Devotion
You are not an exception to God’s love
David Jacobs
It's often a challenge to imagine that God forgives us, especially when we can't seem to truly forgive ourselves. Any time you hear it being preached that God loves all His children and has a purpose for their lives, you can be sure that someone hearing it is having trouble believing it.
The truth is that none of us deserve care and protection from the Father, but thankfully, deserving is not the basis for God's love. In fact, God's very nature is love, which He demonstrated through the death of Christ. He cares so much for us that He gave each of us a place in His plan for the world.
What is happening when Christians can't see this? When they consider themselves exempt from God's love? This happens when we simply aren't looking for the opportunities He sends, and become distracted by the lying voice of Satan.
Satan might actually use our knowledge of God against us! Having come to know the will of God as Christians and how important it is, and then realizing that we have broken it, we become convinced that God could not forgive us. Satan has tried to blind us from God's love! When we study the scriptures to understand not only God's will, but also God's love, then we can come to understand the forgiving nature of the Lord.
Prayer
Lord, I have come to know your will. I acknowledge that I have wavered in my faith and strayed from your will. I have sinned. In the name of your son, I pray for your forgiveness, as I forgive those who hurt me. I pray that you would show me your love and your mercy so that I cannot deny how great your love is, and may love in turn pour from me to my brothers and sisters. Amen.
Devotion
Abraham’s Sacrifice
Frances Taylor
Did you ever wonder what went through Abraham's mind when he believed that God wanted him to sacrifice his son? Of course, at that particular time in history, sacrifice of the first-born was not unusual and seen as an offering to the gods who would then allow the rest of the children to live. Did Abraham think that God was like the other gods? We will never know in this world. But God did not want sacrifice in the flesh, but sacrifice in the heart. Abraham was prevented from sacrificing Isaac and was given a ram instead, and for his willingness was promised great blessings. What are we willing to sacrifice for God?
Today, in America, we celebrate our independence. Many men and women sacrificed a great deal for this to happen and many people all over the world have sacrificed a great deal for their independence, independence from tyranny, independence to practice their religion, freedom from fear. Isaac was freed so that he could become the ...
Morning Prayer
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Inspiration
We can all remember the people that have taught us the most. People often exemplify the successful, rich, powerful, and beautiful, thinking that they will be happier and feel better if they were more like them. How often do we follow in the footsteps of the people that are the most holy around us? How often do we actively attempt to follow in the footsteps of Jesus? He gave his life for us to even have that chance and thankfully the Bible has written the guidelines for how we need to live our lives.
Prayer
My holy God, help me realize that I too can be holy through you. When I stray from the path of righteousness, I ask that you push me back towards the path, remembering and realizing all that you have taught me. Finally, I ask that you remind me of the sacrifices that you have made, giving your only son as a sacrifice so ...
Night Prayer
Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
Inspiration
God's heart breaks with us when we experience struggles in this life. He becomes disappointed and saddened when we get ourselves into trouble. We often find ourselves struggling, resulting from our inappropriate actions and choices. We feel regret, remorse, and helplessness. We ask God for guidance during these times because He is the only one who loves us and has the power to help us overcome our struggles. He is our refuge and looks upon us with mercy and grace. His love never fails.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we have faith in Your unfailing love. Thank You for showing kindness and mercy when we struggle due to misguided choices. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
