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
All Have Sinned
Frances Taylor
We might try to deny it, but we have all sinned. And as Paul says, we fall short of the glory of God. There is nothing we can do to earn eternal life in heaven. Even to think that it is in our power to do so, is considered presumption. Only someone divine can redeem us, and only someone who is human and has free will and can choose to do so. In other words, only Jesus who is both human and divine is able to do so. Our responsibility is to accept this gift with gratitude and humility. We show our gratitude by following Jesus and living lives based on love. We show our humility by recognizing that all we have is gift. We are expected to use our gifts for the good of others, to develop them to the best of our ability and to say thank you. No one deserves God's love or forgiveness more than another. No one deserves his or her giftedness more than another. In fact, Jesus tells us that we must care for the poor and the vulnerable. So if you or I have more...
Morning Prayer
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Inspiration
Thanks to Jesus Christ, we are no longer strangers or foreigners to the word of God. We have been accepted into God's family, being identified as His children. The Bible even takes it further to define us as "Born of God". That is how deep our identity in Christ runs – we are coheirs with Him. We no longer live in isolation, being subject to the wiles of the enemy. We are safe in the Father's arms, for the rest of the days of our lives and beyond.
Prayer
Dear God, I am thankful because I am a part of your family, now. Lord, I am grateful that the enemy can never do anything that will pluck me out of your hands. This salvation is eternal and always here to stay. Father, thank you for loving me so much, when I should have been ...
Night Prayer
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
Inspiration
As sinners, we feel unworthy of salvation. We observe Calvary and tremble. Christ endured incredible pain for our deliverance when our thoughts and actions are undeserving. Our Creator sees past our sinful nature and into the depths of our hearts. He loves us beyond our understanding and spared no cost to rid our souls of the sin that separates us. We are thankful for His unconditional love and perseverance. We remain humbled by Christ's selfless act!
Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your ultimate sacrifice. You see our hearts in a way we cannot, and we are beyond grateful for Your mercy. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
