Devotion
There have been many kings but only one God
David Jacobs
If you come from the western hemisphere and have studied history, there is a decent chance that you have heard of the notorious Henry VIII. Infamous for his romantic exploits and treacherous betrayals, King Henry VIII also gained notoriety for the schism with the Catholic Church in 1534. This may lead you to believe that he was a pious believer of God, but when you consider the litany of sins that he publicly committed, I think it is fair to say that he may have thought of himself on nearly the same level as God. The verses in this devotional discuss the importance that Timothy placed on all people, regardless of their position or status in life, giving thanks and praise to God. No matter the conditions or the situation that we live, it is important to give our thanks and praise.
The way that we worship the Lord is usually done in an environment of calm and serene communion. I feel this is true for the home or church as if is for our greater society. Whether we are King Henry VIII or an ordinary citizen, it is our duty to labor for God and partake in his creation, and support and nurture one another. If we dare to dream of the world we wish to inhabit as one conducive to worshipping his name, then it begins with generosity towards ones fellow man. Find the way that you feel most comfortable worshiping God, and give generously to Him. No matter what is going on in your life or around you, we owe everything to Him.
Prayer
Lord above, open my heart towards your creation. I ask that you grant me the strength to pray for those who do not pray for me. Humble me in thy sight, magnificent God, so that I may have an honest and clean heart to serve thee with, in turn serving my fellow man. Grant me all this Lord, so that your creation, as it is in Heaven, may all sing your praises. Amen.
Devotion
True Prophecy
Frances Taylor
Peter is warning the people against false teachers and false prophets. There were false prophets among the Israelites and there would be again. Men, then, and men and women today who would lead people away from the will of God in order that they might exert influence over the leaders of the times to achieve their own ends. In ancient times, the prophets worked to bring the people back to living as God wanted them to live. The false prophets wanted to keep their jobs as the favorites of the kings and kept telling them not to listen.
Today we have many false teachers as Peter predicted who try to turn the words of Scripture to their own agendas. These people have often called for hate instead of the love which Jesus asked for. They have called for vengeance instead of forgiveness or mercy. They bring about division instead of unity. The true teacher will be attentive to the word of God and do his or her best to make Jesus law of love more visible in ...
Morning Prayer
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Inspiration
I constantly compare myself to Jesus Christ. Although I think that it is a good thing to contemplate how you live and compare it to Christ, it can also be very difficult. Jesus is the Son of God. It would be impossible for us to ever be as good as him because he was created without flaws. God sent him to earth as a mortal man, as a sinner, so that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5: 21) It is an impossible standard to reach, but is there any other person that you would rather be more similar to?
Prayer
Divine God, powerful creator of both Heaven and earth, I pray that these words convey my sincere gratitude to you for sending Jesus to us. Forgive me, Father, for I am selfish and weak, acting directly against your heavenly mandate. I know that Jesus Christ has shown light on a darkened ...
