Devotion
The Start of Something New
Chipo Biti
On this day, a day that may have seemed like a regular day to other people, Christ was born. He was born in a manger, a birthplace that would not be fitting for a King. But this was the start of something great - something new. The Savior had finally come to the earth and all the heavens were celebrating. An angel appeared to shepherds who were minding their flocks in the field, carrying on with their daily lives. The angel came to announce the great thing which had happened - the Savior had been born. The angel described where they would find the child and they left immediately.
When they reached the stable, in Bethlehem, and they shared what they had experienced. The shepherds were filled with joy to see that the word of the Lord that they had been given was true. They saw this moment as a momentous occasion; they did not take it lightly. When they finished their visit, the shepherds left, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard.
This day was a major day for the world, even if they did not know it, because God's redemption plan was finally in motion. His redemption plan being Jesus Christ, who had come to fulfill the law, die for our sins, and raise from the dead. He completed all His tasks, setting us free from the power of sin and the bondage of the enemy. All of this started from this small birth in a manger, that may have appeared to be an insignificant event but it was not.
Prayer
We still celebrate this day today because of what it signified. The birth of a new era. Salvation surely did come to the earth and we, God's children, are all recipients of this precious gift. Now, it is our responsibility to pass on this good news to all who will hear, hoping that they will give their lives to Christ as well.
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.
