Devotion
Solving the mystery of God
David Jacobs
Early in my faith journey, I can remember many times when I went to God, usually in moments of despair, and prayed to Him. I would beg Him to show me a sign, to speak to me, anything, that would make me more confident that He was listening. Nothing seemed to work, and in my frustration, I would vent and be angry with God. Does this sound familiar to any of you? I am sure I am not the only one.
In the early Testament and often in our lives, God often appears as mysterious to His children, especially remaining obscure for unbelievers. This was certainly true for me when I was younger, and it is still difficult to see and appreciate the ways that God is with me and working through me. The harder I looked for clues, the further they appeared. To this day, for believers, His depth and heights surpass our knowledge. Though God's everlasting presence and love was evident from the beginning, this mystery was once and for all united through Christ. Christ's life and sacrifice solved any mystery that there may have been before, and serves as a constant reminder that God is with me, even if I refuse to see Him.
Prayer
Lord my Father, I am so blessed to have received your Gospel. Assist me, O Lord, so that I can realize and remember that your word was made flesh through your only begotten Son. Praise be heaped upon him; in Christ, for showing us the route to your Heavenly home. Thank you, loving God, for showing us a way to salvation. In uniting us with you, Lord, my Father, my Heavenly Father. Amen.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
