Devotion
Say a little prayer for ... who?
David Jacobs
Recently I went to visit some relatives and was there on the weekend. I am not the most social animal when it comes to meeting new people, so I was a little bit anxious about visiting a new church with my distant relatives. I am so used to my church that when I find myself given the opportunity to worship elsewhere, it can seem uncomfortable at first. Now that I have even written these words, I realize what a fool I am! Are we all not worshiping the same God? Upon our arrival at the church, I was immediately welcomed as if I had been going there my entire life. My family seemed to enjoy introducing me to their friends and other relatives at the church, and although I would normally feel a bit socially anxious, in this instance, I felt as I had known these people for a long time. The church and devotees of Christ are all one!
Praying and worshipping alone is quite easy. The majority of my prayers are about one person: me! How often do we pray for other people? Going a step further, how often do we pray for people far outside of our friend or family circle or even for our enemies? This passage in Colossians is a great example of a prayer made for other people; People that Paul had never met or probably would never meet. In fact, Paul the Apostle wrote Colossians while in prison! Surely, if he can be so selfless and caring about people that are nowhere near him, I can accept and appreciate the people in the church of my relatives! It can be hard to do, however, and this is where our challenge lies. How we behave in these challenges is what truly defines our character. How will you behave?
Prayer
Take some time to pray normally. Now write down a list of people that you would like to pray for and help, people that are close to you that you wish nothing but the best for. Now do the same thing but for people that have recently hurt you or that you may have negative feelings towards. Pray for them as well. I have found that this prayer exercise helps me feel much better about myself and more importantly, the next time I see these people I am more caring and patient than before.
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.
