Devotion
The good, the bad and the ugly
David Jacobs
So many things have changed in our lives with the vast advancements in technology. Social media is one example of something that is now so commonplace that it is hard to remember what life was like before it. A constant barrage of pictures and videos keeps us up to date with what is going on with our friends, but the desire to be liked and noticed can lead some to neglect what is true or good just for a little social media attention. I have seen and commented on images and articles that I feel are inappropriate or untrue. This secular desire to be liked at all costs can lead to evil and away from good. When you think about it on an individual level, it is sad, but when you consider the dangers on an organizational and business level, it is truly dangerous.
It is not all so bleak. We can change our own behaviors for the better and lead by example. We have the tools to arm ourselves with truth, love, and that which is good. Do not spread evil and hate; spread love, kindness, and equality. I see so many people on social media glorifying celebrities and quoting things with an evil message. How often do we quote God's word? How often do you see the teachings of Christ displayed on social media? Luckily, we have our own avenues to share this love and kindness with each other. If we continue to read these verses, share them, and act as they explain, the world will be a bit brighter.
Prayer
On this day of Visitation, take some time to share a passage or passage that is important to you with friends. Like the Virgin Mary, your words alone can make a great impact on those that hear them, and you and those around you will be filled with the Holy Spirit. If you are not aware of this holy day, Read Luke 1:39-47, the story of the Visitation. Read and meditate on the words, and share them with people that may need it.
Devotion
Abraham is Father of All
Frances Taylor
There are questions in every age about the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. Abraham is considered to be the Father of Faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims. We forget that it was Abraham who believed in the doctrine of only one God. It is through him and his descendants that this tradition comes down to us. Another fact that we can overlook is that Jesus was Jewish. He was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, died, rose and ascended into heaven as a Jew. Because we believe that he was the Messiah, the Christ, and we follow him, we are called Christian. Without the Old Testament, we wouldn't understand the promise of salvation; we wouldn't understand why it was important for Jesus to be of the family of King David. We would not understand his teaching either, because Jesus quoted from Scripture – the Old Testament – frequently. He told us that he came to fulfill the Scriptures, not to abolish them. In the same way, we can ...
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Inspiration
We have a responsibility, as Christians, to abstain from the sinful practices we partook in before we became saved. While it may be a gradual process of change, we should ensure that we are putting in our best to play our part in resisting temptation. God enables us to resist temptation, but it is up to us to actually resist.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I will always be a person of action. Father, I take delight in my new life in you and I do not desire otherwise. I pray that in times of temptation, may I act on the strength you have given me to flee and/or resist. May I never rely on excuses or procrastination, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Inspiration
We have chosen to surrender our lives and serve the Lord. We serve Him by witnessing, completing missionary projects, and ministering to those in need. There is always work to do and a world full of people to help. We will look for opportunities to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ by any means necessary. We are servants to one another as a service to the Lord; He will never forsake us.
Prayer
Dear God, Help us see the world through Your eyes. We desire to serve those around us by reflecting Your love through our actions. You will never forsake us, and we will continually lift praises of thanksgiving to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
