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
Passover
Frances Taylor
And so still today, the Jewish people celebrate Passover and one of the traditions is for someone to ask why we celebrate this feast, and the youngest child answers with the story of the Passover. Jesus was celebrating Passover with his friends on the night before he died. I know this reading comes up during the summer, so it's not the time for Passover, or the Passion of Jesus, but I have a question. What are our traditions surrounding the passion and death and resurrection of Jesus? Do we celebrate the end of Lent on Holy Thursday? Do we spend time with Jesus on Good Friday remembering his sacrifice? Is Easter all about candy and the Easter bunny? Today, many of our churches are practically empty on Easter Sunday and the children think more about an Easter egg hunt than God. Would the youngest member of the family be able to tell the story of why we celebrate? God brought the Israelites from slavery to freedom at the original Passover, but Jesus brought ...
Morning Prayer
Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the LORD of hosts; one shall be called, The city of destruction. In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD.
Inspiration
Through God, all things are possible, and all things may be made a new. Dwell not on the past, of what was or could have been, but rather look forward to what through God's grace, may unfold within his divine plan. Being a Christian is constantly about a state of becoming, of a movement towards the Light of perfection shown to us by Christ. A part of this is to always remain open to Gods' works and feats, emerging all around us. God's will to create and recreate the world is his right as our Heavenly father, and it is not for us to mourn what may pass, but rather to seek to adapt our faith in ...
Night Prayer
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Inspiration
God is our portion, our ultimate source of peace and happiness. We do not need to understand His ways or timing; we only need to know that He is always with us. God is our safety net, and He guides us through each struggle or hardship. We know terrible occurrences are bound to happen as we live in this imperfect world, but we have hope because God is with us every moment. His love will never fail.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we depend on You for peace and happiness all the days of our life. We are blessed because we can face any obstacle with You by our side. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
