dear God, I just want to pray for all the mothers in the world. Lord, I know how tough it can be being a mom. I pray that you comfort them in times where they need comfort, strengthen them when the going gets tough, and may you bless them abundantly for their love, care and ...
