Devotion
Fly like an Eagle
David Jacobs
What do you do right before you go to sleep? In this day and age, I think most of us worry about the day or days ahead, probably checking our phones or computers to see what to expect. We are tethered to these electronic devices because they make our lives "easier." Much of modern technology and infrastructure was developed to make our lives easier, faster, and simpler. Does your life feel easier? Think about ways that we can actually make it easier and simpler.
Consider the verses selected: people have had similar anxieties and pressures for all of our existence. Worry and anxiety are biological responses to our desire to survive, but do they make our lives easier? How can we improve?
Have faith in God. Trust that the Lord will take care of you. What comes tomorrow is going to come regardless. Detach yourself for a moment from the hustle and bustle of modern society. Take a moment to contemplate what matters to you and what matters to God. Notice birds flying, singing, and eating. God takes care of them; He will take care of you.
Prayer
I trust in you, Abba Father, but my confidence often wavers. Strengthen my faith so that I may grow closer to you. Help me care for myself and for all of your creations, the birds in the sky and the animals on the ground, as you so generously care for us. Thank you, almighty God, my father, my love. Amen.
Devotion
Paul, Jesus’ Servant
Frances Taylor
We recognize that Paul was an apostle, the Apostle to the Gentiles. We also know that he never knew Jesus in the flesh. He did have an experience of Jesus in a vision and then spent time learning about him so that he could preach the Gospel in confidence to the Gentile world after the Jewish world rejected him because of his previous behavior against them. Paul considered himself an apostle and the servant of Jesus.
We are called to be disciples, teaching others about Jesus and spreading the Gospel message of salvation, of God's unconditional love for his children. We did not live in the time of Jesus and never knew or heard him in the flesh. But if we examine our lives, we will find experiences of Jesus in our lives.
As I sit here this evening, I am thinking about the dilemma I faced this weekend. I was committed to go to a family party yesterday, and planned to visit a good friend in a nursing home today. The party yesterday was cancelled ...
Morning Prayer
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Inspiration
We should not seek that honor which comes from men but the honor that comes only from God. Men often honor one another, but that honor is nothing if it be not in conformity to God's truth. Christians should honor God by obeying him and count as their highest honor a word from him saying, "Well done you good and faithful servant. "
Prayer
May I honor you, Lord, with all of my words and actions, from the heart, at all times and in all places. Keep me from pursuing men's applause and approval, but let me look to you alone for approval. To you, my true Master, I stand or fall. Amen.
Night Prayer
And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
Inspiration
God assigned Moses an extensive job to complete, and Moses questioned his ability to follow through. He did not feel he was a good fit and told the Lord he had doubts. As we read through Scripture, we see countless moments when someone who seemed unlikely is called upon to do something incredible. They feel humbled, overwhelmed, and they fear disappointment. We often have concerns about the work God calls us to complete; we doubt we heard Him correctly or misunderstood the details. We must remember that God's plan always works out for good; we will remain humble as we undertake a task that seems impossible.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Forgive us when we doubt ourselves or the plan You have established for us. We will accept any task and complete all works as You will. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
