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.
Devotion
Allowing The Scriptures
To bring Joy To My Life
Frances Taylor
The beginning of Luke's Gospel has always been one of my favorite readings. It makes me feel confident that I can believe what I have been taught. It also gives me peace because I know that God's promise has been fulfilled. We have been set free from fear. Of course, we will know fear of the unknown in this unpredictable world, but not fear of death because we can be sure that death is not the end, only the beginning of a new life. Otherwise, how could we continue to experience happiness and joy in the face of suffering? This freedom of fear, this belief in the good news – this Gospel message – is what made the early Christians so willing to face suffering in the name of Jesus. It is what motivated them to spread the good news to anyone who would listen. Is our world any less in need of the Gospel than theirs? I doubt it. Considering how we work so hard to be happy! How hard we work to avoid pain or suffering! So ...
Morning Prayer
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
Inspiration
Many wish to go to a multitude of other sources to find direction in life, especially in times of trouble. In Isaiah's day, many turned to wizards and those involved in the occult, and many still do today. But God's people should reject these methods and turn "to the Law and to the testimony. " (verse 20)
Prayer
We dare not trust the world of darkness, but we put our trust in you alone, O Lord, as our source of wisdom for life. We know that Satan himself appears like an angel of light to better deceive many, and that false religions are full of doctrines of devils and sacrifices to devils, though the participants mostly are unaware of it. Only in your Word do we find the true light that will guide us through even the most trying of times. Amen.
