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
Good Brings Forth Good
Frances Taylor
And evil brings forth evil. Honest people can be trusted to be honest and dishonest people can't be trusted, because they lie. Whether we like it or not, we are judged on our actions. People are always watching us, just as we watch others, if we are honest with ourselves. It takes time to get to know people. Because of that, we watch what they do, what they say, so that we can decide how well we want to know them. We all shield ourselves from pain or misunderstanding by only revealing ourselves a little at a time. If someone is always gossiping about their friends, we wonder what they are saying about us, when we're not present. If a co-worker brings home office supplies, are you comfortable leaving your valuables around? It is only when others prove themselves trustworthy that we are willing to share ourselves with them; that we are open to bringing them into our lives. We look for the "good trees" to include in our lives, and once we ...
Morning Prayer
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Inspiration
Immanuel, as rendered here and in the gospel of Matthew from the original Hebrew, often translates to "God is with us" -marking the name foretold in the Old Testament of our Messiah and Savior, Jesus Christ. Indeed, God is and always has been with us. May his message of goodness and compassion shine through to our current age, where his name is still as relevant as ever.
Prayer
Lord O Heavenly Father, I give thanks to the pure Virgin through whom your word was born unto the world. Praise be your enduring song of hope for man and mankind, that you are always with us, in sickness and in health, in life as in death. May we glorify your truth in all we do, for then as now, forever more, Immanuel, Amen.
Night Prayer
Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Inspiration
The world tells us to get what we want by all means necessary. The Devil enjoys weaving evil through a man's thoughts, making it seem okay to fight, steal, or kill to receive what they think the world owes them. As Christians, worldly treasures have no value; the love of God is the only incentive we have, and we joyfully live our lives according to His will. Although the world has a different opinion, we will continue to shine the love of God through our lives; living without violence and jealousy.
Prayer
Dear Lord, the world is filled with greed and the desire to obtain what we want at all costs. Forgive us for our jealous nature and teach us to live our lives as an example to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
