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
Pray for Leaders
Frances Taylor
How often do you or I pray for government leaders? Paul doesn't say to pray just for the leaders we like, either. If we do want a tranquil and quiet life, we need all leaders to turn to God and work for justice for all their citizens. It's probably even more important to pray and intercede for those leaders who work against justice, than for those who are already doing the right thing. For those who are already on God's side, we should give thanks to God that they stay in leadership and continue to do God's will. The same goes for city, state, and even church leaders as well as our national and international leaders. Good leaders should be supported and others need to be held to account for their behavior. Obviously different countries have different forms of leadership, but that shouldn't stop us from praying for them. God does listen even if the answer doesn't come as quickly as we might like. In the case of democracies, we sometimes need a bad ...
Morning Prayer
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Inspiration
We cannot allow ourselves envy, for it corrodes not only our relationships with others but also the things we already have. The end result is that we neglect to value and appreciate things already in our possession, and thus in turn, being ungrateful to the Lord himself for what he has provided. Rather, our energy would be better placed to focus on giving thanks to the Lord and his gifts, here and now.
Prayer
To my Lord above, my Creator and Heavenly Father, by your grace do I come to thank you for all I have. Teach me not to covet others and their lot, but grant me instead the ability to Love and see the blessings you have already bestowed upon me. In return for your grace, I thus offer up to you my humblest of gifts, my Lord -my heart in obedience, is yours. Amen.
