Devotion
Be humble in the sight of the Lord
David Jacobs
Many of the world's leading scientific thinkers are not religious. The accomplishments of man have led us further and further into discovering why the universe acts in the way that it does and also helps us understand our role in it. There is no doubt that we have taken tremendous steps forward in terms of technology, but has our understanding of existence really improved at all? When you look at the stars, we may now know what elements they are made of, but does it really explain how they got there and where the elements came from? There are certainly theories, many of them are quite sound and based on the talents and efforts of humanity's most diligent and intelligent people. Any advancement, any theory, any understanding we may have does not come from us. It comes from God.
Today, temptation and the false path is often confused with salvation, which comes in many forms: drugs, sex, idolatries, consumption, or other forms of false prophets can offer quick fixes. When we forget that it is not us, it is not humanity, it is God that is in the driver's seat, we become our own worst enemy. This can be said for all people, even the most intelligent and successful. It is only through Christ's divination that we may understand true and everlasting salvation. It is only with our faith in the Lord, and not in oneself or other false prophets, that we may find grace.
Prayer
Our Lord in Heaven, hallowed be thy name and the relationship between you and humanity. Lead me away from worldly temptations. Help me find the courage to strengthen my faith in thee and only thee, my Lord, in whom all true redemption and grace is found. Amen.
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.
