Devotion
Where is our manna from Heaven?
David Jacobs
One thought that I have often had when reading the Bible is what I would do if I were in the place of several of the most famous characters. How could Thomas doubt Jesus so much if he was with him all the time? How could Judas betray Jesus if he bore witness to so many miracles? Why would the followers of Moses not be willing to do anything that he asked considering all the things that he had clearly done for them? Certainly I would be different! If only God would give me a sign as strong as He gave to them, then I would be more certain. Then, if only then, I would know how to behave!
I may have acted differently than certain characters in the Bible. In fact, I may have acted better than them at times. However, what selfishness I display when demanding a sign similar to theirs! Is my own life not a sign enough? Is my relationship with God not sign enough? Jesus Christ was sent to Earth to live amongst us and died so that we could be forgiven. If I need a stronger sign than that, I am not sure what I would have done differently than even the most selfish characters in the Bible.
Manna was sent from Heaven to Earth in the Bible. We have our manna: Jesus Christ. Just as sustenance was sent for the disciples of Moses, Jesus was sent so that we may all be his disciples. He is our sustenance, our sign, our manna. Doubt leads to hunger and belief leads to nourishment. We have many characters with which to compare ourselves, but ultimately the choice is ours.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I wish to thank you for the host of characters in the Bible that have helped feed my faith and assist me on my journey. Without them, seeing both the quality of their triumphs and the depths of their falls, I and other Christians, would not have the same relationship with you that we do today. Permit me Christ Almighty, to eat from your word, and drink from your truth. With your permission, I ask to be filled with your word, so that I will never be hungry. I pray this in your name, knowing that you have sacrificed your body and blood so that I may be sustained. Amen.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
